Online Reporter
THE reassurance from Zimsec that the integrity of the ongoing national examinations remains intact is welcome news. However, it is crucial to reframe this narrative. The fact that there have been no leakages should not be reported as an extraordinary achievement, but rather recognised as the standard, non-negotiable baseline for any credible education system.
For too long, the spectre of examination malpractices in various countries has created a distorted expectation, where the absence of scandal is seen as an exception rather than the rule. Zimsec’s statement — confirming that its multi-layered security protocols have been effective — is simply a confirmation that the system is working as it was designed to. This is how it should be, and this is what students, parents, and the nation must demand every single time.
The true measure of success lies in the normalisation of this integrity. The high candidate attendance, the orderly conduct in centres, and the professionalism of the staff, as reported, are all positive indicators of a system functioning normally. We must applaud the candidates who are diligently writing their exams on a level playing field, their hard work protected by the system’s robustness.
Let this be the enduring standard. A nation’s qualifications are the bedrock of its future workforce and academic progression. The international accreditation of Zimsec’s syllabi, making them equivalent to those in the UK, the USA and other countries, is a significant advantage that must be protected. This global recognition is contingent entirely upon the unwavering integrity of the examination process.
Therefore, while we acknowledge Zimsec’s vigilance, let us collectively shift our mindset. The smooth, leakage-free administration of public examinations is not a cause for celebration, but the absolute minimum requirement. It is the normal situation that must always obtain, ensuring that every certificate issued is a true and deserved reflection of a candidate’s ability.
