Staff Writer
The Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) has been handed over a seven days ultimatum to revise the new policy which bars teachers with visual impairments an opportunity of being resident monitors in public examinations.
In a letter written to ZIMSEC by Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Union (FOZEU) legal officer, Listen Mpofu, the teachers union body said the move is illegal and reverses all the progress made towards according teachers with Visual impairments the dignity they deserve.
Read the letter dated 9 October 2025:
“This letter is in response to the complaint received from Zimbabwe
Visual Impaired Teachers Union in Masvingo Province over the proclamation by Mr. Kamuzonde who claimed that he received a directive from ZIMSEC that visual impaired teachers are not to be allowed to act as residential monitors for examinations and examination centres on the grounds that they cause ZIMSEC to incur extra expenses of paying both the teacher and his/her aide.”
“We would like to gently remind you that such a policy or directive is in direct contravention of labour rights and labour policies enshrined within the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013. Provided for under section 65(1) of the Constitution are Labour rights. It clearly states that every person has the right to fair and safe labour practices and standards, which you seem to be abusing.
” Under section 83 are rights of persons with disabilities which lists a plethora of government mandates to ensure the protection of persons with disabilities and their dignity, and yet you are reversing government efforts.”
The letter revealed the latest move is opposed to the President’s declaration that people living with disabilities have rights in all spheres of life.
“To cement on these constitutional rights, the National Disability Policy, 2021 has provided for a clear guideline of the implementation of the protection of the dignity and welfare of persons living with disabilities. In the preface of the document, the President proclaimed that ‘The government of Zimbabwe acknowledges that just like everyone else, persons with disabilities have human rights, hence they should occupy
space in all facets of life including in employment, healthcare…’
“The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare went on to add
that ‘Together we seek to explore, create and strengthen opportunities for
among other things decent work, protection of labour rights (for persons
with disabilities).
“Under clause 4.1 of the National Youth Policy, it provides that a disability marker to track allocation and spending which contributes to the implementation of the National Disability Policy was to be developed. With the outlined legal positions, and your stance in this case, we believe you are acting outside the confines of the law, and mostly importantly, with reckless disregard for human dignity.”
The letter adds that ZIMSEC must reverse the move or else face legal recourse.
We therefore demand that teachers with visual impairment be admitted as residential monitors as is their duty within the next seven (7) days, failure of which will result in
legal proceedings against you.”
“We further demand that you allow teachers living with visual impairment with their aides to perform their duties
accompanied by their aides and they be paid accordingly. We also demand that you harmonize your policies with national laws and mandates.”
No immediate comment could be obtained from ZIMSEC public relations manager, Nicky Dhlamini.