Maneb ‘closes’ MSCE marking centre
Malawi National Examinations Board (Maneb) on Friday closed St. Mary’s Secondary School Malawi School Certificate of Education examinations marking centre in Zomba amid controversy over marking fees.
Through a statement bearing the board’s rubber stamp, the board ordered markers to vacate the centre by 10am, with a note that payment for scripts already marked shall be made soon through direct bank transfers.
The statement requested those wishing to continue the marking exercise as per the agreed duly-signed terms of reference to complete relevant forms.
Maneb public relations manager Angella Kashitigu confirmed the ‘conditional’ closure of the centre on grounds that the markers breached a contract they signed with the board.
Kashitigu, who declined to unpack contents of the contract, said despite that some of the markers have left the centre, the marking exercise will continue with those that have opted to sign the form and remained on campus.
“For those that have left, the board has not yet decided what action to take on them,” said Kashitigu, adding that the markers were already refunded their transport costs to the centre,” she said.
But the markers’ representative Eric Lihonga said they resolved to protest because Maneb gave them the contracts to sign after they arrived at the centre, instead of allowing them to see the contracts before leaving their homes.
“The contract sheet was marked ‘non-negotiable’ but still we negotiated because of the rising costs of living. Unfortunately, almost two weeks have elapsed but to no avail; hence, the protests,” said Lihonga.
He added that another factor that forced them to protest was non-payment of training allowances.
“The other factor is that we work overtime, from 4am and knock-off at around 9pm, which is divided in three sessions under Maneb’s management but we are not paid overtime stipends,” said Lihonga.
Lihonga, on the other hand, said despite that Maneb has used divide-and-rule to quell the protest, they will not relent until they get justice.
Reacting to the development, Ministry of Education public relations officer Mphatso Nkuonera said the ministry has intervened on the matter and urged the markers not to leave the centre. For a good part of the day there was increased presence of armed police officers at the centre.
