Examimers at St Mary’s Secondary School in Zomba and Stella Maris in Blantyre, responsible for marking and grading Form 4 examinations, have gone on strike, demanding better working conditions and prompt payment of their allowances. These examiners, employed by the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB), are protesting delays in receiving their transport allowances and other benefits.
One of the examiners, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that MANEB has not yet provided the transport allowances owed to them. The examiners are insisting that these funds be disbursed in cash rather than through bank transfers, citing concerns over potential deductions if processed via the bank.
In addition to transport allowances, the examiners are also demanding equal pay for equal work, similar to the allowances given to other support staff at local examination centers. They argue that their work is no less valuable and should be compensated fairly.
The examiners also raised concerns over inadequate remuneration for their work, specifically calling for an increase in the payment they receive for marking each examination paper. Moreover, they demand compensation for training sessions that they are required to attend before beginning the marking process.
The working conditions at St Mary’s Secondary School have also come under scrutiny. The markers complained about the substandard living conditions, specifically citing the presence of bedbugs in their accommodations. They revealed that MANEB had supplied them with expired insecticides, which have proven ineffective against the infestations, putting their health at risk.
One of the examiners compared their situation to living in a prison, stating that they are being forced to sleep in unsanitary conditions while being provided with spoiled food, including expired tea and rotten meat.
In light of these grievances, the examiners have vowed to continue their strike until their demands are met, particularly the payment of the overdue allowances.
Efforts to contact MANEB’s spokesperson for comment have so far been unsuccessful. However, Angela Kashitigu, a representative of MANEB, announced on August 23, 2024, that the marking center at St Mary’s Secondary School had been temporarily closed due to the breakdown in negotiations between MANEB and the examiners.
Kashitigu reassured the public that the closure would not affect the marking process, as arrangements had been made to relocate the remaining marking work to other centers, including St. Joseph’s School in Chiradzulu and Stella Maris Secondary School in Blantyre.
This incident has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by examination examiners in Malawi and raised questions about the working conditions and support provided by MANEB.
Examiners at Stella Maris Secondary School in Blantyre have joined the ongoing strike, ceasing all marking activities since 7 pm yesterday. Avant Publications has been informed of this latest development. As the strike continues, all eyes will be on the board’s response to these pressing issues.