FOZEU Challenges Zimsec ‘s Exclusion of Visually Impaired Teachers, Citing Constitutional Violations.
Nqobizwe Thebe
The Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Unions (FOZEU) has written to the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC), expressing concern over a directive allegedly issued by the examinations body that excludes teachers with visual impairments from serving as residential monitors at examination centers.
The letter responding to claims made by Mr. Kamuzonde regarding this directive raises legal and ethical questions about the policy. FOZEU argues that excluding visually impaired teachers from examination duties, reportedly due to the additional costs of paying both the teacher and an aide, contravenes constitutional and labor rights protections.
Citing Section 65(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (2013), the union notes that every person has the “right to fair and safe labour practices and standards,” a right it says the directive violates. FOZEU further references Section 83 of the Constitution, which safeguards the rights of persons with disabilities and obliges the state to ensure their dignity and inclusion.
The letter also draws attention to the National Disability Policy of 2021, which emphasizes the dignity and welfare of persons with disabilities. It cites the President’s proclamation affirming that “persons with disabilities have human rights, hence they should occupy space in all facets of life including in employment, healthcare…”
FOZEU highlights the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare’s pledge to “explore, create and strengthen opportunities for decent work, protection of labour rights (for persons with disabilities)” as a reflection of the government’s stated commitment to non-discrimination. The letter also references the National Youth Policy, particularly clause 4.1, which calls for mechanisms such as a disability marker to track spending that benefits persons with disabilities, as evidence of efforts to promote inclusion.
Against this backdrop, the union describes ZIMSEC’s position as “acting outside the confines of the law, and mostly importantly, with reckless disregard for human dignity.” FOZEU demands that visually impaired teachers be reinstated as residential monitors within seven days and be permitted to work with their aides, who should receive appropriate compensation.
The union warns that failure to comply will result in legal action. It also urges ZIMSEC to ensure its policies align with national laws and mandates protecting the rights and dignity of educators with disabilities.
The letter, signed by FOZEU Legal Officer Listen Mpofu, reaffirms the union’s commitment to legal advocacy for educators with disabilities. The issue highlights ongoing challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Zimbabwe’s public service and raises questions about compliance with constitutional and policy frameworks promoting inclusion and equality.
