The Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) has sent packing some Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) markers who were protesting the wages they are getting on the straining work they do.

MANEB spokesperson Simeon Maganga confirmed the development, saying most of the ones sent home were those marking Geography papers.
According to one teacher who opted for anonymity, they were getting K17.24 per paper which is marked – last year’s pay per paper.

“We wanted them to raise the wage to at least K25.00 per paper but they won’t listen,” said the teacher.

But Maganga said there is no way the Board can make a decision overnight.

“We already told them how much they would be getting, and we’re equally surprised with the development,” he said.

According to education correspondents, the situation, if not addressed in time, may affect the 2014-2015 academic year. Those who sat this year’s JCE exams are supposed to know their results before next September to proceed to the next form.