The importance of honesty is a value that has always been taught in the family, society and school.

Honesty is a value that has many advantages and disadvantages. In occasions it is better to not say
things because they will hurt the others. But then it is important to be honest with people. Because this
way you will earn people's respect. After looking at many definitions of honesty, the best one or the one
that fits this particular context is the following:

Honesty has its advantages and disadvantages. This is normal it is like resembling to fact that if white
exists; black must also exist in order to contrast. The good thing about being honest is that people keep
it's ideals they show who they are. They do not lie because of the fear of being judged.

Talking about fear of being judged ,dishonest behavior during Olevel examinations has left thousands of
students puzzled when they were awarded with results which suited their unholy behavior. A total of
278 760 candidates sat for November 2022 O Level Exams. 183 584 wrote 5 or more subjects and 53 169
passed 5 or more subjects. Overall pass rate is 28.96% compared to 26.34% in 2021. Increase of 2.62% in
pass rate.

It was going to be unfair to other candidates who strived hard to attain better grades if Zimsec did not
take the action it take.Those candidates who got a chance to access the examination question papers
and marking schemes which leacked before the examinations thought they have won or they have
gotten away with it but it is said Karma has a better way of dealing with the universe ,it became a
nightmare when Zimsec on the release of results announced that some of the results are going to be
withheld because the candidates have cheated the examination,but for those who had put all their
sweat and strengt in reading were awarded accordingly.

However 961 candidates had their results nullified after the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council
(Zimsec) was satisfied they had access to question papers before the exam.Zimsec was determined that
cheating could not prosper.

Zimsec chairman Prof Mwenje said some were identified during the writing of the examinations but the
same prior access was picked up at later stages, the marking of scripts and grade reviews.“The results of
such candidates were nullified for the subjects in question in accordance with the Zimsec Act, Section
34. Candidates, headmasters and members of the public who were caught posting question papers on
WhatsApp and those buying them were arrested and appeared in court,” said Prof Mwenje.

The disadvantage of being honest is that it will hurt others, and that it might break up relations. In
occasions the truth hurt and people do not want to hear the truth and they get upset with the person
that is telling them the truth.The stance which was taken by ZimSec was very ideal and it serves as a
reminder to other candidates who will seat for these examinations that it pays to be honest and also it is
a way to encourage candidates to put more effort in their studies so as to reap what they saw and also
the school headmasters will continue to practice professionalism.