Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) is struggling to defend the low “O” pass rate for the 2020 Ordinary Level results which is lower than that of 2019.

Addressing a press conference yesterday, Zimsec chairperson, Professor Eddie Mwenje said the overall pass rate was pegged at 24,8 percent, a slight decrease from 31,6 percent for 2019.

The statistics show that the 2020 pass rate decreased by 6,8 percent from that of 2019.

Prof Mwenje said despite the decrease, the pass rate was still in range based on historical analysis.

He said in analysing the pass rate, members of the public should also consider the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prof Mwenje said it is also important to note that some countries that went into national lockdowns due to the pandemic also experienced a decrease in pass rates.