Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to clearing the legacy Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) debt, acknowledging that the arrears accumulated due to multiple challenges, including the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and cyclone-related disasters.
Speaking on the sidelines of a strategic planning workshop in Bulawayo on Wednesday, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo said the legacy debt was not deliberate by Government but it accrued due to several unforeseen developments.
Minister Moyo said this year, over ZWG60 million has been disbursed but largely directed to those special schools with the most vulnerable learners
“From 2023 to 2025, we acknowledge that debt but it was not a deliberate act by Government but it was as a result of a number of factors. First, the recovery from Covid-19, drought and Cyclone disasters that befell us and affected cash flows in the country. Government remains committed to clearing those arrears.
“Going forward, Government assures the nation that Beam will continue, but in a refined space. We are coming up with a new Beam manual after having realised that there are people who could have been benefiting from Beam who are not supposed to benefit,” said Minister Moyo.
