Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
Treasury will not rush to clear US$98 million in Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) arrears until a special audit verifies legitimate beneficiaries, amid concerns that influential individuals have manipulated the system to include undeserving children at the expense of genuinely needy pupils.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Deputy Minister Kudakwashe Mnangagwa said this in the National Assembly on Wednesday while responding to Luveve-Emakhandeni MP Mr Discent Bajila, who had asked Government to outline plans and timelines for clearing BEAM arrears accumulated between 2017 and 2026.
“Treasury has noted the concerns raised regarding the accumulation of BEAM arrears. While the question references the period from 2017 to 2026, the current stock of outstanding obligations primarily relates to the 2023 to 2025 period, totaling US$98 million,” Dep Min Mnangagwa said.
He said Cabinet has taken a firm position that an independent audit of the programme must be undertaken first.
“There are well-grounded concerns that the system for identifying vulnerable beneficiaries is being manipulated by those with influence and leverage,” he said.
Preliminary information suggests that a significant portion of the current BEAM beneficiary list may not comprise deserving cases. Many genuinely needy pupils are being excluded.
“Therefore, Treasury payments have been moving at a slow pace, pending completion of the programme audit, with prioritisation given to special schools.”
Deputy Minister said Treasury’s approach is guided by the Expenditure Arrears Clearance Strategy (2026 to 2030) which was presented to Parliament in November 2025.
He said Phase One is the special audit running in 2026, with the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare having already written to the Auditor-General formally requesting the exercise.
“The ministry has already shared the draft terms of reference with the Auditor-General’s Office and the audit is envisaged to commence soon upon finalisation of administrative arrangements. This exercise is expected to be completed within the 2026 financial year and will verify the legitimate beneficiaries, while establishing the accurate, non-contested arrears figure for the entire period,” he said.
Phase Two, from 2027 to 2030, will involve actual clearance once verified figures are established.
“Once the audit is completed and verified arrears figures are established, Treasury will implement the clearance mechanism outlined in the Expenditure Arrears Clearance Strategy,” he said.
“The strategy categorises verified BEAM arrears under Category 1 which will receive the highest priority for clearance due to the immediate social impact on the education of vulnerable children. Clearance will be phased over the strategy’s horizon subject to available fiscal space.”
