Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
Stakeholders in the education sector have applauded the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Amendment Bill, 2024, which was considered and approved by Cabinet last week, describing it as a significant step towards restoring credibility and competitiveness in the country’s education system.
The Bill, which seeks to strengthen Zimsec’s mandate, proposes stringent measures to curb examination malpractice and enhance transparency in the administration of national exams.
Among the provisions are powers to deregister examination centres that violate regulations, the authority to withhold results pending investigations and mandatory oaths of secrecy for all individuals handling examination materials.
Zimbabwe School Heads Association secretary-general, Mr Munyaradzi Majoni, described the move as a positive step towards ensuring that the education system upheld international quality standards and competitiveness.
“This Bill is timely and necessary. As school leaders, we have been concerned about the recurring incidents of exam paper leaks and other forms of malpractice,” he said.
“Ensuring that only compliant centres are accredited and putting in place penalties for breaches is key to protecting the integrity of our education system.”
Mr Majoni said the Bill would empower educators who were committed to fairness and professionalism.
“This gives teachers a stronger legal framework to rely on when raising concerns about malpractice,” he said.
“We need such support if we are to cultivate a system based on honesty and academic discipline.”
Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) chief executive officer Dr Sifiso Ndlovu echoed similar sentiments, saying the legislation represents a cultural shift in how institutions are governed.
“This is more than just an amendment; it is a transformation in the way we view public institutions,” he said.
“We are creating a new culture that prioritises ethics, responsibility, and integrity in education. That is long overdue.”
A parent, Mrs Caroline Mutsvairo said the Bill gave her hope that her child’s future would be based on merit and not manipulation.“
“As a parent, I have always worried about reports of exam leaks. It is disheartening to know your child’s hard work can be undermined,” she said. “This new law shows that the Government is serious about protecting the future of our children.”
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education said the amendments will modernise the Zimsec Act and align it with regional and global best practices.
The Bill now awaits debate and approval in Parliament before becoming law.
