Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika-Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Amendment Bill has been hailed as a long-overdue legislative reform.
The proposed amendments were discussed yesterday during a parliamentary workshop convened to review the Bill, which was tabled in the National Assembly more than two weeks ago.
It seeks to enhance the security and integrity of public examinations administered by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec).
In recent years, the credibility of national public school examinations has been undermined by a spate of examination paper leakages.
The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), the country’s largest teachers’ representative body, welcomed the amendments, describing them as both necessary and overdue.
“The Zimsec Amendment Bill is both necessary and overdue,” said ZIMTA chief executive officer Dr Sifiso Ndlovu during his presentation to the workshop.
Dr Ndlovu commended Clause 2 of the Bill for expanding the legal definition of examination malpractice to reflect modern forms of academic dishonesty.
These include the use of smart devices, tampering with exam scripts and collusion at centre level.
He also urged lawmakers to classify examination malpractices based on severity, arguing that corresponding penalties should be proportionate.
Zimsec director Dr Lazarus Nembaware expressed support for the proposed reconstitution of the ZIMSEC board under Clause 5 of the Bill.
The amendment introduces a skill-based approach to board appointments and removes outdated references to individual institutions.
“The amendment is meant to strengthen the efficiency of the board,” he said.
“The needed skills are now referred to in the Act.
“Representatives from universities are no longer referred by name.”
The restructured board, outlined in the new Section 6, will include members with expertise in areas such as law, audit, ICT, education and human resources, as well as representation for persons with disabilities.
In its submission, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education recommended that the Bill explicitly provide for electronic assessment of examinations.
The Committee emphasised the need for digital investment to improve operational efficiency and support the future of e-assessments.
“There should be ICT investments that improve efficiency and effectiveness and integrate provisions that support e-assessments,” reads part of the presentation by the Committee.
The committee also proposed the introduction of a public accountability framework to regularly evaluate Zimsec’s performance and ensure continuous institutional improvement.
