derick.khumalo
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders in South Africa have launched an emergency online education initiative to support more than 10,000 Zimbabwean children whose schooling was disrupted by anti-migrant protests and subsequent displacement.
The Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Coordinating Committee says many learners, including those in critical exam classes, returned to Zimbabwe either independently or with parents through Government-assisted evacuation.
The worst affected are Grade 7, Ordinary Level and Matric candidates who now face a curriculum mismatch between South Africa’s CAPS syllabus and Zimbabwe’s curriculum.
“These children left South Africa mid-year and are now in an educational deadlock,” said ZEP National Coordinator Mr Edward Muchatuta in a statement on Friday.
“If we do not act now, we risk losing an entire cohort, especially the Matric Class of 2026. Our goal is to ensure no child loses their academic future.”
He said to address the crisis, the Committee has established an Emergency Cross-Border Education Task Force to deliver online-first and hybrid bridging classes aligned to the South African CAPS curriculum for Grades 1 to 12.
Already the task force is making an urgent call for CAPS educators based in South Africa or Zimbabwe to volunteer as Lead Subject Matter Experts and Online Syllabus Facilitators.
Mr Muchatuta said the program will run on a humanitarian volunteer basis initially, with a transition to formal paid positions once institutional support frameworks are activated.
“Tier 1 recruitment targets Lead Educators and Heads of Department for Grades 7 and 10 to 12. Applicants must hold a B.Ed or degree with PGCE recognized by SAQA, have valid or recent SACE registration, and proven experience teaching CAPS and administering SBA portfolios. Experience as a DBE or IEB Matric marker will be prioritized,” he said.
“Tier 2 seeks Online Syllabus Facilitators for Grades 1 to 6 and 8 to 9. A degree or diploma in education is required, but SACE registration is not mandatory. All subjects under CAPS are included, from Mathematics and Sciences to Languages, Business Studies and primary subjects.
“Selected educators will undergo a four-stage vetting process covering documentation screening, SACE and reference checks, a 20-minute online teaching audition, and training on distance learning and portfolio alignment.”
He added that the Committee was also working with community partners to provide data bundles and devices where possible.
“For applications and urgent inquiries, contact Task Force Coordinator Jestina Mbofana on +27710710915 or email [email protected],” he said.
