Zimsec launches nationwide inspections on exam centres

THE Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) has launched a nationwide inspection of examination centres to evaluate their readiness for the upcoming 2024 examinations, which are set to begin next month.

This exercise is part of Zimsec’s annual inspection process, aimed at ensuring that all examination centres meet the required standards for security and candidate safety.

The inspections, which commenced earlier this week in Matabeleland North, are being conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Zimsec’s public relations manager, Ms Nicky Dlamini, said the exercise is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the examination process.

“Annually, Zimsec embarks on centre inspections nationwide. This is to appreciate the security features of centres that have applied for centre status, those that have upgraded security features and need approval, including satellite centres,” she said.

“Our focus as Zimsec is to ensure that all candidates can sit for examinations in a safe and secure environment, leaving no place and no one behind.”

The inspections are particularly important as the 2024 Grade Seven general examinations are scheduled to start at the end of October, followed by O and A-level exams.

Examination classes recently completed their holiday lessons, which took place from August 9 to August 22, a period that allowed for proper supervision by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Torerai Moyo recently told more than 1 500 school heads during a National Association for Secondary Heads conference in Victoria Falls that the Government is committed to ensuring that all learning institutions with an enrolment of more than 200 learners have substantive heads and are converted into examination centres.

In recent years, Zimsec and the Government have made concerted efforts to prevent examination paper leakages, a problem that has plagued the administration of exams in the past. Individuals, including invigilators and candidates, have been arrested and convicted for their roles in leaking examination papers.

To further enhance the integrity of the examination process, Zimsec announced last year that video examinations would be introduced for Grade Seven candidates with hearing impairments, starting in 2024. This initiative is part of the Government’s broader efforts to create an inclusive education sector.

The Second Republic has made significant strides toward building an inclusive society that recognises the rights of people with disabilities. This includes providing opportunities for people with disabilities in various empowerment programs, including education.

The inspections will continue across the country as Zimsec and the Ministry work to ensure that all examination centres are fully prepared for the upcoming exams.