The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has issued a stern warning to schools against barring learners from sitting for end-of-term examinations due to unpaid school fees.
This follows reports that some schools have been denying students the opportunity to take their end-of-term exams if they have outstanding fee balances. 
Reports suggest that only those who have settled their fees in full are currently being permitted to sit for the examinations.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/schools-barring-learners-from-exams-warned/">The Herald</a> on Monday, Primary and Secondary Education Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro condemned this practice, adding that denying learners the chance to take their exams is a clear violation of their rights.
Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
It is a fundamental right for every child to access education and no student should be denied the opportunity to sit for examinations due to unpaid fees.
This policy is in alignment with the Government’s commitment to ensuring inclusive and equitable education for all students.
The Government upholds the principle that education is a right for every child. Denying students the opportunity to write examinations because of unpaid fees contravenes this principle.
Schools are encouraged to find alternative ways to address financial issues without compromising the students’ right to education.
</blockquote>
According to The Herald, two schools in Harare, Glen View High School 1 and Glen View High School 2, have been denying students the opportunity to write their end-of-term examinations if they have outstanding school fees.
Glen View 1 High School Development Committee chairperson, Tarirai Samambgwa, allegedly informed parents in a WhatsApp group chat that students with unpaid fees would not be permitted to sit for the examinations, which commenced on July 10.
The message directed to parents reads in part:
<blockquote>
Facilitating these examinations requires a significant amount of money, as various materials are needed for science and practical subjects.
However, the school is currently facing a challenge due to outstanding payments from some parents.
This mid-year examination stage is crucial for a child’s education and to ensure its success, all school fees must be paid in full.
Therefore, only students who have paid their school fees in full will be provided with the necessary requirements to sit for these exams.
</blockquote>
Unlike past practices where school authorities would simply lock out learners with outstanding fees, preventing them from accessing the examination rooms, schools have allegedly adopted a different approach this time.
Instead of barring these students from the school premises entirely, the school authorities are instead directing them to spend their time playing on the school grounds while their peers are writing the examinations.
Ndoro said the Ministry was aware of reports concerning Glen View High School 1 and 2 and was investigating the reports. He said:
<blockquote>
We are aware of reports concerning Glen View High School 1 and 2 and are taking immediate steps to address the situation.
The Ministry will be investigating these claims and ensuring that the schools comply with the national policy.
Any school found in violation of this policy will be required to take corrective action promptly.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The government is warning schools not to stop students from taking exams if they haven't paid fees. It's unfair to deny children education because of money. Everyone has the right to learn, no matter what. Some schools like Glen View 1 and 2 in Harare are not letting students write exams if fees aren't paid. But now, the government is checking and making sure schools follow the rules. Schools need to find other ways to deal with money problems without stopping students from learning. This is very important for all children to have a fair chance at education.

Govt Warns Schools Barring Learners From Exams Due To Unpaid Fees

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has announced the opening of registrations for the June and November 2024 Examinations. ZIMSEC has advised guardians and candidates to visit their school or centre for registration.
The registration fees are pegged in United States dollars but candidates are allowed to pay the fees in the currency of their choice (Rand, USD, ZWL).
In a statement, ZIMSEC said those paying in ZWL will have to use the USD interchange rate of March for June registration. ZIMSEC said:
<blockquote>
For payments in ZWL, the prevailing interbank USD to ZWL exchange rate as of the 13th to 20th of March 2024, for the June session, and the 19th to the 26th of March 2024, for the November session, will be confirmed by ZIMSEC to all examination centres.
</blockquote>
ZIMSEC said candidates who want to sit for the June examination should have completed their CALA requirements.
The examinations management body also said learners under the Basic Education Assistance Model (BEAM) will not be funded if they want to retake their examination. It said:
<blockquote>
Government subsidy does not apply to candidates retaking any subjects, BEAM does not support retake examinations and candidates should have fulfilled the CALA requirements for them to sit for the June and/or November examinations.
Stakeholders are encouraged to contact their respective centres for registration closing dates to avoid any inconvenience. For more information or queries kindly contact your nearest ZIMSEC Regional Office or Website www.zimsec.co.zw| WhatsApp: 0772148786 | Email: pr.infor@zimsec.co.zw.
</blockquote>
Ordinary Level candidates at public schools, local authority, and not-for-profit Mission schools will pay US$11 per subject while candidates at private schools, colleges, and private candidates will pay US$24 per subject.
Advanced Level candidates at public schools, local authority, and not-for-profit Mission schools will pay US$22 per subject while candidates at private schools, colleges, and private candidates will pay US$48 per subject.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC Opens Registration For June And November 2024 Examinations

Two prestigious schools, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gateway_High_School/">Gateway High School</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Lomagundi_College/">Lomagundi College</a>, have been taken to court by parents of students who are aggrieved over the schools’ decision to withhold their “O” and “A” Level exam results due to outstanding tuition fees. The parents of the affected students sought the assistance of Tinashe Chinopfukutwa from ZLHR Lawyers to help them secure the release of their children’s examination results.
According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Chinopfukutwa filed an urgent application at the Chinhoyi Magistrates Court on behalf of the parents, seeking an order that would compel Lomagundi College to provide the child’s Cambridge “A” Level exam results within 24 hours of the court order being granted. In the court application, Chinopfukutwa argued that withholding the exam results to coerce payment was unlawful and extortionate. He further contended that the student’s educational planning was being hindered, as application deadlines for certain programs had already passed. The longer the school authorities withheld the results, the more uncertain the student’s future would become. The court is set to hear and determine the application on Thursday 15 February 2024.
Regarding Gateway High School, Chinopfukutwa wrote a letter demanding the release of “O” Level exam results for a 16-year-old student who sat for her Cambridge exams in November 2023. The results were being withheld due to alleged outstanding school fees. Chinopfukutwa stated that the parents had engaged with the school authorities multiple times, attempting to establish a payment plan to settle the arrears and requesting access to their daughter’s results. However, their efforts proved futile as the school authorities evaded their requests.
Chinopfukutwa argued that the student’s inability to access her “O” Level results prevented her from applying for “A” Level studies and planning her educational future. Additionally, “A” Level students had already enrolled in schools across the country, resulting in the students losing valuable learning time due to the withheld exam results. The human rights lawyer protested against the school authorities’ conduct, stating that it violated the student’s right to education as enshrined in the Education Act. He also argued that the authorities were infringing upon the child’s best interests, as outlined in the Constitution, by refusing to provide her with the exam results.
Chinopfukutwa warned Gateway High School authorities that if they failed to release the student’s exam results, legal action would be taken to compel them to do so.
The government has a policy that states schools should not prevent students from learning or withhold their results due to unpaid fees. However, the government has been reminding parents to pay fees to ensure smooth school operations. <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/02/08/govt-directive-to-school-heads-over-payment-of-fees-backfires/">The government is aware that many parents especially in public schools are not paying fees</a> after the government’s directive against turning away students for non-payment. The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerai Moyo, acknowledged this and emphasized the importance of parents fulfilling their role in providing everything necessary for their child’s education.
For those who cannot afford fees, the government has introduced the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) as a safety net. But there are payment issues as the money is sometimes not paid on time. Minister Moyo also expressed concern about corruption in the selection of BEAM beneficiaries by school administrators. He encouraged schools to organize fundraising projects to lessen the burden on parents.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Parents Sue Elite Schools Over Withheld Exam Results

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) hasn’t yet paid the owners of vehicles hired to transport 2023 examination papers, five months after they rendered their services, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200022832/zimsec-fails-to-pay-exam-transporters">NewsDay</a>.
The vehicles were hired through the government’s Central Mechanical and Equipment Department (CMED) at a rate of US$152 per day.
They ferried examination papers for Grade Seven, Ordinary and Advanced levels to various centres across Zimbabwe.
Vehicle owners who spoke to NewsDay on condition of anonymity said that they rendered services for up to 30 days but were informed that CMED had not received the funds from ZIMSEC to pay them.
The money was to be paid in local currency at the prevailing interbank rate.
Contacted for comment by NewsDay, ZIMSEC spokesperson Nicholette Dlamini said CMED received the funds and “would continue to receive the funds”. She added:
<blockquote>
How or who they pay after we have remitted is not under ZIMSEC’s purview. CMED and Zimsec are parastatals which are engaged in ongoing business partnerships.
</blockquote>
However, CMED spokesperson Tarisai Muzorori said they have received part of the payment for the service rendered to ZIMSEC. She said:
<blockquote>
We have a solid working relationship with our support services and all our operations are done transparently.
Every business agreement we enter into with our stakeholders is bound by a contractual agreement that we honour to the satisfaction of the parties involved.
We have a good working relationship with ZIMSEC and any other State enterprise through our reputable and unmatched quality service provision.
CMED has received part payment for the service rendered to ZIMSEC. However, the money was disbursed to the support service providers according to the portion received.
We promise our support service providers to settle our obligation at the earliest possible time once we receive the final payment.
</blockquote>
ZIMSEC introduced a new exam delivery strategy to distribute materials to exam centres on the day the examination is to be written to prevent leaks.
However, some schools and colleges received the materials late, causing delays and anxiety for candidates, with examinations starting later than scheduled.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC Examinations Transporters Still To Be Paid

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has introduced new regulations that impose stiffer penalties on people involved in the leakage of public examinations and cheating.
Under the new regulations, individuals convicted of leaking public examination question papers could get nine-year prison sentences, while learners found guilty of the same offence will have their results nullified.
Previously, those found guilty of similar offences faced up to a year in jail but the courts prescribed community service for the majority of offenders.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/exam-cheats-face-nine-years-in-prison">The Sunday Mail</a>, ZIMSEC board chairperson Professor Eddie Mwenje said the new regulations will be gazetted soon. He said:
<blockquote>
We have been working on new regulations meant to curb leakages of the question papers.
We have realised that there are individuals who are taking advantage of the current regulations and making money out of the leakages.
So, with the help of the Attorney-General, we drafted new regulations that impose stiffer penalties, and they will be gazetted soon.
</blockquote>
ZIMSEC public relations manager Nicolette Dlamini told The Sunday Mail that the new regulations will deter would-be offenders. She said:
<blockquote>
Anyone caught with Zimsec papers this time around is given a nine-year imprisonment sentence and there is no community service, because some people were taking advantage of the light sentences imposed by the courts, and that is why we are introducing stiffer penalties. They are charged under the ZIMSEC Act.
</blockquote>
ZIMSEC says it will nullify the results of (i) candidates found in possession of question papers prior to the examination, (ii) candidates found to have had pre-access to examination papers, and (iii) candidates found to have distributed exam papers prior to the tests.
The candidates will only be allowed to write their exams “after four examination sessions”, according to the new regulations.
In 2022, 11 exam papers leaked. More than 100 people were convicted for having pre-access to the papers, among them school headmasters, teachers, police officers and learners.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC Exam Cheats Risk Nine Years In Jail

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has called for applications from secondary school teachers for training as markers ahead of this year’s training course for marking Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations.
ZIMSEC said applicants must be certified graduates including those in the process of acquiring Grad. C. E. Holders of Diplomas with secondary teaching experience of at least five years in the subject being applied for will also be considered.
In their application, the applicants are required to attach copies of academic transcripts and certificates since applications without these documents will not be entertained.
Completed forms, certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates must be submitted to any regional ZIMRA offices by 24 July 2023.
ZIMSEC spokesperson Nicolette Dlamini said the exercise is not new but standard procedure. She said:
<blockquote>
As the examinations council, we always do these courses annually and it doesn’t matter whether one has been a marker for five or so many years, they have to apply and attend this course.
After training the potential markers will then sit for an examination where a pool of markers will be created, it’s a standard procedure really, not anything new.
</blockquote>
There are 23 O-Level and 8 A-Level examinable subjects that are being learned in Zimbabwean schools.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC Scouts For O' & A' Level Examinations Markers

Teacher unions say the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) Ordinary and Advanced Level examination fees are too high and some learners may fail to continue with their education.
ZIMSEC set the 2023 examination fees at US$24 per subject but candidates will pay US$11, while the government pays the balance.
Advanced Level examination fees are at US$48, with candidates paying US$22, while the government pays the balance.
In a statement, the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) said civil servants will struggle to raise the examination fees for their children. Reads part of the statement:
<blockquote>
ZIMSEC pegged its registration fees to an equivalent of US$24 dollars per subject. This gives an average Ordinary Level candidate the cost burden of US$120 for a minimum of five subjects.
This is occurring in a context where the average civil servant is earning close to US$150 per month, hence making the examination fee way above their means.
It also means that the average learner will require more than four months to raise adequate funds to register for examinations while the Friday, April 14 deadline leaves students with less than six days to pay.
</blockquote>
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou concurred.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200010004/teachers-lament-inhumane-exorbitant-zimsec-fees">NewsDay</a>, Zhou said ZIMSEC should extend the registration deadline to give parents and guardians more time to raise the required examination fees. He said:
<blockquote>
The shift by ZIMSEC from US$22 to US$24 will heap burning coals upon the heads of thousands of Zimbabwean parents.
It is prudent for ZIMSEC to realise that many pupils will drop out of school due to exorbitant school fees.
Government must, therefore, make an urgent intervention to ensure that pupils can register for examinations.
Above all, the period of registration is too short, and an extension until schools open will provide parents with a breathing space to hunt for examination fees.
</blockquote>
Examination registration fees are pegged in USD and parents can make payments in ZWL, USD or ZAR.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSEC Examination Fees "Unhumane" - Teachers

The Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Edgar Moyo said that there is no law that says Advanced Level learners should do a certain number of subjects.
An A’ Level candidate is expected to write three subjects and attain a minimum of two “E’s”, that is, two points in two different subjects to be considered to have passed.
But Moyo said that is just a custom and practice and not based on any law. He said:
<blockquote>
The more subjects you learn the greater conceptualisation of the areas that you will be learning.
For example, if someone is doing Pure Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Statistics, the concepts build into each other and help you in other subjects.
The requirement of two or three A’ Level passes at university is just a custom and practice. There is no law that stipulates that.
It emanated from that a child with three subjects which are related, he/she can find a career.
However, the challenge of doing more subjects might be that there will be more workload for the student especially if they are not really gifted and it also becomes a burden to the parents in terms of financing.
</blockquote>
The issue has been topical in recent weeks after a former Ruya Adventist Secondary School student Tadiwanashe Mavetera scored 10As in the November 2022 ZIMSEC A’ Level examination.
Moyo said they have noted the debate and concerns being raised by the public and as the Ministry of Education, they will discuss the matter. He said:
<blockquote>
We have not really sat down to discuss this issue as a Ministry but it is something that we are just noting.
The public has been raising this issue of high grades so at some point we might need to sit down and look at it probably to come up with a policy because policies come up because of what will be obtaining on the ground.
At the moment what I can say is that we are noting the concerns.
</blockquote>
At Pamushana High School in Bikita, 103 students scored more than 15 points each, with the school’s best student, Abraham Ndlovu attaining 30 points after getting straight As in Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Pure Mathematics and Statistics. | <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/high-passes-do-not-affect-exam-credibility-zimsec/">The Sunday News</a>

Three Subjects At A' Level Is Just Custom, Not Law - Deputy Minister Moyo

<h2>Full statement by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council on November 2022 Ordinary Level Results.</h2>
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) issued a statement on the 17th of October 2022, informing the nation that some candidates had been found to have had pre-access to some Ordinary Level Question Papers. Subsequent statements were issued on the 20th of October and the 10th of November 2022 providing updates on the investigations into the matter.
ZIMSEC wishes to give the following update to the nation and our stakeholders.
<ol>
<li>There have been false reports circulating on social media, particularly from a ZIMSEC parody (false) Twitter account and an online publication, Afrogazette, purporting that the Ordinary level results have been cancelled. ZIMSEC has issued no statements on the pass rate of the 2022 O Level Examination candidates or cancellation of results. These reports are published in mischief to cause anxiety and unrest amongst candidates and parents. We advise all stakeholders to disregard these speculative attempts to cause panic and despondency and await official updates from ZIMSEC.</li>
<li>The Council is in the process of finalizing its assessment of 2022 Ordinary Level performance. The November 2022 Ordinary Level examinations marking has been completed. Processes that precede the release of the results are currently underway.</li>
<li>Candidates who had pre-access to question papers at different examination centres were identified during the writing of the examinations and also at the marking of scripts stage. These candidates will, in line with the ZIMSEC Act, Section 34, have examination results cancelled.</li>
<li>Our stakeholders are called upon to expect the release of results to deserving candidates when all necessary processes have been completed.</li>
</ol>
We wish to thank the public and all our stakeholders for their interest and cooperation in ensuring the integrity of our examination system.
</blockquote>

ZIMSEC Statement On November 2022 Ordinary Level Results | Full Text

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has dismissed social media claims that the November 2022 Ordinary Level examinations will be cancelled due to massive leakages of some papers.
In a statement on Tuesday, 17 January, ZIMSEC said it is finalising the processes preceding the release of the results.
It also said those candidates who had access to exam papers before they were written were identified during the writing of the examinations and also at the marking of scripts stage and their examination results cancelled. Part of the statement reads:
<blockquote>
There have been false reports circulating on social media, particularly from a ZIMSEC parody (false) Twitter account and an online publication, Afrogazette, purporting that the Ordinary level results have been cancelled.
We haven’t issued any statements on the pass rate of the 2022 O Level Examination candidates or cancellation of results.
These reports are published in mischief to cause anxiety and unrest amongst candidates and parents.
We advise all stakeholders to disregard these speculative attempts to cause panic and despondency and await official updates from ZIMSEC.
We are in the process of finalising the assessment of 2022 Ordinary Level performance and have completed the marking.
The processes which precede the release of the results are currently underway.
</blockquote>
ZIMSEC added that the results will be announced at the appropriate time when all the processes have been completed. It said:
<blockquote>
Our stakeholders are called upon to expect the release of results to deserving candidates when all necessary processes have been completed.
We wish to thank the public and all our stakeholders for their interest and cooperation in ensuring the integrity of our examination system.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/no-cancellation-of-o-level-november-2022-results-zimsec-zimsec-speaks-on-o-level-exams-results/">Chronicle</a>

ZIMSEC Says 2022 November O' Level Exams Will Not Be Cancelled

A 19-year-old man from Bellevue suburb in Bulawayo was ordered to perform 105 hours of unpaid service for cheating during the 2022 public examinations.
David Chipendo was convicted of cheating during last year’s Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) Ordinary Level examinations.
Chipendo appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Busani Sibanda facing charges of gaining access to examination material as defined in Section 35 (a) of the Zimbabwe School Examination Council Act Chapter 25:18.
He was initially sentenced to seven months imprisonment but four months of his sentence was suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.
The remaining three months were suspended on condition that he performs 105 hours of community service at Donnington Police Station.
In passing the sentence the magistrate noted that Chipendo was a first offender.
However, Magistrate Sibanda ruled that the option of a fine was going to trivialise the offence and thus community service will allow Chipendo to introspect and also deter would-be offenders.
Allegations were that on 4 October 2022, Chipendo was writing the Ordinary Level Combined Science Paper 2 at Herentals College situated at Corner 6th Avenue and Lobengula Street.
It was further alleged that while collecting the answer sheets from the students, the informant discovered that Ndlovu had folded and torn answer sheets.
The informant quickly alerted the authorities who seized the material which they discovered was prepared answers for the Combined Science Paper 2 which was being written.
The matter was reported to the police and investigations led to Chipendo’s arrest. | <a href="https://www.bmetro.co.zw/exam-cheat-spared-jail-agony/">B-Metro</a>

Court Orders Exam Cheat To Perform 105 Hours Of Unpaid Service

The leakage of Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) Ordinary Level examinations appears to have been unprecedented in the country in 2022 as candidates had access to marking schemes before they sat for their final examinations in October and November.
ZIMSEC markers who declined to be named for security reasons told NewsDay that there is irrefutable evidence that candidates had marking schemes before they wrote the exams.
Some candidates reproduced the marking schemes for some papers “word for word” in their answer sheets according to NewsDay’s sources.
At some examination centres in Harare, the majority of pupils reportedly got high marks of up to 100% for Combined Science Paper 2 and others. An examiner who requested anonymity was quoted by NewsDay as saying:
<blockquote>
Some pupils reproduced the marking scheme in their answers, even the codes that are put on the documents to guide the markers, which the candidates did not know the meaning of.
It was clear that cheating occurred because some would write answers exactly as they were on the marking scheme but on the wrong question.
It is possible that every pupil in class can get an answer right, but not when the answer is the same in verbatim for a sentence. It is impossible unless they are copying from somewhere.
</blockquote>
ZIMSEC spokesperson Nichollette Dlamini said a comprehensive report will be published once investigations into the leakage of examinations are completed. She said:
<blockquote>
As reported to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee by our directorate and MoPSE [Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education], the marking activity was part of the measures to find those candidates who may or are suspected to have been involved in examination malpractice.
The comprehensive report and results, including those of other investigations, will be published at the completion of the exercise.
</blockquote>
Towards the end of last year, ZIMSEC officials told Parliament that about 590 suspects were caught cheating while sitting for November 2022 Ordinary and Advanced Level final examinations. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200005729/zimsec-marking-schemes-leaked-before-exams">NewsDay</a>

ZIMSEC Marking Schemes Leaked Before Exams | Report

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has demanded the nullification of the November 2022 Ordinary and Advanced Level Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations.
This comes after five hundred and eighty-eight (588) candidates were caught cheating while sitting for the examinations.
In a post on Twitter, ARTUZ alleged that some candidates were reproducing the ZIMSEC marking scheme word to word, with some schools recording uniform answers. <a href="https://twitter.com/ARTUZ_teachers/status/1605173541841911808">ARTUZ said</a>:
<blockquote>
[The police] will have to nab more cheats. The cheating is beyond measure. We are learning that learners were reproducing the ZIMSEC marking scheme word to word.
Uniform answers whole school. We can’t conceal this. We should protect the integrity of our public exams. CID at UCE [United College of Education] in [Bulawayo] now.
</blockquote>
In <a href="https://twitter.com/ARTUZ_teachers/status/1605181866344353792">another tweet</a>, ARTUZ said “We call upon [ZIMSEC] to nullify these examinations. The whole exercise is now turning out to be a joke.”
Last week on Thursday, the ZIMSEC deputy director Farai Zisengwe and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Director Barnabas Mangosho appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Education led by Torerai Moyo.
Responding to legislators on the issue of the widespread leakage of examination papers, Zisengwe said:
<blockquote>
This is an issue that has not been concluded. We are doing the assessment and we are marking to identify these cheats.
About 588 candidates were caught along the way, but we believe there are more who will be caught during the marking period.
The board is going to be seized with the issue and we can confidently say Advanced Level results will be out in early January, but for Ordinary Level, we cannot say the same.
</blockquote>

Rural Teachers Demand Nullification Of 2022 ZIMSEC O' And A' Level Examinations

The Roman Catholic Church was forced to intervene and stop teachers at St Joseph Primary School from demanding US$2.00 from every pupil so that they will be allowed to sit for end-of-year tests.
Parents who spoke to Pindula News alleged that the Roman Catholic Church-run school, which has a reported enrolment of over 1 000 learners, asked parents and guardians to pay the money so that their children would be allowed to write end-of-term examinations.
The pupils were also made to pay ZWL$300 for Visual &amp; Performing Arts (VPA) and Physical Education (PE).
However, following an uproar by parents, Father Christopher Wusiku, who is the Local Responsible Authority for the school, directed that the learners should be given back their money, that is, the US$2 and the ZWL$300.
When contacted for comment, Father Wusiku refused to confirm or deny the reports but insisted that the parents are aware of the school’s position on the matter.
A source told Pindula News that it was never the school’s policy to request pupils to make payments towards their end-of-term tests but was an arrangement made by some teachers and their pupils.
St Joseph Primary School is situated at Mutora Growth Point In Gokwe North and is one of the largest and most prestigious schools in the district.

Parents Force Gokwe School To Back Down On End Of Year Exam "Fees"

A chemistry teacher at George Silundika High School, Joseph Moyo (36), recently appeared before Tsholotsho magistrate Regius Mawarire for leaking a Mathematics examinations paper.
Moyo was released on free bail and remanded to 15 December. He was ordered to continue residing at his given address in Cowdray Park, report at ZRP Cowdray Park once a fortnight, and stop visiting the school until the finalisation of investigations by the police.
Prosecutor, Valentine Makoni, told the court that Moyo was allegedly sent the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) Ordinary Level Mathematics Paper 2 by one Farai Sibanda, who is still at large, via Bluetooth. Said Makoni:
<blockquote>
On 19 October, a day before the Mathematics paper 2 examination was written, Moyo conducted extra lessons for his Form Four learners at his laboratory during which he started revising the leaked paper.
</blockquote>
Moyo was represented by Thabekhulu Dube of Ncube and Partners. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/deputy-head-teachers-jailed-for-exam-paper-leak/">Chronicle</a>

Chemistry Teacher In Court Over Leaked Mathematics Exam Paper

The deputy headmaster and an English teacher at Sipepa High School in Tsholotsho district, Matabeleland North Province, have admitted to leaking a public examinations paper to candidates at the school.
Brian Mazendami (41) of 20596 Pumula South, Bulawayo, who is the deputy headmaster and the teacher, Makosini Mondela (50) of Sipepa Line in Tsholotsho, were each sentenced to three years in prison.
They were accused of leaking a Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) Ordinary Level English Paper 1.
The two were convicted on their own pleas of guilty to criminal abuse of duty as a public officer and contravening Section 35(a) and (b) of the ZIMSEC Act by Tsholotsho resident magistrate Victor Mpofu.
However, the two educators will not go to jail after the magistrate conditionally suspended 18 months of the sentence on the condition that they do not commit a similar offence within that period.
The remaining 18 months were also suspended on the condition that Mazendami and Mondela each perform 630 hours of community service starting this Monday, 21 November 2022.
Mondela will perform community service at Jakalasi Primary School in Tsholotsho while Mazendami will be at Godlwayo Primary School in Pumula.
Allegations were that on 14 October 2022, at around 4 PM, Mazendami and Mondela connived and opened the strong room, where the examination papers were kept.
The duo took out a sealed envelope containing English Language paper 1 (4005/01) November 2022 examination and copied two questions from the sealed envelope and then returned it to the strong room. Prosecutor Sharon Phiri said:
Mazendami then taught his selected students how to write compositions based on those topics. He then corrected them after submitting their compositions.
She further alleged that a whistle-blower sent an anonymous letter to ZIMSEC exposing the corruption and a taskforce team was set up to conduct investigations at Sipepa High School leading to the arrest of the two teachers. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/deputy-head-teachers-jailed-for-exam-paper-leak/">Chronicle</a>

Deputy School Head, Teacher Sentenced To 3 Years In Jail Each For Exam Paper Leak

A senior police officer, accused of leaking a law exam paper at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), was expected back in court on Tuesday for his bail hearing.
Superintendent Vigai Maunganidze, the provincial intelligence officer for Harare, appeared in court over the weekend, and again on Monday where his application, refusing to be placed on remand, was dismissed.
Presiding magistrate, Tranos Utahwashe, dismissed the application, saying there is reasonable suspicion that a crime was committed.
This warranted Maunganidze being placed on remand leading to the bail application.
Prosecutor Ephraim Zinyandu told the court that on 31 October 2022, Maunganidze obtained a UZ Faculty of Law examination paper on Administrative and Local Government Law for second-year students.
The paper was scheduled to be written on 3 November and he was among the students sitting for the exam.
It is alleged that Maunganidze shared the paper with Farai Madombi, a third-year Bachelor of Substantive Laws at UZ, via WhatsApp.
On 1 November, Madombi sat for his Company Law exam in the afternoon.
During the exam, some students were caught cheating and were disqualified.
After the exam, Madombi’s classmate, Tafadzwa Mugwadi, approached him and started discussing the exam paper they had written.
It alleged that Mugwadi started complaining about people who cheat in exams.
Mugwadi reportedly revealed plans to approach the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development to expose exam cheats.
It is alleged that Madombi, who had leaked the Administrative and Local Government Law BLS204 exam paper, then forwarded the paper to Mugwadi.
Mugwadi immediately notified the UZ authorities, who confirmed the paper as the one to be written by second-year students on 3 November.
The university then issued a notice canceling the exam. | <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/d-day-for-top-cop-over-leaked-exam-paper/">H-Metro</a>

Provincial Intelligence Officer Back In Court Over Leaked UZ Law Exam Paper

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested a senior police officer after he was found in possession of an examination paper that he was scheduled to write for a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
The suspect, Superintendent Vigai Maunganidze appeared in court in Harare on Saturday and was remanded in custody to Monday for bail hearing.
ZACC spokesperson Thandiwe Mlobane confirmed the arrest to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/senior-cop-arrested-over-leaked-law-exam-paper/">The Herald</a> on Sunday night. She said:
<blockquote>
I can confirm the arrest of a senior police officer, Vengai Maunganidze on Friday, November 11 2022 on allegations of unlawful possession of an exam paper before the examination day and he appeared in court on November 12, 2022. Investigations are continuing.
</blockquote>
The leakage of examination papers has become a common occurrence and threatens to undermine the credibility of examination processes in the country.
Last week, the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) said some candidates, examination administrators, and members of the public have been arrested and have appeared before the courts over the leakage of Ordinary Level Question Papers.

ZACC Arrests Senior Cop Over Leaked Law Exam Paper

A 26-year-old Bulawayo man has been jailed for writing a Zimbabwe School Examination Council O’ Level Mathematics examination for another person.
Osmund Sibanda (26) from Cowdray Park in Bulawayo was hired by the candidate, Jeffrey Mumpande, to write the public exam for him and was only caught while writing the final paper.
The two men appeared before Victoria Falls resident magistrate Godswill Mavenge on Tuesday and were convicted of impersonation charges.
Sibanda and Mumpande both pleaded guilty to the offence and will serve eight months in jail each.
Prosecutors told the court that on 20 October at around 9 AM, Mumpande gave his national identity card and a statement of entry to Sibanda so that he could sit for Maths Paper Two on his behalf.
The matter came to light when the invigilator Simelokuhle Zvavanjanja was doing the verification process on all candidates and discovered that Sibanda was using Mumpande’s identity card. Court records read in part:
Investigations were carried out and it was discovered that the accused connived with Jeffery Mumpande to sit for his Mathematics examination using his candidate number 3088 and centre number 04377.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to the duo’s arrest.
Investigations established that the duo had used the same tactic to write the first paper on 19 October and were not caught.
The magistrate handed them 12-month jail terms each before suspending four months for five years on condition that they do not commit a similar offence. | <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/index.php/2022/10/26/tailor-hired-to-write-o-level-maths-paper-jailed-eight-months/">VicFallsLive</a>

Tailor Hired To Write O' Level Maths Paper Jailed Eight Months

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has vowed to investigate the source of examination leakages of Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) papers over the years.
Police suspect the soft copies of the papers are leaked by someone at the ZIMSEC head office in Harare.
Almost every year, the Maths and English papers are leaked, and ZIMSEC has lost integrity as a result.
ZIMSEC recently issued a statement confirming the leakage of the Ordinary Level Mathematics Paper 1 that was written on 18 October 2022.
The examinations management body added that some candidates who had pre-access to the question paper had been identified.
In a leaked police memorandum, dated 19 October 2022, a candidate at Bikita Fashu High School was seen with an English Paper 2 question paper with answers that he was copying during the English paper two examination which was running between 0900hrs and 1100hrs on the 19th of October 2022.
The school head reported the matter to the police and further investigations established that the candidate had also received a soft copy of a suspected Mathematics Paper. The memo reads in part:
<blockquote>
It appears this year’s ZIMSEC examinations are seriously leaked and it appears the source is in Harare and chances are high that the leakages are from ZIMSEC offices in Harare. Action should be taken on ZIMSEC head offices where the soft copies originate.
Pamushana High School has a long history of leaking examinations and the source, Chimbodzikai village Chief Marozva Bikita is near Pamushana High School.
</blockquote>

Police Suspect ZIMSEC Head Office Is The Source Of Exam Leakages

A Grade Seven pupil at Muvhimwa Primary School in Makoni District was injured when a classroom roof was blown off while the learners were sitting for their ZIMSEC examinations last week.
Makoni District Schools Inspector, George Chidhakwa, confirmed the incident to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/new-roof-blown-off-during-exam/">The Manica Post</a> adding that it did not affect the examination as the invigilating teacher was collecting answer sheets from the learners. Said Chidhakwa:
<blockquote>
Some roofing sheets were blown off at Muvhimwa Primary and there are no reports of injuries to learners and staff. The examination was not disturbed.
</blockquote>
However, a source at the school said that one of the learners suffered minor injuries when asbestos sheets fell into the classroom. Said the source:
<blockquote>
Strong winds swept through our school and one classroom where the learners were sitting for a Shona paper had its roof blown off.
The asbestos sheets fell right into the classroom where the invigilator was collecting answer sheets from the candidates.
A learner was hit by debris and sustained minor injuries. The teacher managed to control the stampeding learners.
</blockquote>

Roof Blown Off During ZIMSEC Examinations

Seventh-day Adventist-run Mundondo High School located in Gutu South is demanding that Form Four pupils clear their school fees arrears before they are allowed to register for the November 2022 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations.
The government has barred schools from sending pupils home over non-payment of school fees or withholding ZIMSEC results if parents or guardians fail to pay tuition on time.
However, Mundondo High School Head Selenia Jinga said school authorities have to take drastic measures to ensure that parents clear fees arrears to enable the school to register Ordinary Level pupils. She said:
<blockquote>
We cannot allow parents to just pay examination fees without paying school fees. This will cost us as a school.
Fees should be paid on or before the opening day. That is what the law says.
Parents should strive to pay up their children’s school fees in line with the policy.
If a parent pays ZIMSEC registration fees, it doesn’t mean that they have registered. They have simply deposited funds into the school account.
The school will then use the school fees to process ZIMSEC registration such as buying bond paper, ink for printers, photocopying and ferrying the documents to ZIMSEC offices.
So if parents fail to pay fees, the school will not be able to process the ZIMSEC registration.
</blockquote>
It is now feared that some prospective Ordinary Level pupils will fail to register for their final examination due to fees arrears.

School Denies Pupils ZIMSEC Registration Over School Fees Arrears

Lupane State University (LSU) was on Monday forced to rope in security guards to invigilate examinations after lecturers went on strike and abandoned their invigilation duties.
The examinations were being written at the ZITF examination centre in Bulawayo.
Lecturers who spoke to CITE said they downed tools to send a strong message to the university to ensure that it addresses their grievances.
A student who spoke to the publication said security officers were responsible for the distribution of exam papers and answer booklets.
He added that the guards stayed in the hall for the duration of their three-hour-long papers, which is not the norm when all is well. 
In an interview with CITE, LSU registrar Jairos Makunde confirmed that the university had asked non-academic staff members to preside over exams after failing to secure invigilators.
He said lecturers did not turn up for invigilation duty due to outstanding dissertation supervision contracts and payments.
Makunde claimed the guards were in the exam hall to “provide security for the candidates”. He said:
<blockquote>
We have indeed had some challenges with academics at our institution which has affected the exam session currently ongoing, but not that exams were invigilated by security guards. The security guards present only provided security at the venue.
We have since had to use some of our senior non-teaching staff members to invigilate the examinations. It is actually only one department that had not written exams as the other faculties have done their exams.
These are 2021 exams and the only department affected is the department of development studies, and it’s for this week only.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/security-guards-invigilate-exams-as-lsu-lecturers-strike/">CITE</a></h4>

Security Guards Invigilate Exams As LSU Lecturers Down Tools

Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) has directed students not to return to the campus after the New Year.
In a notice posted on its Twitter page, GZU said students will only come back for the semester examinations provisionally scheduled to take place between 31 January and 18 February.
The university advised students to regularly check their portals and the website for updates. <a href="https://twitter.com/great_zimuniv/status/1477269923781136393?s=20">The notice read:</a>
<blockquote>
Students are being advised that they will not be expected back on campus after the New Year.
They will only come for the end of semester examinations tentatively scheduled for the period 31 January to 18 February 2022.
Kindly note that submission of coursework and assignments as well as revision will continue online.
The official examination timetable and any important information will be officially communicated through student portals and the University’s website.
Students are therefore encouraged to keep checking their portals and the website for any such communication.
Remember to get vaccinated as you prepare for examinations. Happy New Year and best wishes in the forthcoming examinations.
Thank you
Registrar
</blockquote>
This statement was initially erroneously attributed to the Midlands State University (MSU), when in fact, it was issued by Great Zimbabwe University. We sincerely apologise for the error and the inconvenience caused.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

GZU Announces Provisional Dates For End Of Semester Exams

2021 Ordinary and Advanced Level examination candidates resumed writing the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) exams on Monday after a two-week break.
O’ Level candidates sat for Biology as well as English Literature papers while A’ Level candidates sat for Physics, with the last exams set to be written on 31 January.
Last week, President Emmerson Mnangagwa deferred schools opening from 10 January to a date yet to be announced and directed that pupils in non-examination classes should remain at home.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, Taungana Ndoro said the absence of other classes has made it easier for the examinations classes to observe COVID-19 protocols. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
We are very lucky that the exams are being written in an environment where the other learners aren’t there.
So social distancing is very easy to implement. We can make use of more infrastructure than is necessary and we can have more spacing than the spacing that we normally have.
The exams around the country started off smoothly, especially in Bulawayo.
We have gone around schools with the City Health department making sure that all schools are adhering to the protocols of COVID-19.
We are making sure that the standard procedures are in place, such as having thermometers, hand washing bays and the like.
Biology Paper Two, English Literature for A-Level, Physics for A-Level and it all went smoothly and we are glad that even the invigilation process went well.
Our noble and responsive teachers came to the party and managed to invigilate very well so it’s all systems go and there are no challenges and we don’t anticipate challenges until the exams are over.
</blockquote>
Ndoro said pupils who test positive for coronavirus will be isolated while they continue to write their exams.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/easy-social-distancing-as-oa-level-exams-resume/">Chronicle</a></h4>

O' And A' Level ZIMSEC Examinations Resume

Higher Education Examinations Council (HEXCO) November 2021 Examination results have been released and will be ready for collection on 6 January 2022.
This was confirmed by that Permanent Secretary for Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Fanuel Tagwira in a statement this Friday. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
The Permanent Secretary for Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Professor F. Tagwira wishes to announce that the Higher Education Examinations Council (HEXCO) November 2021 Examination results have been released.
He wishes to thank the lecturers, the students, the examinations staff and all stakeholders involved in the national examination system and in the teaching and learning process.
Their contribution towards the success of the examinations has resulted in the achievement of a 60.9 % pass rate.
All HEXCO Centres are advised to collect the results from their respective regions as from Thursday 06 January 2021
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

HEXCO Has Released November 2021 Examination Results

2021 Ordinary Level and Advanced Level candidates resume their Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations on Monday next week following the fortnight break for Christmas and New Year.
The rest of the classes are scheduled to return to school for the first term on 10 January 2022.
Pupils started writing the ZIMSEC examinations on 22 November and will finish by the end of next month.
Both O’ and A’ Level exam classes took a break on 17 December when the second and final term for 2021 ended for all classes.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro on Monday confirmed that public examinations will resume on Monday.
He said that the COVID-19 guidelines as set out by health authorities, which include hand-washing, regular temperature checks, wearing of face masks and social distancing, would be in place. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
Other classes will return on previously announced dates unless new pronouncements are made.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/examination-classes-re-open-on-monday/">The Herald</a></h4>

O' And A' Level Classes Reopen On Monday

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) 2021 public examinations commenced on Monday with Ordinary Level candidates sitting for practical subjects.
The practical subjects written to date are Textile Technology and Design, Wood Technology and Design and Metal Technology and Design.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education communication and advocacy director, Taungana Ndoro said the exams were written without incident and preparations for other subjects are at an advanced stage. Said Ndoro:
<blockquote>
As we speak everything is under control, examinations as I have said started with some practical subjects and the Ministry is confident that the examinations will proceed without a hitch.
The Ministry has taken note of the concerns raised by some teachers and they are being addressed.
</blockquote>
Ndoro said Grade 7 pupils will be sitting for their first examination paper this coming Monday, with “O” and “A” levels examinations spilling into January next year.
He said more than 95 per cent of teachers were reporting for duty countrywide.
Some teacher unions, among them the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) and the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) have vowed to boycott invigilating the examinations.
However, Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said there was no strike taking place and exams will go on smoothly.
The 2021 ZIMSEC exams will be the first to capture pupils’ coursework performance by including Continuous Assessment Learning Activity (CALA) marks in the final exam mark for Grade 7, “O” and “A” Level candidates.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/public-exams-begin/">Chronicle</a></h4>

ZIMSEC 2021 Examinations Commence

Higher Education Examination Council (HEXCO) examinations which began on Monday were on Friday thrown into disarray after teachers quit invigilating the examinations demanding payment for the services.
This comes as various teacher unions have notified the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) of a similar boycott starting on Monday when Ordinary and Advanced level examinations commence.
ZIMSEC has refused to pay teachers for invigilation services, claiming the responsibility falls under their employer, the Public Service Commission (PSC).
However, the PSC also denied responsibility, shifting blame to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Meanwhile, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe yesterday confirmed to NewsDay that their members quit invigilating HEXCO examinations.
Majongwe said they wrote to PSC chairperson Vincent Hungwe informing him of their plans to also boycott ZIMSEC examinations.
In the letter, PTUZ told Hungwe that the union was concerned that responsible authorities were distancing themselves from paying teachers to invigilate.
Educators’ Union of Zimbabwe president Tapedza Zhou said boycotting examinations was the only way to push authorities to pay teachers for services rendered.
However, Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said ZIMSEC examinations will go ahead as scheduled. He said:
<blockquote>
Invigilation and teaching in class are two separate issues. Invigilation can be conducted by anyone.
What is important is that learning is going on well and pupils are catching up on their syllabi, preparing for their exams.
We know teachers are providing quality, relevant and inclusive services to our learners throughout the country, despite those claims that they have withdrawn services.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/11/hexco-exams-in-limbo/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Teachers Boycott Invigilating HEXCO Examinations

The Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) says it has re-opened November 2021 exam registration for Grade 7, Form 4 and Form 6 candidates until 30 September for pupils who missed the registration deadline.
In a statement this Friday, ZIMSEC said candidates will pay normal examinations fees and late registration penalties have been waived. The statement read:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council would like to inform all its valued Centre Heads, Candidates, Parents and Stakeholders that a Special Registration Facility is being opened to accommodate candidates who failed to register during the registration period. 
All parents and candidates are advised to take advantage of this window to ensure that they have registered for the 2021 Examination session and submitted any amendments where applicable.
This facility will accommodate, inter alia, the following:
a) Candidates who failed to meet the initial deadline for registration for the 2021 Examinations
b) Candidates who wish to add or delete subjects from their initial registration
c) BEAM Candidates
d) Correction of any registration errors by Centres or Candidates.
Normal Examination fees are applicable and all intending candidates are obliged to pay the required fees as indicated in the ZIMSEC Finance Circular Number 1 of 2021, which is readily available at all Examination Centres. 
Late registration penalties have been waived during the Special Registration Facility.
The extended registration period will be open until Thursday 30 September 2021.
</blockquote>
When ZIMSEC announced examination fees in May, the government promised to subsidise 55% of the examination fees for public school and mission school candidates.
However, this subsidy is limited to 7 subjects at Ordinary Level and up to 3 subjects at Advanced Level only.
ZIMSEC set examination fees at ZWL$1 648.00 per subject for Ordinary Level and ZWL$2 400.00 per subject for Advanced Level.
If we take into consideration the 55% government subsidy, O’ Level candidates in public schools (formal) will pay ZWL$742.00 per subject.
Candidates in public schools (non-formal) and those in private schools and colleges will part away with ZWL$1 648.00 per subject.
Advanced Level candidates in Public Schools (formal) will pay ZWL$1 080.00 per subject while in Public Schools (non-formal) and Private Schools and Colleges will pay ZWL$2 400.00 per subject.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

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