News / National
Mthuli Ncube to clear ZiG57m BEAM arrears
14 Nov 2024 at 09:23hrs | Views
The Government has pledged to clear ZiG57 million in arrears owed to the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), following a recent directive from the ruling Zanu-PF party to settle outstanding debts. The directive, issued at Zanu-PF's 21st Annual People's Conference held last month in Bulawayo, emphasized the party's commitment to aligning its policies with national development goals.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa underscored the importance of party conferences as platforms for progress, not "mere talk shows," and reiterated Zanu-PF's role in supervising Government actions. As a result, the resolution to settle BEAM arrears has been integrated into the Government's fiscal plans.
Speaking at a pre-Budget seminar in Bulawayo last week, Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube confirmed that the Treasury was prioritizing the payment of the ZiG57 million owed to BEAM, which supports financially disadvantaged students. Prof Ncube acknowledged concerns raised by parliamentarians over delayed disbursements and pledged swift action.
"The issue of BEAM has been raised by a number of Honourable Members. The Committee Chair for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable D Mashonganyika, highlighted the delays in BEAM payments to schools," he said. "Treasury commits to clearing the ZiG57 million in arrears owed to special schools, with additional efforts to improve disbursement timing."
Due to previous payment delays, many school heads have been reluctant to enroll new students under the BEAM scheme, which has impacted access for vulnerable learners. Prof Ncube stressed the need for a more efficient payment process to enable students to benefit fully from the programme.
Mr. Simon Masanga, Permanent Secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, stated that the Ministry would ensure prompt payments once Treasury releases the funds. "Once we receive the funds from the Ministry of Finance, we will move quickly to clear the arrears," he confirmed.
The Government's renewed commitment to clearing BEAM arrears reflects its broader focus on supporting educational access and addressing the needs of marginalized students across Zimbabwe.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa underscored the importance of party conferences as platforms for progress, not "mere talk shows," and reiterated Zanu-PF's role in supervising Government actions. As a result, the resolution to settle BEAM arrears has been integrated into the Government's fiscal plans.
Speaking at a pre-Budget seminar in Bulawayo last week, Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube confirmed that the Treasury was prioritizing the payment of the ZiG57 million owed to BEAM, which supports financially disadvantaged students. Prof Ncube acknowledged concerns raised by parliamentarians over delayed disbursements and pledged swift action.
Due to previous payment delays, many school heads have been reluctant to enroll new students under the BEAM scheme, which has impacted access for vulnerable learners. Prof Ncube stressed the need for a more efficient payment process to enable students to benefit fully from the programme.
Mr. Simon Masanga, Permanent Secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, stated that the Ministry would ensure prompt payments once Treasury releases the funds. "Once we receive the funds from the Ministry of Finance, we will move quickly to clear the arrears," he confirmed.
The Government's renewed commitment to clearing BEAM arrears reflects its broader focus on supporting educational access and addressing the needs of marginalized students across Zimbabwe.
Source - The Herald
