Zimsec unveils high-security Gwanda office

The Government has launched a state-of-the-art Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (Zimsec) regional office in Gwanda, Matabeleland South, as part of a national strategy to combat examination fraud and modernise educational infrastructure across all ten provinces.

The soon-to-be-commissioned facility boasts advanced security systems, including CCTV surveillance, secure storage rooms, and strong rooms for examination scripts, aiming to significantly reduce the risk of paper leaks and bolster the integrity of Zimbabwe's national examination system.

For the first time in the province, Zimsec officers will be able to perform all critical operations  -  from candidate registration, printing, and marking to capturing and partially processing marks  -  under one roof. The facility also includes spacious offices and marking halls that can host up to 20 examiners per session, and will serve as a training hub for examination personnel.

Previously, Zimsec's Matabeleland South office had to outsource storage services, raising concerns about the security of sensitive materials. The new centre addresses these challenges, setting a new benchmark for regional examination centres.

The launch coincides with a nationwide fact-finding mission by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education, which began in Gwanda this week. The inquiry follows previous concerns about underfunding, structural deficiencies, and threats to Zimsec's credibility.

Zimsec CEO Dr Lazarus Nembaware, speaking during the committee's tour, hailed the Gwanda regional office as a milestone in securing Zimbabwe's education system.

"This facility provides dedicated space for the entire exam process  -  from receiving question papers to marking scripts and engaging with the public," said Dr Nembaware. "It reflects our vision for all Zimsec regional offices."

While applauding the development, Dr Nembaware cautioned that financial limitations could delay similar infrastructure upgrades in other provinces. He stressed the need for all examination centres to meet Zimsec's minimum standards for security, professionalism, and infrastructure to uphold the integrity of national exams.

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education, Supa Mandiwanzira, whose speech was read by committee member Obvious Murambiwa, described the initiative as both a technical and moral obligation to the nation's learners.

"Today marks a pivotal step in our mission to uphold the integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness of Zimbabwe's national examination system  -  the cornerstone of our education landscape," he said.

Mandiwanzira noted that the committee's inquiry will assess the adequacy of Zimsec facilities, evaluate security protocols, and inform legislative reforms, including the Zimsec Amendment Bill.

Chief Director in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Ms Olicah Kaira, representing Permanent Secretary Mr Moses Mhike, reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to setting high national standards for examination centres.

"This model incorporates the infrastructure, security, and professionalism we aspire to see replicated across all ten provinces," said Ms Kaira. "It is our duty to protect the integrity of every Zimbabwean learner's education journey."

She acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly in satellite centres in remote areas, including insecure storage, inadequate facilities for invigilators, poor ICT infrastructure, and logistical constraints.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Albert Nguluvhe, represented by Provincial Director for Infrastructure Development and Environment Mr Daniel Njowa, praised the facility as a triumph for decentralisation and inclusive development under the Second Republic.

"This office eliminates the need to rely on distant regional centres, reflecting equitable service delivery and localised education governance," he said.

Mr Njowa added that the initiative aligns with Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy through investment in infrastructure and human capital.

As Gwanda leads the way with this flagship facility, the Government hopes the new model will become the standard blueprint for Zimsec regional offices nationwide, ensuring that no province is left behind in the quest for educational excellence and integrity.