News / National
Zimsec Amendment Bill faces criticism
03 Sep 2025 at 08:42hrs | 112 Views
The Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) Amendment Bill has been heavily criticised by disability rights advocates, educators, and members of the public for failing to uphold principles of inclusivity and equitable access to education.
During a public hearing held at Mucheke Hall in Masvingo on 27 August 2025, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education invited submissions on the draft Bill. Concerns were raised over the Bill's silence on provisions for disabled learners, in apparent violation of Sections 22 and 75 of the 2013 Constitution, which guarantee the right to education and mandate practical measures to support persons with disabilities.
Henry Chivanga, Director for the Disability Amalgamation Community Trust (DACT) in Masvingo Province, said: "ZIMSEC should have disabled persons represented on its board. Without inclusion at policy level, the challenges we face in the education sector will remain unresolved. There's not even a definition of disability in the Bill, and pass rates are not categorized to reflect different learning capacities." He also highlighted Zimbabwe's obligations under Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which ensures inclusive education at all levels.
The hearing drew input from teachers, headmasters, ZIMSEC markers, private college directors, MPs, and community leaders. Attendees also questioned why Zimbabwe's 16 official languages are not reflected in examinations, arguing that the Heritage-Based Curriculum cannot truly promote local culture if assessments remain dominated by English.
Masvingo Rural District Councillor Sarah Munemo, who also directs a private college, raised concerns over examination fee disparities, noting that private school students pay double compared to public school candidates. Other stakeholders criticised ZIMSEC for underpaying markers, who receive less than a dollar per script.
The Portfolio Committee, led by Masvingo South legislator Tanatsiwa Mukomberi, was urged to consider these submissions carefully to ensure the final Bill supports an inclusive, accessible, and fair education system that reflects Zimbabwe's constitutional and international commitments.
During a public hearing held at Mucheke Hall in Masvingo on 27 August 2025, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education invited submissions on the draft Bill. Concerns were raised over the Bill's silence on provisions for disabled learners, in apparent violation of Sections 22 and 75 of the 2013 Constitution, which guarantee the right to education and mandate practical measures to support persons with disabilities.
Henry Chivanga, Director for the Disability Amalgamation Community Trust (DACT) in Masvingo Province, said: "ZIMSEC should have disabled persons represented on its board. Without inclusion at policy level, the challenges we face in the education sector will remain unresolved. There's not even a definition of disability in the Bill, and pass rates are not categorized to reflect different learning capacities." He also highlighted Zimbabwe's obligations under Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which ensures inclusive education at all levels.
Masvingo Rural District Councillor Sarah Munemo, who also directs a private college, raised concerns over examination fee disparities, noting that private school students pay double compared to public school candidates. Other stakeholders criticised ZIMSEC for underpaying markers, who receive less than a dollar per script.
The Portfolio Committee, led by Masvingo South legislator Tanatsiwa Mukomberi, was urged to consider these submissions carefully to ensure the final Bill supports an inclusive, accessible, and fair education system that reflects Zimbabwe's constitutional and international commitments.
Source - Midweek Watch
