'Zimsec exams won't leak'

The Government has reassured parents, guardians, and students that upcoming Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) exams will be free from leakages, declaring the issue "a thing of the past."

With schools set to reopen for the third term next week, Grade 7 candidates will begin writing their exams in September, followed by O and A-Level students later in the term.

In an interview on Wednesday, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerai Moyo, expressed confidence in the security measures put in place.

"I'm 100 percent confident that come 2025 ZIMSEC examinations, which are starting this month, there won't be any leakages because everything is set. Everything has been put in place to deal decisively with anyone who might wish or attempt to participate in the leakage," he said.

Minister Moyo noted that the last major exam leakage occurred in 2022 in Matabeleland South when one teacher was involved. Since then, the Government has introduced measures such as serialising examination scripts, which allow authorities to trace any breach using specialised software.

While acknowledging the potential challenge of impersonation, he warned that offenders would face jail time.

Looking ahead, the recently gazetted Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Amendment Bill aims to provide a long-term solution. The proposed law stipulates that candidates found guilty of malpractice, including cheating, could face up to five years' imprisonment.

Institutions involved in widespread irregularities may face deregistration and be required to cover costs for alternative examination centres. Schools where at least half of the candidates breach examination procedures will be suspended and similarly held responsible for replacement arrangements.

Minister Moyo urged all schools, students, and guardians to uphold examination integrity, ensuring that the 2025 ZIMSEC cycle is conducted transparently and fairly.