Zimsec faces severe financial challenges

The Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (Zimsec) is struggling with critical financial and infrastructural constraints that are putting the integrity and smooth administration of national examinations at risk, a parliamentary report has revealed.

The report, released by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Education, followed an assessment of Zimsec's examination infrastructure, operational capacity, and financial situation.

According to the committee, Zimsec is owed US$71 million by the government as of March 2025, largely due to delayed reimbursements under the Basic Education Assistance Module (Beam). These arrears have severely hampered the council's ability to expand and modernise its examination infrastructure.

During a visit to Zimsec's Norton headquarters, the committee was informed of the urgent need to raise US$4 million to install a secondary examination processing line and backup equipment. This investment is considered critical to reduce the risk of single-point failure in printing and marking operations, particularly during overlapping examination cycles.

The council also faces significant operational costs, including security contracts with the Zimbabwe Republic Police at US$22 per officer per day, costing over US$1 million annually. Peak-period transport expenses reach US$13,645 per day, and archival storage at Bindura University costs US$100 daily due to space shortages.

The report highlighted how Beam arrears and delayed funding have derailed planned capital projects. The Midlands permanent office, purchased in 2012 for US$145,000, remains undeveloped due to an estimated US$850,000 construction shortfall. Meanwhile, the Lupane regional hub requires US$1.2 million to commence construction.

While some centres, such as the Matebeleland South Regional Hub in Gwanda, meet Zimsec's security and functionality standards, many others face severe challenges. In Bulawayo, the regional office operates from a dilapidated municipal building with overcrowding, noise pollution, outdated sewer systems, and inadequate secure storage. Examination materials are stored off-site at schools, increasing logistical burdens and risks.

Plans for a provincial examination hub in Lupane, Matebeleland North, remain in the design phase due to funding constraints. Remote districts like Binga and Gokwe face additional logistical challenges because of poor road conditions and long distances. For instance, Gokwe scripts must travel over 150 km on unpaved roads, while Nkashe Secondary School in Matebeleland South spends over US$8,700 per cycle to transport papers just 20 km.

The committee also noted widespread delays in invigilator allowances, affecting schools from Cherutombo High in Mashonaland East to Founders High in Bulawayo. These delays have led to work stoppages, last-minute timetable changes, and increased pressure on teaching staff, undermining timely and secure exam administration.

The parliamentary report underscores that without urgent government intervention, Zimsec's operational bottlenecks and funding shortfalls will continue to threaten the credibility and effectiveness of national examinations across Zimbabwe.