Mahere urges action on US$98 million BEAM arrears

Former Mt Pleasant MP Fadzayi Mahere has called on Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo to urgently address the US$98 million owed to schools through the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM).

BEAM is a government programme that covers school fees for vulnerable children, including orphans, child-headed households, and children from low-income families, ensuring access to primary and secondary education.

During the presentation of the 2026 National Budget last Thursday, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube revealed that schools are now owed US$98 million in BEAM funds.

Mahere described the delay in releasing the funds as "irresponsible," warning that it is crippling schools and undermining their ability to provide quality education. She said:

"Paying what you owe is not optional. It's a must. It is irresponsible to allow arrears of this nature to go unsettled for three years. Please do the right thing."

In response, Minister Moyo suggested that BEAM falls under the Ministry of Public Service as a social service, implying it was not his responsibility to press Treasury for the funds.

Mahere, however, insisted that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education must act, noting the adverse consequences for schools and students. She added:

"The affected schools and students fall under your Ministry. Can you realistically bury your head in the sand and ascribe the problem to someone else? What is the Ministry doing to avert this crisis? What steps have you taken to ensure a solution is arrived at?"

She also reminded the minister that in 2024, the portfolio committee on Budget, Finance, and Economic Development recommended transferring the administration of BEAM from the Ministry of Public Service to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to reduce bureaucracy, asking whether any steps have been taken to implement this recommendation.