New Zimsec Bill proposes stiff penalties for exam cheats

Examination candidates caught cheating or engaging in other malpractices could face up to five years' imprisonment under the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Amendment Bill recently gazetted by Parliament. The Bill, which is awaiting tabling before the National Assembly, also introduces stringent penalties for institutions involved in widespread examination irregularities.

According to the proposed legislation, candidates found guilty of offences such as unlawful possession of exam materials, altering answer scripts, or falsifying examination results face fines up to Level Seven or imprisonment of up to two years, or both. More severe offences, including forging or disposing of documents purporting to show examination results, could attract fines up to Level 14 or a jail term of up to five years.

In a significant move to curb systemic malpractice, institutions where at least half of the candidates breach examination procedures will be suspended and required to cover the costs of alternative examination centres for affected candidates. Institutions found guilty of widespread irregularities could face deregistration.

Clause Eight of the Bill outlines additional offences under the principal Zimsec law, detailing acts that undermine examination integrity and their corresponding penalties. Clause Nine empowers the Council to impose sanctions on institutions involved in malpractice.

Zimsec defines examination malpractice as any conduct by a candidate that undermines the integrity of an examination and unfairly advantages that candidate over others.

Over recent years, Zimsec has been challenged by issues such as cheating, examination paper leaks, and candidate impersonation, prompting the need for updated and tougher legal measures.

Beyond malpractice penalties, the Bill proposes structural reforms to strengthen Zimsec's governance and operational efficiency. Notably, it seeks to elevate the head of Zimsec from "director" to "chief executive officer" and expand the Council's functions to include deregistering non-compliant examination centres.

The Zimsec board's composition will be enhanced by appointing skilled professionals in audit, human resources, finance, information technology, and risk management. The board will also increase its minimum annual meetings from three to four, and the Council's financial year will be aligned to end on December 31 instead of June 30.

The Zimsec Act, enacted in 1994, has seen gaps emerge over time. The new Bill aims to modernise the law to better reflect current educational and examination challenges.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo is expected to present the Bill for its first reading in Parliament. Subsequently, a parliamentary portfolio committee will conduct public consultations before the Bill is debated and enacted.

Stakeholders are watching closely as the Bill promises to usher in stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of Zimbabwe's national examinations.