418 000 pupils to sit for grade 7 exams

Published: 5 hours ago

At least 418 000 pupils will sit for the Grade 7 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) exams starting on September 22, with the Government assuring the public that strict measures are in place to prevent paper leakages.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Torerayi Moyo yesterday confirmed that this year's entry stood at 417 800 candidates, up from last year's 387 000. He said the Government had made all necessary preparations to guarantee smooth examinations across the country.

"The Government has put in place all mechanisms to ensure that this year's examinations proceed smoothly without any challenges. We want to give confidence to parents, pupils and stakeholders that we are ready. As far as Zimsec is concerned, we are more than ready. All the required equipment is in place and we want to make sure that we have uninterrupted examinations," Dr Moyo said.

He explained that examination material would soon be dispatched to cluster centres nationwide, where it will be stored under tight security until release on the morning of the exams. Zimsec has also been working closely with school heads' associations and the ministry's district structures, while police and other security agencies will guard the centres where papers are kept.

Dr Moyo noted that these measures had already proved effective, pointing out that no paper leakages have been recorded since 2023. He added that Government is now drafting the Zimbabwe School Examinations Amendment Bill, which will impose custodial sentences on anyone involved in exam leakages, signalling a tougher stance on malpractice.

"Regarding exam leakages, since 2023, we have never experienced any leakage. We are actually working on the Zimbabwe School Examinations Amendment Bill, which will criminalise exam leakage. Anyone who participates in the leakage will be given a custodial sentence. So there won't be any fines," he said.

Looking ahead, the minister expressed optimism about improved results. "This year we are expecting more than 55 percent pass rate, which is six percent higher than last year's 49 percent," Dr Moyo said.

He stressed that the crackdown on malpractice marked a decisive shift from administrative penalties to criminal consequences, underscoring Government's determination to restore integrity and confidence in the country's examination system.
- the herald