By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Cabinet has approved The Zimbabwe School Examination Amendment Bill, officially classifying the leaking of Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) papers as a criminal offense.
This legislative move aims to impose severe penalties, including significant jail terms, on individuals and schools involved in the illicit dissemination of examination materials.
Under this new bill, those convicted of leaking exam question papers may face up to nine years in prison. Additionally, schools found guilty of participating in such activities could face deregistration and closure, highlighting the government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the national examination system.
Information Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere emphasized that this legal amendment is a direct response to the alarming rise in examination fraud that has plagued the education sector.
“Cabinet took this decisive step to address ongoing challenges, particularly linked to the severe leakage of examination materials and fraudulent practices at various examination centres nationwide,” he stated.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo pointed out the sharp increase in examination leaks, particularly in 2022, when over five Ordinary Level papers were compromised.
The bill also targets exam impersonators, with individuals caught writing exams for others facing the same harsh penalties. While the final penalties will ultimately reflect public opinion,Muswere assured that the government is determined to impose strict consequences on all who engage in these illegal activities.
This legislative initiative marks a shift in the approach to examination integrity in Zimbabwe, reflecting the government’s dedication to upholding educational standards and fighting against malpractice in the examination system.
With the new bill, leaking ZIMSEC papers is no longer just a breach of policy; it is now a criminal offense with serious repercussions.