Johnson Progress

Bulawayo residents have called for a mandatory 10-year jail sentence for Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) employees found guilty of leaking or facilitating the leakage of examination material.

The proposal was made by Ms Sehlile Thebe during a public hearing on the Zimsec Amendment Bill held by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education.

Ms Thebe argued that schools, teachers, and learners do not produce examination material, so any leak must originate from someone within Zimsec.

“A question paper cannot suddenly find its way into a teacher’s or learner’s phone. The source is Zimsec. I, therefore, propose a mandatory 10-year prison sentence for officials found complicit,” she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Ms Monalisa Dube, who emphasized that thorough investigations must identify the source of the leak, which would likely lead to Zimsec offices.

“We are not condoning those who spread the papers, but closing the source is key. I support the 10-year sentence, if not more,” Ms Dube added.

The proposal was unanimously supported by participants at the public hearing.

Zimsec has faced repeated challenges with examination paper leaks, undermining the credibility of national exams and affecting student performance.

The proposed amendments to the Zimsec Act aim to address these issues by strengthening the council’s governance, accountability, and operational standards.

The Zimsec Amendment Bill contains nine proposals, including empowering the office of the Chief Executive Officer and updating the definition of “board”.

Committee member Ms Ellen Shiriyedenga said this aims to empower the office, and the proposal was unanimously supported.

Participants also discussed the composition of the Zimsec board, suggesting inclusion of representatives from teacher colleges and organizations such as the National Association of Secondary Heads (Nash) and the National Association of Primary Heads (Naph).

Another debated issue is the proposal to give Zimsec the power to deregister examination centres that fail to meet standards.

Some participants warned that this could give Zimsec excessive power without providing an appeal process.

“The proposal gives Zimsec too much arbitrary power; there must be a platform for appeal,” said Mr Joseph Mutodza.

Ms Dube added that Zimsec should provide necessary resources to examination centres instead of deregistering them.

The Parliamentary Committee, led by Zaka North legislator Cde Ofias Murambiwa, covers five provinces, including Bulawayo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Mashonaland West, and Mashonaland Central.

Public hearings are mandated by Section 141 of the Constitution, which requires Parliament to involve the public when making laws.