Zimbabwe’s government has proposed a new bill aimed at curbing the leaking of national examination papers. The Zimbabwe School Examination Amendment Bill, approved by Cabinet, seeks to restore the integrity of the country’s examination system by introducing tougher penalties for offenders.
Individuals found guilty of leaking Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) question papers could face imprisonment exceeding nine years. Schools involved in such leaks will be deregistered and closed. The bill also targets exam impersonators, with anyone caught writing exams on behalf of learners facing potential jail time.
Information Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere explained that the amendments address widespread malpractice in the education sector. “Cabinet considered and approved the Zimbabwe School Examination Amendment Bill. The decision to amend the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Act [Chapter 25:18] is to address challenges obtaining in the education sector, in particular, examination leakages, registration anomalies and fraudulent practices at some examination centres countrywide.”
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo highlighted a concerning spike in leaks, particularly in 2022, when over five Ordinary Level papers were compromised. He emphasized that harsh penalties aim to send a clear message: exam fraud won’t be tolerated.
“We have had leakages, especially in 2022, where more than five examination question papers leaked, especially for Ordinary Level,” Minister Moyo stated. “To address this mischief, we have come with this new Bill… We are likely to come up with penalties, for leakage of one paper, one may be imprisoned for a period that exceeds nine years, so that it becomes a deterrent measure to those who may want to engage in that criminal act.”
The proposed bill also seeks to improve ZIMSEC’s operational efficiency and tighten oversight. Minister Moyo added that deregistration of non-compliant examination centers and penalties for impersonation will be key measures in the fight against exam malpractices.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
– Imprisonment for Leaking Exam Papers: Up to 9 years in prison for individuals found guilty
– Deregistration of Schools: Schools involved in exam leaks will be closed
– Penalties for Impersonation: Jail time for those caught writing exams on behalf of learners
– Improved Oversight: Tightening ZIMSEC’s operational efficiency and oversight.
The final penalties will be informed by public input, as per Section 141 of the Constitution. The bill aims to address the growing trend of exam fraud and restore the integrity of Zimbabwe’s examination system.
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