THE Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) Act is set to be amended to strengthen security measures around examinations and address widespread malpractices within the education system.
The first reading of the Amendment Bill was done in the National Assembly and awaits public hearings.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Moses Mhike, said the bill is a proposal to amend the existing ZIMSEC Act to tackle challenges such as examination paper leakages, irregularities in registration, and fraudulent conduct at various examination centres across the country.
Education Coalition of Zimbabwe (ECOZI) Director, Mr Elvis Chitsungo, noted that the bill will bring values of transparency, fairness, and accountability, while enhancing the credibility and integrity of ZIMSEC.
If passed, the new law will also empower ZIMSEC to de-register non-compliant examination centres, many of which have been flagged for unethical conduct or failure to meet minimum operating standards.
The amendment is part of the government’s broader efforts to restore confidence in the country’s education system and protect the credibility of its qualifications both locally and internationally.