MILLICENT HUNGWE
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education, conducted a fact-finding tour at ZIMSEC Regional Offices in Masvingo on June 3.
The visit is part of a nationwide tour from 1–7 June, to assess infrastructure, investigate examination security, improve operational efficiency, and inform legislative reforms.
Led by the Portfolio Committee chairperson MP Dzidzai Butau, the delegation’s visit to the Masvingo ZIMSEC Regional Office formed a crucial part of their broader mandate to evaluate the examination board’s preparedness, capacity, and challenges across country.
Butau told The Midweek Watch that, “the committee’s visit focused on four core objectives, assessing Infrastructure by evaluating whether ZIMSEC facilities from central printing centers to regional offices are adequate and identifying where intervention is needed.
“Investigating security measures by examining the protocols that safeguard examination materials, including their storage, distribution, and handling, to prevent leaks and malpractices.
“Enhancing operational efficiency by identifying bottlenecks in ZIMSEC’s operations and collaborating with stakeholders to implement actionable improvements.
“Supporting legislative action by gathering vital information to refine the forthcoming Zimbabwe Examinations Council Amendment Bill, aiming to ensure that it addresses systemic challenges sustainably.”
During the Masvingo visit, the Committee toured the regional office premises and noted that, while the team is performing admirably well under the current conditions, the facility is small and not conducive for efficient operations.
Butau commended the dedication of the ZIMSEC staff, stating, “they are doing a great job here at the Masvingo Regional ZIMSEC Office, however, the space is clearly inadequate, as government, we promise to rectify this situation with the support of His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.”
As part of the day’s activities, the Committee also visited three examination centers that included Ndarama High School, Chatsworth Secondary School, and Thornhill Secondary School, where they interacted with school heads and staff on the ground to better understand the challenges faced during examination periods.
The fact-finding mission is expected to culminate in a detailed report with actionable recommendations that will inform future policy and legislative decisions aimed at strengthening Zimbabwe’s examination system.
