Political Correspondent
MASVINGO – A public hearing on the Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) Amendment Bill turned contentious on Wednesday, as disability rights advocates, educators, and community members slammed the proposed legislation for failing to address critical issues of inclusivity, language, and fairness.
The hearing, held at Mucheke Hall on 27 August 2025 and attended by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education, revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the Bill’s current form. Critics argued that it neglects constitutional mandates to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and provide equitable education for all.
Henry Chivanga, Director for the Disability Amalgamation Community Trust (DACT) in Masvingo Province, voiced strong objections, stating,
“ZIMSEC should have disabled persons represented on its board. Without inclusion at policy level, the challenges we face in the education sector will remain unresolved.”
He highlighted the Bill’s failure to define disability or adjust pass rates to reflect different learning capacities, contrary to Section 22 and Section 75 of the Constitution.
Chivanga further emphasized Zimbabwe’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, saying,
“Article 24 of the CRPD obliges States to ensure inclusive education systems at all levels.”
The language of instruction in the Heritage Based Curriculum also came under fire. One attendee questioned,
“How do we say it is a heritage based curriculum if it is written in English? Our children should be examined in languages like Shona, Ndebele and others that reflect our cultural identity.”
Concerns were also raised about financial disparities. Masvingo Rural District Councillor Sarah Munemo, who also runs a private college, pointed out,
“Private college students pay double what public school candidates pay to sit for the same ZIMSEC examinations.”
Additional criticisms included the low compensation for exam markers, reportedly less than a dollar per script.
The Portfolio Committee, led by Masvingo South legislator Tanatsiwa Mukomberi, was urged to incorporate these submissions to ensure the final legislation aligns with constitutional values and promotes an inclusive, accessible education system.
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