417 800 Pupils to Sit for Grade 7 Exams as Government Vows Leak-Free Process
A total of 417 800 pupils across Zimbabwe are set to sit for the Grade 7 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) exams beginning September 22, marking a significant increase from last year’s 387 000 candidates.
With public confidence at stake, the Government has assured the nation that robust security measures are in place to prevent exam paper leakages and ensure a smooth examination process.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Torerayi Moyo confirmed the figures and emphasized the ministry’s readiness.
“The Government has put in place all mechanisms to ensure that this year’s examinations proceed smoothly without any challenges.
“We want to give confidence to parents, pupils and stakeholders that we are ready. As far as ZIMSEC is concerned, we are more than ready. All the required equipment is in place and we want to make sure that we have uninterrupted examinations,” he said.
Examination materials will be dispatched to cluster centres across the country, where they will be stored under tight security until the morning of the exams.
Police and other security agencies will guard the centres, while school heads’ associations and district education offices have been mobilized to coordinate logistics.
According to Byo24, these efforts are part of a broader strategy to reinforce trust in the national examination system.
Dr Moyo noted that no paper leakages have been recorded since 2023, attributing the success to strengthened protocols.
He also revealed that the Government is drafting the Zimbabwe School Examinations Amendment Bill, which will introduce custodial sentences for individuals found guilty of leaking exam papers.
“Regarding exam leakages, since 2023, we have never experienced any leakage. We are actually working on the Zimbabwe School Examinations Amendment Bill, which will criminalise exam leakage.
“Anyone who participates in the leakage will be given a custodial sentence. So there won’t be any fines,” he said.
In addition to securing the examination process, the ministry is optimistic about academic performance.
Dr Moyo projected a pass rate of over 55 percent this year—an improvement from last year’s 49 percent.
“This year we are expecting more than 55 percent pass rate, which is six percent higher than last year’s 49 percent,” he said.
The minister concluded by stressing that the shift from administrative penalties to criminal charges marks a decisive stance against malpractice.
“We are confident that this year’s exams will run without disruption, and we expect improved results across the board,” he added.
