By Itai Mazire
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Zimbabwe has been gripped by shock and despair following disturbing revelations that scores of candidates enrolled in illegal and unregistered private schools, who are sitting for Zimsec Grade 7 and Ordinary Level examinations, risk being barred from writing their final papers.
Zimsec examinations for both primary and secondary candidates commenced on 22 September 2025. Since the beginning, government—through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education—has consistently urged parents nationwide to enroll their children in registered schools.
Over the years, “dummy schools” have mushroomed across the country. The majority of these so-called schools do not have examination centres, proper learning environments, teaching materials, or qualified teachers. Government has made strides in shutting down such illegal institutions during the same period.
Primary and Secondary Education Communications Officer, Mr. Taungana Ndoro, told Hurumende News that the issue had been brought to the ministry’s attention since the commencement of the exams.
“While the examination process within our registered centres is a model of efficiency, our main concern lies with the operations of illegal and unregistered private schools. We have noted with concern that some learners from these unregistered institutions face the risk of being unable to write their examinations due to improper registration. This is an unfortunate and preventable situation,” said Mr. Ndoro.
He issued a strong call on behalf of the ministry, urging parents and guardians to avoid enrolling their children in illegal schools.
“It is a grave disservice to allow a child to write a public examination at an institution that is not recognised by the ministry. We urge utmost vigilance during the school selection and registration process. Before enrolling your child for any public examination, especially those administered by Zimsec, you must verify that the school is fully registered with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Ensuring this protects your child’s future and hard work,” he said.
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Source – Hurumende News Hub
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