by Mirinda Mazino

The Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) has issued a stern warning against schools and examination centres demanding examination fees in cash, revealing that the council does not receive cash payments but, the money is deposited directly into the council’s bank account.

In the press statement released by ZIMSEC, the council puts it on record that it does not demand cash from schools or examination centres, hence, those involved in this practice should stop it forthwith.

“It has come to our attention that there are some schools/centres demanding payment for the ZIMSEC examination fees from parents in cash only. Please be advised that the council does not under any circumstances accept examination fees directly from the candidate.

“All payments must be made through an examination centre. ZIMSEC does not demand or receive cash payments from any examination centre. Payments are deposited directly into our bank account from the centre/ school account,” highlighted the statement.

ZIMSEC urged parents to report centres demanding cash to the responsible authorities.

“This statement has been necessitated by the increase of reported cases of centres demanding cash and we hereby encourage parents, guardians and candidates to report any cases of this practise promptly to the relevant authority which is the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and ZIMSEC.

The council stressed that they were committed to supporting Government and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ)’s initiative to promote a cashless society.

“The Government and RBZ have been at the forefront encouraging a move to a cashless society, a move fully supported by ZIMSEC,” said the statement.

In a move meant to cushion learners, Government pledged to subsidise the 2020 Grade 7 (all subjects), Ordinary Level (7 subjects) and Advanced Level (3 subjects) examination fees by 53% for candidates in public schools, Local Authority Schools and Not-For-Profit Mission Schools.