School heads who demand payment of premium teacher incentives, fees and money to purchase buses before they can issue seventh grade results vouchers face arrest and other severe penalties, the government said.
This comes after some learners were denied provisional result slips, nearly a week after Zimsec released the results.
The Herald received numerous calls from angry parents, some admitting they owed the schools, others saying they settled all the fees, but not the incentive money and bus fees.
Some of the schools chosen to withhold result slips are Greater Heights School in Waterfalls, Glen View 5 Primary School and Bamushana Primary School in Mberengwa.
A parent who identified herself as Ms Mokotekwa, with her child who was at Glen View 5 Primary School, reported that she had to pay a US$40 bus tax before receiving the result slip.
Another Greater Heights parent, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration at being asked to pay fees for learners who have already completed their exams.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Mr Taungana Ndoro said schools are not allowed to withhold Zimsec results for any reason.
“Our policy clearly states that no school may withhold Zimsec results. The contractual agreement regarding the examinations is between the candidate and Zimsec, and by handing over the results, Zimsec has fulfilled its obligations,” he said.
“Any school that does not adhere to this policy is therefore in breach of contract. Schools that withhold results risk facing disciplinary action for non-compliance.
“It is essential for educational institutions to maintain the integrity of the examination process and ensure that students receive their results without hindrance. This policy aims to protect the rights of candidates and maintain confidence in the educational system.
Mr. Ndoro added that withholding results not only undermines the integrity of the education system, but also places undue pressure on families who depend on these results for the future of their children.
By denying candidates access to essential documents, school heads are effectively limiting students’ opportunities to progress in their education, Mr Ndoro said.
Meanwhile, Mr Ndoro said school heads caught demanding bribes to offer places in Form One faced arrest.
This comes amid reports that some school heads were demanding up to $500 to offer a place in the first form.
“Heads who are caught soliciting bribes will face imprisonment as part of the government’s commitment to combat corruption within the education system,” he said.
“This strict enforcement aims to deter unethical practices among school leaders and maintain the integrity of the admissions process. By taking a strong stance against bribery, the government seeks to create a more transparent and accountable environment, which benefits all students and their families.”
By holding these individuals accountable, the authorities are sending a clear message that exploiting their positions for personal gain will have dire consequences, Ndoro said.
“The consequences of these actions extend beyond individual punishments; It helps restore confidence between parents and students in the educational system. Ensuring that admission to schools is based on merit and not financial transactions is essential to promoting fairness and equality in education. Herald
