Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE — Grade Seven examinations commenced smoothly across the country this morning, with thousands of candidates sitting for their first papers under tight supervision by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC).
From Mutare to Gweru, Masvingo to Marondera, a survey showed learners arriving early at examination centres, as parents and teachers offered prayers and final encouragement.
In Manicaland, candidates were settled in their classrooms by 7.30am, with no reports of late delivery of examination materials.
Chief Director Education Services Manicaland, Richard Gabaza said the province had recorded a glitch-free start.
“Examinations started well across all districts in Manicaland. Materials were dispatched on time and all centres opened as expected. So far exam papers have been deposited in the centers that they are kept where schools will be collecting them for their candidates. We have not heard of any incidents. We are monitoring to ensure the same smooth conduct throughout the examination period,” he said.
The situation was similar in Masvingo Province, where Chief Director Education Services, Petronella Nyangwe, reported full attendance and calm at most centres.
“We have sent out teams to all centres to monitor the situation. Everything started off well with no challenges and in short I would say for day one, it has been a super kick off and going according to plan,” she said.
In Midlands, authorities said examinations kicked off without incident in both urban and rural schools, including in hard-to-reach areas like Gokwe.
“The examinations have started well across all our districts and we have not yet received any adverse reports. We pray they end well,” said Jameson Machimbira, Chief Director Education Services, Midlands.
In Mashonaland East, candidates in Marondera and surrounding districts began their papers on schedule, with officials praising schools for preparedness.
Nationally, ZIMSEC said it had put in place measures to curb examination malpractices and ensure the integrity of the examinations.
Parents said the preparation period had been emotionally draining.
“I barely slept. My son was revising until midnight and woke up at 4am again. These exams stress the whole family,” said a parent in Mutare.
Teachers in schools around Mutare were confident, saying most learners had covered the syllabus.
The Grade Seven examinations mark the end of primary education and are crucial for Form One placement under the heritage-based education curriculum.
ZIMSEC is expected to release the results before year-end, ahead of the 2027 Form One enrolment exercise.
