Zimbabwe Ministry of Education: Reaffirms BEAM Arrears School Exclusion Ban

• Zimbabwe's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has prohibited schools from sending learners home over unpaid BEAM fees.
• Cumulative BEAM arrears have reached over US$292 million since 2023 due to limited government fiscal space.
• Minister Torerayi Moyo confirmed government action against schools that violated the policy, which protects a student's right to education.
• Treasury has released ZiG84,876,800 for partial arrears clearance and committed to settling the remaining balance by year-end.
• While special schools are fully paid, mainstream schools still contend with arrears dating back to 2023, despite the growing number of BEAM beneficiaries.

Minister Moyo unequivocally stated that government policy strictly forbids schools from excluding learners over unpaid fees, emphasizing that such actions constitute a violation of a student's fundamental right to education.

Zimbabwe's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has reiterated a firm directive prohibiting schools from excluding learners due to unpaid fees under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) program. This comes as the nation grapples with a significant accumulation of BEAM arrears, which have now surpassed US$292 million.

Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mercy Dinha, recently informed Parliament that these substantial arrears have been accruing since 2023, primarily due to constraints in the national fiscal space. In 2023, the BEAM program supported 1,856,996 beneficiaries, yet US$62,583,089 remained outstanding. The following year, 2024, saw 1,261,140 beneficiaries, contributing an additional US$117,766,325.08 to the arrears. By 2025, with 950,192 beneficiaries, a further US$112,142,942 in fees, levies, and examination fees became outstanding, bringing the total cumulative debt to US$292,492,316.46.

The issue of unpaid BEAM funds and their impact on students has drawn considerable attention from Members of Parliament. ZANU PF Chief Whip and Gutu South MP, Pupurai Togarepi, highlighted a concerning trend in his constituency, reporting that some schools were sending home between 70 and 80 percent of learners who rely on BEAM support. He questioned the fairness of learners bearing the consequences of the government's failure to disburse funds to schools, particularly when these institutions are state-run.

The matter was subsequently referred to Torerayi Moyo, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Zimbabwe. Minister Moyo unequivocally stated that government policy strictly forbids schools from excluding learners over unpaid fees, emphasizing that such actions constitute a violation of a student's fundamental right to education. He acknowledged that some schools had indeed been turning learners away and confirmed that the government had taken corrective measures against institutions found to be non-compliant. Minister Moyo also indicated his intention to issue another statement before the commencement of the third term, aiming to reinforce this crucial Zimbabwe school fees arrears directive.

The government's stance underscores a critical legal and ethical commitment to ensuring access to education, irrespective of financial status. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Zimbabwe is actively working to enforce the ban on school exclusions, recognizing the profound impact that such actions have on the educational trajectory of vulnerable students. The repeated directives and the Minister's commitment to further communication highlight the government's resolve to uphold the BEAM program student right to education.

This firm position means that schools and their legal counsel in Zimbabwe must be fully aware of the reinforced directive prohibiting the exclusion of learners due to outstanding BEAM fees. Non-compliance risks violating the fundamental right to education and could lead to government action against institutions that disregard this policy. The government's proactive measures against offending schools serve as a clear warning that the policy is not merely advisory but mandatory.

Despite the significant arrears, the Treasury has begun to address the outstanding payments. In 2026, ZiG84,876,800 was released, partially clearing arrears owed to both mainstream and special schools. An additional ZiG10 million was specifically allocated to cover examination fee arrears with the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC). The Treasury has also committed to releasing further funds to settle the remaining outstanding balance, with the government anticipating that full funding will be available to clear all arrears before the end of the current year.

However, disparities in payment status persist across different types of educational institutions. MP Angeline Gata informed Parliament that special schools, which cater to learners with disabilities, had received full payment for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025. In contrast, mainstream schools continue to face outstanding arrears dating back to 2023. The growing number of BEAM beneficiaries, which has now reached approximately five million, further intensifies the financial pressure on the program, underscoring the ongoing challenge of adequately funding this vital educational support initiative.

Schools and their legal counsel in Zimbabwe must be aware of the government's reinforced directive prohibiting the exclusion of learners due to outstanding BEAM fees. Non-compliance risks violating the fundamental right to education and could lead to government action against institutions that disregard this policy.

Source: Original reporting via local media