The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Amendment Bill and the Tourism Amendment Bill are now set for consideration in the Senate after sailing through the National Assembly last week, marking significant progress in Government’s legislative reform agenda.
Both Bills received approval from the Parliamentary Legal Committee following the adoption of additional amendments during the Committee Stage, a phase where MPs analyse each clause in detail.
The Zimsec Amendment Bill seeks to tighten examination security and curb widespread malpractices such as paper leakages, impersonation and document forgery. The Tourism Amendment Bill aims to establish a standalone Tourism Fund as Zimbabwe works toward building a US$5 billion tourism industry.
Senate President Mabel Chinomona confirmed receipt of the two Bills.
“I have to inform the Senate that I have received the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Amendment Bill (H. B. 4A, 2025) and the Tourism Bill (H. B. 7A, 2025) from the National Assembly,” she said.
Debate in the National Assembly saw legislators adopt tougher penalties aimed at eliminating examination fraud. MPs agreed to increase the maximum penalty for exam malpractice from two years to five years, reflecting growing concern over the integrity of the education system.
An additional clause was inserted to allow any aggrieved candidate or examination centre to appeal adverse decisions including deregistration to the responsible minister.
During the Committee Stage, legislators approved a proposal by Kuwadzana Member of Parliament Chalton Hwende to raise penalties from Level 7 to the maximum Level 14 on the standard scale.
Level 14 carries a fine, a five-year prison term, or both, whereas Level 7 provides for a maximum sentence of two years.
Hwende proposed that Clause 8 be amended to toughen penalties across a range of offences, including impersonating candidates, unlawful possession of examination materials, and forging results. He noted that the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerai Moyo, had initially proposed Level 7, but argued the gravity of the offences demanded stronger deterrents.
Proportional Representation MP for Harare Metropolitan, Ellen Shiriyedenga, also successfully moved amendments allowing institutions or individuals aggrieved by Zimsec board decisions to appeal to the responsible minister.
She observed that the original Bill did not provide an appeal mechanism for decisions such as denial of registration, registration scope, or cancellation of registration as an examination centre.
On the Tourism Amendment Bill, the National Assembly adopted the creation of a standalone Tourism Fund after a robust debate. Some MPs argued the Fund should fall under the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, while others felt it needed to operate independently given that the ZTA would also be a beneficiary.
The Bill is expected to enhance funding transparency, strengthen tourism development initiatives, and support the sector’s drive toward becoming a multi-billion-dollar industry.
Both Bills now await Senate deliberation, marking the next crucial step before they can be enacted into law.
