Thursday, 10 September 2026

Basic Education says the plan to bring back roughly 140 affected Zimbabwean Grade 12 learners remains under consideration, requiring input from immigration authorities, Umalusi and the minister.

Learners without identity documents may use an affidavit, while teachers can attest to identities; exams must be written at Umalusi-accredited South African centres, not in Zimbabwe.

The department urged affected learners to register promptly, warning that late registration falls outside NSC rules and becomes difficult for Umalusi to condone.

A study across 60 public schools found only 29% believed appointments followed national policy, while 72% said political or personal affiliations influenced teacher appointments.

Researchers called for mandatory training and stronger accountability for school governing bodies, unions and education officials involved in teacher recruitment to curb patronage, bribery and nepotism.