Education Minister Refutes Social-Media Claims of 100% ZIMSEC Fee Hike for 2026

Education Minister Torerayi Moyo dismisses viral claims of a 100% ZIMSEC exam-fee hike for 2026 (image source)

Harare — Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo has publicly dismissed viral social-media reports claiming that the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) increased public examination fees for 2026 by 100 percent. In a statement issued today, Minister Moyo said fees for Grade 7, Form 4 and Form 6 public examinations scheduled for November 2026 remain unchanged from 2025 and that the government’s 55 percent subsidy for eligible candidates is still in place.

“I wish to inform the nation that the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council examination fees for 2026 have not been increased by 100% as purported on social media. It is a fabrication,” Minister Moyo said, urging the public to rely on official channels for accurate information. He clarified that the subsidy arrangement, which reduces the cost burden for candidates in government schools, has been maintained and that fees have not changed over the past five years.

The minister also addressed confusion surrounding the June 2026 examination window, noting that candidates sitting those exams are typically private or repeat candidates and therefore do not qualify for the 55 percent government subsidy. “Candidates sitting the June public examinations will not qualify for the 55% government subsidy, as most are private or repeat candidates and do not fall within the scheme’s eligibility criteria,” he explained.

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Education stakeholders welcomed the clarification but urged ZIMSEC and the ministry to improve communication to prevent misinformation from spreading. School administrators said clear, timely notices are essential to reassure parents and learners and to allow schools to plan for payments and logistics. Parent-teacher associations called for continued transparency on fee structures and for targeted support to vulnerable families.

The minister’s statement follows a period of heightened public sensitivity about education costs, with some communities reporting difficulties meeting school and examination fees. While the government’s subsidy reduces the direct cost for many candidates, education advocates say broader measures — including targeted bursaries and strengthened social-protection mechanisms — are needed to ensure equitable access to examinations and to reduce dropout risks.

ZIMSEC has not issued a separate statement at the time of publication. The ministry encouraged members of the public to consult official ministry and ZIMSEC channels for authoritative updates and to report misleading posts to platform administrators.