Zimbabwe diverted BEAM funds to SADC Summit, govt minister admits

ZIMSPHERE 

The Zimbabwean government has admitted to redirecting millions of US dollars intended for the Basic Education Assistance Model (BEAM) programme to fund the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit in August 2024. The Summit, hosted in Zimbabwe, marked President Emmerson Mnangagwa's assumption of the bloc's rotating chairmanship. 

Minister Torerayi Moyo 

Launched in 2001, BEAM was designed by the Zimbabwean government to assist orphans and vulnerable children by covering their school fees. The programme, which operates across all 59 districts of the country, is funded primarily by the government with supplementary support from donors. 

It was introduced to address worsening social conditions, including escalating costs of living, high unemployment, and rising school drop-out rates. BEAM has long been a critical safety net for disadvantaged families, ensuring access to education for children who would otherwise be left behind.

However, the diversion of BEAM funds has thrown the program into disarray, causing significant disruptions for the intended beneficiaries. 

Speaking candidly during a recent event in Mhondoro, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo, acknowledged the adverse effects of the decision, including school drop-outs and poor attendance.  

"I am aware of the unexpected school drop-outs, poor attendance and suffering that was caused when we withhold and delay in effecting payments of BEAM fees countrywide," said Minister Moyo. "We apologise to all beneficiaries and some struggling masses who were shortchanged."  

Minister Moyo confirmed that the funds were redirected to ensure the successful hosting of the SADC Summit, stating, "The money which was supposed to pay fees meant for BEAM was diverted into funding the SADC Summit, and I know you are aware that we successfully hosted the event."  

While acknowledging that the decision was beyond his control, Moyo pledged to avoid repeating such actions in the future. "From now onwards, you will notice that there have been great improvements in terms of educational systems and policies. We assure all beneficiaries that everything is now in order, and we will never shortchange all beneficiaries this time," he stated.  

Moyo expressed his commitment to addressing the damage caused by the diversion of funds. "We heard your plight and worst experience when we failed to pay for their school fees within the normal time frame. We wish to correct and rectify that abnormality and make sure every child gets back to school and fulfils their educational expectations," he said.  

The Minister also hinted at additional support for schools affected by natural disasters, including renovations for blocks damaged by cyclones in Mhondoro. "We will see from the Schools’ improvement grant coffers if we can assist in renovating some blocks affected by cyclones in Mhondoro," he added.  

Turning his attention to Muzavazi Secondary School, Minister Moyo vowed to allocate $5,000 from "complementary funding" to help the institution transition from a satellite school to a fully recognized one.  

He further incentivised academic performance, pledging to organize a celebration for Muzavazi Primary and Secondary (Satellite) Schools if they achieve a 50% pass rate plus 1% over the next three to four examination years. The school’s pass rate has been steadily improving, rising from 12.5% in 2023 to 19% in 2024.