Government Orders Audit After BEAM Abuse Claims Surface
Government has ordered an audit of the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) following revelations that the programme is being manipulated to benefit undeserving pupils, leaving vulnerable children without support.
Cabinet Moves to Probe BEAM Beneficiaries
Speaking during the debate on the Finance Bill linked to the 2026 National Budget, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said Cabinet had resolved to institute an audit after evidence emerged that influential individuals were exploiting the system.
He said concerns had been raised that the process used to identify vulnerable learners was being abused, resulting in assistance going to pupils who did not qualify for support.
“What we are finding is that the system for identifying the vulnerable is being manipulated by those with influence and leverage in various areas,” Prof Ncube told legislators. “This needs to be audited so that we establish who is genuinely vulnerable.”
Poor Learners Missing Out
The Finance Minister said preliminary information suggested that children most in need were failing to benefit from BEAM, prompting government to pause further interventions until the audit is completed.
“It appears those who are truly in need are not benefiting. Therefore, we do not want to rush in without doing this audit work,” he said.
Schools Struggle Amid Funding Gaps
The issue comes amid growing concern over the non-disbursement of BEAM funds to schools, with lawmakers warning that the delays are affecting school operations.
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education, Nyanga South MP Supa Mandiwanzira, said schools had not received BEAM funds for several years, despite budget allocations.
He proposed that BEAM funds be redirected directly to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to reduce transaction costs and ensure payments reach schools.
“In the last three years, there have been no disbursements to schools under BEAM. Redirecting the funds would ensure actual releases,” Mandiwanzira said.
MPs Question Disbursement Despite Increased Allocation
Zaka South MP Clemence Chiduwa acknowledged the increased allocation for BEAM in the 2026 budget but warned that funding means little without timely releases.
The allocation rose from ZWG2.4 billion to ZWG5.58 billion, an increase of more than 100 percent.
“What is critical is not just the allocation but the releases,” Chiduwa said, noting that many schools were struggling because a large proportion of their pupils relied on BEAM support.
He also welcomed plans to address flaws in the BEAM Information Management System, citing concerns over “ghost” and undeserving beneficiaries.
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The post BEAM Under Scrutiny as Cabinet Moves to Probe Abuse of Education Funds appeared first on iHarare News.
