Twenty-nine schools in Matabeleland North Province recorded a 0 percent rate in the 2017 Zimsec Grade 7 examinations. In 2016 there were 31 schools which recorded the same abysmal pass rate, amid reports that schools in the province are facing various challenges such as lack of equipment and teachers. Matabeleland North deputy director responsible for primary education, Mrs Beatrice Manjere said:
You will realise that most of these schools are satellite schools in resettlement areas particularly in Bubi and Umguza districts and these do not have adequate infrastructure, learning materials and teachers. This really affects the quality of education.
Some classes are combined due to teacher shortages. You will find a teacher taking two classes at once. This is a skill which can only be done by experienced teachers. Some schools require seven teachers but you will find that they have four or five teachers which would then force them to combine teachers.
In 2017 we had a total candidature of 20 291 learners who sat for Grade Seven and our overall pass rate based on units was 37,75 percent and based on subjects was 25, 71 percent. And from our total candidature learners obtaining a total of five points to 30 points from the five subjects were 7 659 which translated to 3 051 boys and 4 608 girls.
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