Magrade 7 Onyoreswa Bepa RisiriroConfusion rocked Gudyanga Primary School in Chimanimani District last Friday when Grade 7 pupils were mistakenly handed the wrong examination paper.
Instead of sitting for their scheduled Agriculture, Science and Technology paper, the pupils received the Physical Education and Arts paper — which they were meant to write the following Monday.The blunder, which occurred on September 29, 2025, caused brief chaos in the examination room as invigilators and learners realised the error. According to sources who spoke to The Masvingo Mirror, the paper had already been distributed to candidates, and they were moments away from writing when it was hastily withdrawn.
Although the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) has in recent years tried to tighten its systems to prevent exam irregularities, mix-ups, leakages, and administrative blunders continue to haunt the institution — often leading to court cases and costly re-sits.
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ZIMSEC public relations manager, Nicky Dhlamini, confirmed the incident but denied that the pupils had actually written or seen the contents of the paper.
“We did receive information that the Monday paper was opened on Friday. It is important to note that the paper was not issued to candidates at all. ZIMSEC officials were alerted and they went to the school. The PED and the DSI also went there. The opened paper was retrieved and there was no prejudice to the exam,” said Dhlamini.
Chimanimani District Schools Inspector (DSI) Elsie Muyocha referred questions to Provincial Education Director (PED) Richard Gabaza, who could not be reached for comment.
