DEPUTY Finance Minister Kudakwashe Mnangagwa says his ministry will investigate “a bureaucratic loophole” stalling payments towards the Better Education Assistance Module (BEAM) targeting underprivileged learners across the country.
Mnangagwa’s purported investigations have been caused by reports that the BEAM disbursements for vulnerable school children have not been coming consistently thereby denying beneficiaries access to quality education.
Responding to Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator Gladys Hlatswayo’s query last Wednesday during the Question-and-Answer session in the National Assembly, the finance deputy told acting Speaker Maunganidze that his ministry was going to probe why the BEAM allocations were not being paid timeously, resulting in leaners being affected.
“One of the reasons, or one of the factors, that is affecting quality education and access to quality education in our country is the issue of BEAM payments,” Hlatswayo asked.
“I wanted to find out from the Hon. Minister what the situation is because previously, we were having challenges around payment of BEAM and it was affecting the quality of education, especially in the rural schools.
“What is the situation pertaining to BEAM payment, have the payments been made?
Education minister Torerai Moyo attempted to respond to the question, but Hlatswayo was not satisfied with the feedback.
“The students who are under the BEAM facility must never, ever be disadvantaged. We have our circulars; we state that no child must be turned away from school regardless of the fact that he or she has paid or not.
“I am aware that some schools are owed some monies dating back to two years or so, but we are saying, the government will eventually pay. As of now, we are saying schools should allow those students to remain in school and should not be turned away,” Moyo said.
Hlatswayo felt minister Moyo did not get her question well.
“I just wanted to clarify my question because I think the minister did not get it well.
 “I am talking about access, not just to education but to quality education. Yes, I do understand that it is Government policy that children will not be kicked out of school but the reality is that these schools have to develop the infrastructure, they have to buy books and all the necessary infrastructure that is needed to ensure quality education.
“So, this is what I am asking the Minister to respond to, which is why BEAM payments are important, to make sure that the quality of the education becomes a reality,” Hlatswayo added.
Moyo told Maunganidze that some schools in the first term of 2026, had received BEAM funding but it was not sufficient.
“The government will make every effort to make the payments required for BEAM funds but I think the Hon. Minister of Finance may want to clarify that point, as they are in charge of the national cake,” said Moyo before Mnangagwa clarified the reasons for BEAM payment delays.
Said Mnangagwa: “The Hon. Minister is correct that BEAM financing is administered through the Ministry of Public Service and Social Welfare and is funded by the Finance ministry.
“We have previously explained to the House that there is a bureaucratic loop in this process. I was under the impression that this loop had been resolved and that BEAM payments are up to date.
“However, if they are not, it indicates that something is not functioning as it should.”
Further, Mnangagwa highlighted that the Primary and Secondary Education ministry had established a committee co-chaired by him, the Primary and Secondary Education deputy minister and representatives from the Public Service to monitor any outstanding payments and issues related to the three ministries involved.
“I will need to follow up on this matter,” Mnangagwa said.
