Mahere Challenges Minister Of Education To Act On US$98 Million BEAM Arrears

Former Mt Pleasant MP Fadzayi Mahere has called on Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo to address the US$98 million owed to schools through the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM).

BEAM is a government programme that covers school fees for vulnerable children who cannot afford them. It supports orphans, child-headed households, and children from low-income families, ensuring they can access primary and secondary education.

During the presentation of the 2026 National Budget last Thursday, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube revealed that schools are now owed US$98 million in BEAM funds.

Mahere described the failure to release these funds as “irresponsible,” saying the government’s neglect is crippling schools and making it nearly impossible for them to provide quality education. She said:

“Paying what you owe is not optional. It’s a must. It is irresponsible to allow arrears of this nature to go unsettled for three years. Please do the right thing.”

In response, Minister Moyo said that BEAM falls under the Ministry of Public Service as a social service, suggesting it is not his responsibility to press Treasury to release the funds.

However, Mahere, known for using social media to hold public officials accountable, was having none of it. She said:

“The affected schools and students fall under your Ministry. Can you realistically bury your head in the sand and ascribe the problem to someone else?

“Are you not concerned about the adverse consequences of these schools being incapacitated due to a lack of funding and resources?

“What explanation is being given for this irresponsible failure to pay school fees for BEAM beneficiaries?

“What is the Ministry of Primary Education doing to avert this crisis, or have you shirked all responsibility because the Fund is administered by another Ministry? What are you doing to ensure a solution is arrived at?

“I am aware that, in 2024, the portfolio committee on Budget, Finance and Economic Development recommended that the administration of BEAM be transferred away from the Ministry of Public Service to your Ministry to reduce bureaucracy.

“Have you taken any steps to ensure this recommendation is implemented?”

Related:

Rights, Rhetoric, And The State’s Responsibility: A Response To The Minister Of Education’s Utterances BEAM arrears soar past US$292 million but government orders schools not to send learners home