The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo, has confirmed the government’s involvement in resolving a dispute between Knowstics Academy and the British Council Zimbabwe, which has led to over 40 students being unable to access their Cambridge O-Level results.
The results were withheld after the school’s previous management failed to pay a total of US$41,272 in exam fees. As the start of Lower Sixth classes approaches next Monday, there are concerns that these students may be at a disadvantage without their results.
In an interview with The Herald, Moyo explained that the government has intervened to help the affected students. He stated:
“I am currently in contact with the judicial manager since the school is under judicial management following its insolvency. My team has been sent to engage both the judicial manager and the school’s directors. We’ve also spoken to the British Council, who indicated that they could release the results only once the outstanding fees are paid. However, this situation is detrimental to our students.”
Knowstics Academy O-Level candidates had registered for an average of 10 subjects, with science subjects costing US$136 each and other subjects priced at US$122.
This issue surfaced shortly after the school was placed under corporate rescue to address operational and reputational concerns. The school hopes the results will be released before Monday, but the British Council has made it clear that they will not release them until the remaining US$22,000 is paid, citing a breach of contract.
Chengetai Mujakachi, the British Council’s regional communications head for Sub-Saharan Africa, explained that Knowstics Academy is in breach of its contract due to the outstanding fee balance. He added:
“Knowstics Academy owes a total of US$22,000 in unpaid examination fees. Despite repeated assurances from the corporate rescuer, the payment has not been made, and no firm commitment has been provided regarding when it will be paid.”
The school’s corporate rescue practitioner, Bhudhama Chikamhi, acknowledged the situation, revealing that the previous management’s mismanagement led to the embezzlement of the exam fees. He stated:
“Unfortunately, around 40 students are still stuck without their O-Level results, which is a problem as they should be preparing for Lower Sixth classes starting next week.”
The school is continuing efforts to negotiate for the release of the results.
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