The Better Schools Programme Zimbabwe (BSPZ), which collects millions of dollars annually from parents under the guise of improving education, has been exposed as both a scam and an illegal operation, according to a damning government audit.
A recent audit conducted by the Director of Internal Audit in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education revealed that the BSPZ is operating without the legal approval of either the Ministry of Finance or the Parliament of Zimbabwe, a direct violation of the Public Finance Management Act and Treasury Instructions under the Public Service Management framework.
“BSPZ is not a legally recognised entity for the collection or handling of public funds,” the audit report states. “No public officer is authorised to collect or use funds from such an unauthorised facility.”
The report further alleges widespread financial abuse and misappropriation within the programme, stating that the governance systems in place are “woefully inadequate.” The audit was triggered by allegations of corruption against Masvingo Provincial Education Director Shyllate Mhike.
Auditors found that Mhike, along with her finance director Liniah Chinoda, had claimed funds from the BSPZ under what the report described as “false pretences.” The audit has since recommended that both officials repay the amounts they improperly accessed.
A source within the Ministry said: “The BSPZ is operating illegally across all provinces. It does not comply with statutory financial regulations, and yet millions are being siphoned from parents in its name.”
The findings have ignited public outrage, with critics accusing the Mnangagwa administration of turning a blind eye while parents are fleeced under the pretext of education reform.
Despite collecting vast sums from struggling families, there has been little transparency or evidence of improvement in schools.
Many question where the money has gone and why the government has allowed such a scheme to continue unchecked.
As the scandal unfolds, calls are growing for criminal investigations and the complete shutdown of the BSPZ until it complies with national laws. Meanwhile, the silence from senior government officials has only fueled suspicions of a broader cover-up.
Source: Zimeye
