Government says outstanding obligations under the Basic Education Assistance Module have reached US$98 million, with Treasury planning an independent audit of the programme before it begins clearing the arrears.
The issue was raised in Parliament on Wednesday by Emakhandeni–Luveve MP Collins Discent Bajila, who asked the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to provide plans and timelines for clearing BEAM arrears accumulated between 2017 and 2026.
The response revealed that while the question covered the period from 2017, Government’s current verified obligation primarily relates to 2023 to 2025.
Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion David Mnangagwa said:
“The current stock of outstanding obligations primarily relates to the 2023 to 2025 period, totaling USD98 million.”
The arrears are being addressed under Government’s Expenditure Arrears Clearance Strategy covering 2026 to 2030.
But Treasury says it will not immediately clear the entire amount.
Instead, Government plans to conduct an independent audit of BEAM.
The Deputy Minister said there were concerns over the identification of beneficiaries.
“There are well-grounded concerns that the system for identifying vulnerable beneficiaries is being manipulated by those with influence and leverage.”
He added:
“Preliminary information suggests that a significant portion of the current BEAM beneficiary list may not comprise deserving cases.”
Government said this could mean that some genuinely vulnerable pupils are being left out.
“Many genuinely needy pupils are being excluded.”
The alleged problems with beneficiary identification have therefore become part of the explanation for why Treasury payments have been slow.
The Deputy Minister said Treasury would not rush to clear the arrears until the audit establishes who the legitimate beneficiaries are.
What happens next?
According to Government, the first phase will be an audit during 2026.
The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has already written to the Auditor-General requesting the special audit, while draft terms of reference have been shared with the Auditor-General’s Office.
Government expects the audit to be completed during the 2026 financial year.
The second phase would then involve clearing verified arrears from 2027 to 2030.
Government has classified verified BEAM arrears as a priority category because of their impact on vulnerable children.
But the delay is already being felt by schools.
During the parliamentary discussion, MP Sikhululekile Nyathi questioned the pace of the process.
“This exercise is taking too long and affecting schools.”
Nyathi said MPs were returning to their constituencies and hearing directly from schools about the money they were owed.
“Schools are suffering because the exercise is taking too long and there does not seem to be any conclusion on this exercise.”