Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced a government audit of the Basic Education Assistance Module, or BEAM. He stated that the Cabinet ordered the probe after finding evidence of manipulation. Influential people are allegedly exploiting the program, getting benefits meant for vulnerable students. This leaves the actual poor kids without needed support.
The audit will pause all new program actions. Ncube explained that the identification process for needy learners is totally broken. Preliminary info shows the assistance is not reaching the right children. MP Supa Mandiwanzira added that schools have not seen any BEAM cash for three years, despite budgets. This is wrecking school operations that depend on the funding.
MP Clemence Chiduwa noted the budget allocation for BEAM actually doubled recently. He argued the real issue involves the total lack of timely disbursements to schools. The planned audit will also target flaws in the BEAM information system, which reportedly created ghost beneficiaries. Mandiwanzira suggested sending funds directly to the education ministry to fix the delivery problem.
The audit will pause all new program actions. Ncube explained that the identification process for needy learners is totally broken. Preliminary info shows the assistance is not reaching the right children. MP Supa Mandiwanzira added that schools have not seen any BEAM cash for three years, despite budgets. This is wrecking school operations that depend on the funding.
MP Clemence Chiduwa noted the budget allocation for BEAM actually doubled recently. He argued the real issue involves the total lack of timely disbursements to schools. The planned audit will also target flaws in the BEAM information system, which reportedly created ghost beneficiaries. Mandiwanzira suggested sending funds directly to the education ministry to fix the delivery problem.
