HON. T. MOYO:  My question is directed to the Hon. Minister of Primary and Secondary Education.  In his absence, I will direct the question to the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education.  My question is that in view of the decline in the pass rate of Grade 7 district examinations for 2020 which saw a decline from 46.9% in 2019 to 27.1% in 2020, what is Government policy towards the students and schools that performed dismally in the Grade 7 examinations?  Should they proceed to Form 1 or should they be given a chance to rewrite the examinations and what happens to the schools that performed 0% during the Grade 7 examinations?  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.

          THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE (HON. KAZEMBE): Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to sincerely thank the Hon. Member for such a pertinent question. 

          Yes, indeed, the pass rate that we witnessed this time around is very worrisome in any language.  The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is seized with the matter.  They are actually investigating to find out exactly what transpired and a decision will be made – it is indeed worrisome Mr. Speaker Sir.  I thank you.

Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir, as I mentioned earlier that Government is equally worried and disturbed – investigations are on going to establish the reasons why this happened and that will then inform decisions going forward.  I thank you Mr. Speaker.