KEY POINTS
- ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera is under fire for dubious PhD claims.
- She insists she is still working on her doctorate at MSU.
- Critics challenge her academic record and use of the “Dr.” title.
Information and Communication Technology Minister Tatenda Mavetera is under fire over allegations that her academic qualifications, particularly her claimed PhD, are fraudulent.
The controversy was sparked by investigative platform Dug Up, led by UK-based Zimbabwean journalist Maynard Manyowa, which exposed inconsistencies in her educational background.
The debate gained momentum on X (formerly Twitter), where users questioned Mavetera’s credibility. Responding to allegations that she holds a revoked PhD, she insisted that she is still in the early stages of earning one from Midlands State University (MSU).
She stated that she completed her coursework two years ago and is now working on her proposal.
However, critics, including lawyer and former MP Fadzayi Mahere, challenged her timeline, questioning how she plans to finish a doctorate in just nine months after being stuck at the proposal stage for six years.
Minister struggles to defend her PhD claims
Under pressure from critics, Mavetera blamed delays on the impact of COVID-19 and administrative issues at MSU. “We started with two years of taught courses, and proposal presentation effectively began last year,” she explained. However, her response only fueled more skepticism.
Mahere pressed further, demanding clarity on how Mavetera gained admission to MSU’s PhD program without a complete research proposal. She also pointed out that Mavetera’s LinkedIn profile stated she would finish her PhD by November 2025, raising further doubts.
Allegations also surfaced that Mavetera paid an academic in Mutare to complete her PhD work for her—an accusation she strongly denied. “I don’t even know this person. How would they be communicating with my supervisor? Which institution would allow that?” she countered.
Additionally, questions were raised about whether Mavetera even met the minimum university entry requirements, as some critics claimed she lacked five Ordinary Level subjects.
According to New Zimbabwe, she dismissed these accusations, citing her past leadership roles at Women’s University and MSU, where she pursued a master’s degree in strategic marketing.
Use of ‘Dr.’ title raises further controversy
One of the most contentious issues is Mavetera’s continued use of the “Dr.” title. Mahere directly confronted her, asking why her ministry still referred to her as “Dr.” when her previous honorary doctorate had been revoked by the High Court of Zimbabwe in 2023.
In 2022, Mavetera proudly announced she had received a “Doctorate of Humane Letters” from the International Institute of Philanthropy (IIP).
However, the court ruled that the IIP degrees were not valid, and all awards were withdrawn. Despite this, Mavetera’s official documents and government communications continued to refer to her as “Dr.”
Mavetera is not the only high-profile figure caught in an academic scandal. Earlier this year, Zanu PF’s Chegutu West MP Shackmore Wellington Timburwa was exposed for falsely claiming to hold a PhD in International Relations from the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Similarly, Prophet Walter Magaya, a Zanu PF supporter and former Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential hopeful, was found to have falsely claimed a degree from UNISA while failing to produce even an O-Level certificate.
As public scrutiny intensifies, Mavetera faces mounting pressure to clear her name and provide verifiable proof of her academic qualifications.
