By A Correspondent
In a controversial display at the University of Zimbabwe’s recent graduation ceremony, Dexter Nduna, the former MP for Chegutu West and current Zanu-PF central committee chair, appeared in full academic regalia despite not having graduated.
The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about integrity and accountability within Zimbabwe’s political and educational institutions.
Nduna, who failed several modules in his law degree program, was not listed among the graduates and has not received a transcript or certificate.
Reports indicate that he requested a remark of his academic performance, alleging political bias in his evaluations, but this request was denied.
Despite this, he paid the ceremony fee and attended the graduation as a spectator, creating a spectacle that many viewed as misleading.
A senior law lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, who spoke on condition of anonymity, criticized Nduna’s actions.
“His attendance was nothing but theatrics, an attempt to mislead the public about his academic standing,” the lecturer stated.
“To show up at a graduation when you have not completed your degree is a disservice to genuine graduates and undermines the integrity of the institution.”
The lecturer’s comments highlight the absurdity of Nduna’s claims of political discrimination, especially considering that fellow Zanu-PF member Tafadzwa Mugwadi successfully graduated on the same day. “If there was political bias, one would expect that it would affect all party members equally. His claims lack credibility when juxtaposed with Mugwadi’s achievements,” the lecturer added.
Nduna’s actions not only reflect poorly on him but also raise broader concerns about the ethical standards expected of political leaders.
The university’s reputation is at stake as well, as incidents like this can tarnish the credibility of academic qualifications and the institution itself.
As the public and media scrutinize this incident, it becomes clear that accountability must be upheld in both political and educational realms.
The senior lecturer concluded, “We must demand higher standards from our leaders and protect the sanctity of our educational institutions. Anything less is unacceptable.”
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the need for transparent processes within both academia and politics in Zimbabwe.