By Munacho Gwamanda-Shackmore Wellington Timburwa, the Zanu PF Member of Parliament for Chegutu West, has been exposed for fraudulently claiming a doctoral degree.
Timburwa, who goes by the name Shacky Timburwa, staged a fake graduation ceremony in 2023, where he posed in academic regalia and declared himself a PhD graduate.
He took to social media, celebrating what he called “the culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and endless research.”
However, investigations have since revealed that his doctorate is entirely fictitious.
An investigative news portal, Dug-Up, exposed Timburwa’s deceit, linking him to a broader scam involving multiple socialites, including a Zimbabwean legislator and Malawian personalities.
On November 4, 2023, the group participated in an elaborate scheme at the University of South Africa (UNISA), receiving counterfeit degrees.
Although they donned graduation gowns and held maroon placards with the word “Graduation,” UNISA later clarified that it had no record of awarding them any degrees.
The entire event was a staged fraud designed to lend an air of legitimacy to their fake academic credentials.
UNISA quickly disowned the Malawian recipients of the fraudulent doctorates, but Timburwa seemingly evaded scrutiny despite attending the same event.
Since then, he has continued to use the title “Dr.” in official engagements, misleading the public and his constituents.
The issue of fake academic credentials has also entangled other high-profile Zimbabweans, including controversial preacher Walter Magaya.
Facing potential jail time for academic fraud, Magaya is being investigated by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) after allegedly submitting a forged UNISA diploma in his bid to contest the ZIFA presidency and in a High Court challenge.
UNISA has categorically denied that Magaya was ever a student or graduate of the institution.
Despite the scandal, Magaya’s loyal followers remain unwavering in their support.
During a recent church service at his Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries in Harare, Magaya broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the solidarity of his congregation.
They erupted into a song, “Siyanai naye Magaya” (“Leave Magaya alone”), demonstrating their allegiance.
While Magaya refrained from addressing the allegations, his followers dismissed the accusations as a smear campaign.
This is not the first time Magaya has faced accusations of fraud.
In 2016, he was arrested for falsely claiming to have discovered a cure for HIV/AIDS, a claim he later retracted under government pressure.
His failed housing project also left thousands of congregants stranded, leading to legal battles. His controversial attempt to enter football administration has only fueled further skepticism about his intentions.
ZACC has since requested documentation from ZIFA and the High Court to verify Magaya’s academic claims.
If convicted of forging qualifications, he could face criminal charges, further damaging his already controversial reputation.
Zimbabwe has seen a surge in individuals, particularly politicians and socialites, seeking honorary or outright fake PhDs to bolster their public image.
The obsession with academic titles reflects deep-seated societal pressures where credentials often translate to power and influence.
While genuine academic achievements require years of rigorous study, some opt for shortcuts, acquiring fraudulent degrees to gain prestige and credibility.