Tatenda Mavetera, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal, and Courier Services, is embroiled in controversy over her academic qualifications.
Recent investigations by DugUp have suggested that she hired an academic from Mutare to write her PhD thesis, potentially with the complicity of her supervisor at Midlands State University (MSU).
The situation is further complicated by Mavetera’s use of the title “Doctor,” despite lacking a formally recognized PhD. In October 2022, she announced receiving a Doctorate of Humane Letters from the International Women’s University (IWU), which is affiliated with the now-defunct IIP network.
This has sparked skepticism, particularly in light of a ruling by Zimbabwe’s High Court in 2024, which barred the IIP and its associated organizations from granting academic degrees.
In response to the growing criticism, Mavetera addressed her followers on social media.
When questioned about her use of the “Dr.” title without a legitimate PhD, she clarified, “I received an Honorary degree in October 2022. It is not an academic qualification but an award.”
She asserted that she is currently pursuing her PhD and is already in her third year.
When another user inquired about her thesis, Mavetera confessed, “I will share it once I am finished; I am still at the proposal stage and haven’t yet started chapter 1.” In a different exchange, she assured another follower, “No, I am not claiming to have a fake degree. I am in the early stages and have completed two years of taught coursework. I am now focused on drafting my proposal.”
Nevertheless, her statements on social media appear to contradict her earlier responses to DugUp, during which it was reported that she issued implicit threats to their Lead Producer.
Despite the mounting questions and scrutiny regarding her academic credibility, Mavetera continues to use the “Dr” designation in official communications and public appearances.
