Zimbabwean MP Shacky Timburwa proudly announced he had earned a PhD, claiming it was the result of years of effort and research.
However, the truth revealed otherwise. Instead of earning the degree through legitimate academic work, Timburwa attended a staged ceremony, paid for a gown, posed for photos, and left with a fake title.
The Fake Graduation at UNISA
The University of South Africa (UNISA) hosted a graduation event on November 4, 2023. It appeared legitimate, with gowns and certificates, but the university was not involved. The degrees handed out were fake, sold to people willing to pay for academic prestige. While UNISA quickly distanced itself from the event, Timburwa initially escaped scrutiny.
How Timburwa Was Scammed
Timburwa’s involvement traces back to the pandemic and Isaiah Brian Sovi, a self-proclaimed prophet with a history of promoting fake UNISA degrees. Sovi convinced Timburwa he could obtain a PhD, leading the MP to attend the fake ceremony in South Africa. Timburwa later claimed to have earned the degree through hard work, even posting about his supposed achievement online.
Hide the evidence.
As suspicions arose, Timburwa and his team tried to erase proof of his involvement by deleting posts and videos. However, an associate shared a video of him at the event, and screenshots and archives confirmed his participation.
Continuing the deception.
Even after admitting the scam, Timburwa continued using the title “Dr.” in public appearances and on his website as late as 2025.
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MP Shacky Timburwa
False Law Degree Claims
Timburwa’s Wikipedia page claimed he had a law degree from the University of Zimbabwe, but investigations found no proof. He admitted he was only a student, not a graduate. Timburwa hired a reputation manager to edit his page, which led to the false claim.
Forbes 30 Under 30 Scandal
Timburwa’s inclusion in Forbes Africa’s “30 Under 30” list during the COVID-19 lockdown also came under scrutiny. Reports suggest he paid a curator to secure his spot, casting doubt on the legitimacy of his nomination.
Legal and Public Backlash
Timburwa’s actions have led to calls for investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission. If found to have knowingly used fake credentials for personal or financial gain, he could face legal action.
The Verdict
The evidence against Timburwa includes:
- • There is no record of a PhD from UNISA.
- False claims of a law degree.
- There are allegations that he paid for his Forbes “30 Under 30” recognition.
Despite claiming to be a victim of fraud, Timburwa’s repeated use of fake titles and achievements has severely damaged his credibility. His reputation is now in ruins.
