Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, Tatenda Mavetera, is facing damning allegations of academic fraud and deception after it emerged that she paid a Mutare-based academic to complete her PhD on her behalf. In addition, she continues to falsely present herself as Dr. Tatenda Mavetera, despite obtaining a bogus honorary doctorate from a discredited institution.
A Fake PhD, a Bought Degree, and a Web of Deception
Mavetera, who has long sought to project an image of academic excellence, reportedly hired an academic in Mutare to write and submit her PhD work at Midlands State University (MSU). Disturbingly, this arrangement was allegedly known to her MSU supervisor, raising serious questions about the integrity of the university’s oversight processes.
Despite these allegations, Mavetera has continued to fraudulently use the title Doctor in government communications, official events, and public appearances. The website for the Ministry of ICT still lists her as Dr. Tatenda Mavetera, a title she has no legal or academic right to claim.
Veiled Threats and Police Reports
When confronted with these allegations, Mavetera did not attempt to clarify her credentials but instead responded with veiled threats. On February 19, 2025, journalist Maynard Manyowa—who was investigating the case—received threats from Mavetera, implying she “knew where to find him.”
These threats have since been reported to Derbyshire Police under crime reference number 612-190225. Complaints have also been lodged with the National Union of Journalists, MISA Zimbabwe, and the Committee to Protect Journalists. A separate police report is expected to be made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
Bogus Honorary Doctorate from a Discredited Institution
Mavetera’s fraudulent academic claims extend beyond her PhD scandal. On October 29, 2022, she proudly announced that she had received a Doctorate of Humane Letters from the so-called International Women’s University (IWU). This institution has no credibility and is not to be confused with the legitimate Women’s University in Africa.
At the heart of this scam is Enrico Mangono Sibanda, who has established multiple bogus academic institutions to sell fake honorary doctorates. His fraudulent entities include:
- International Institution of Philanthropy (IIP)
- Philanthropy Institute of Zimbabwe (PIZ)
- Women’s Institute of Leadership (WILA)
- Women’s Heritage Society World Organisation (WHSWO)
- Maverick Institute of Leadership (MIL)
Sibanda’s network was banned from awarding honorary degrees in 2024 under High Court of Zimbabwe Case No. HCH1469/24 (July 31, 2024). The ruling explicitly revoked all degrees issued by these institutions and prohibited their use in any official capacity. Despite this, Mavetera continues to fraudulently use the title “Dr.” in government affairs.
MSU and the Ghostwriter Scandal
Investigations into Mavetera’s academic record uncovered that while she is officially enrolled in a PhD program at Midlands State University, her studies have been outsourced to a ghostwriter. This individual, based in Mutare, reportedly handled her research, thesis work, and even interacted directly with her MSU supervisor, amounting to academic fraud.
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Although MSU confirmed that Mavetera is enrolled in their Doctor of Business Leadership program, they refused to answer direct questions about the allegations of ghostwriting and supervisor collusion. In response to media enquiries, MSU merely stated:
“Midlands State University (MSU) acknowledges that according to its records, Tatenda Mavetera is a registered student pursuing Doctor of Business Leadership studies. She was enrolled after having satisfied the institution’s enrolment criteria.”
The university did not clarify whether it would investigate Mavetera’s use of a ghostwriter or take any action regarding her fraudulent honorary doctorate.
A Pattern of Fraud: From Fake Degrees to Fake Titles
Mavetera’s fraudulent use of the IIP honorary doctorate directly violates the 2024 High Court ruling. Despite this, she continues to appear at government functions, summits, and media engagements as Dr. Mavetera.
For instance, in Innovation Week 2025, an event sponsored by the Zimbabwe Youth Council and the Government of Zimbabwe, she was officially introduced as Dr. Tatenda Mavetera—a full seven months after the court banned the use of these fake titles.
The Ministry of ICT website also continues to list her as Dr. Mavetera, despite the ruling prohibiting such misrepresentation.
Who is Enrico Sibanda? The Mastermind Behind the Fake Degrees
Enrico Mangono Sibanda, also known as Enrico Maverick, is the mastermind behind the fake IIP honorary doctorate scheme. His criminal history includes:
- Serving time at WhaWha Prison in Midlands Province for cellphone theft and housebreaking
- Fraud charges for swindling hotels and businesses of over $5,900
- Booking events at Crowne Plaza Hotel and failing to pay ($3,000 loss)
- Defrauding Mega Fest Holdings of $2,000
Prominent figures, like former ZIMRA Commissioner-General Gershem Pasi and musician Mudiwa Hood, have publicly rejected the IIP honorary degrees, recognising them as fraudulent.
What Happens Next?
Mavetera’s scandal has raised serious concerns about academic integrity, fraud, and corruption within Zimbabwe’s government and university system.
With Midlands State University refusing to comment on the ghostwriting allegations and Mavetera continuing to use a fraudulent title, it remains to be seen whether authorities will take action.
Meanwhile, investigative journalists and watchdog groups continue to pressure government institutions to address the issue.
A Minister with a Fake Doctorate Cannot Be Trusted
Tatenda Mavetera’s deception is not just about personal ambition—it is about trust, integrity, and accountability in public office. A minister who falsifies academic achievements, hires ghostwriters for her PhD, and continues to use a fake title despite a court ruling is unfit to serve in government.
As this scandal unfolds, the key question remains: Will Zimbabwean authorities act, or will yet another fraud be swept under the rug?
