Unisa clarifies it did not award an honorary PhD to Zimbabwean ‘prophet’
Unisa has refuted claims that it conferred an honorary doctorate in theology to Zimbabwean self-proclaimed prophet Walter Magaya.
Unisa denies claims that Zimbabwean self-proclaimed prophet Walter Magaya is a graduate or alumnus.
In a video circulating on social media, Magaya alleged that he received an honorary doctorate in theology from the institution.
UNISA SETS RECORD STRAIGHT ON ZIM FAKE PROPHET’S PHD
Earlier this month, Magaya’s National Diploma in Marketing, which he alleged was issued by Unisa in 2015, came under scrutiny after he submitted it to the High Court of Zimbabwe to challenge his disqualification from running for the position of ZIFA president.
He was reportedly barred from the race for not possessing the required five O’ Level passes but argued that ZIFA’s rules allowed for “any equivalent educational level.” As evidence, he presented the National Diploma.
In response to a query about the authenticity of the information circulating on social media, the university confirmed that its system could not find any record showing that Magaya was ever registered or graduated with Unisa.
This effectively means that Unisa does not have Magaya either as a student or a graduate. As a result, any certificate/s he produces that he claims to be from Unisa is/are therefore fraudulent.
The university said it also came across a video clip on social media in which Magaya claims to have received an honorary doctorate from Unisa.
“The university has never conferred any honorary doctorate on Mr. Magaya and strongly condemns this false claim,” the university said.
Additionally, Unisa said it believes that conduct of this nature damages and brings its brand into disrepute, and it reserves the right to take appropriate corrective action.
“Relevant authorities within the university have therefore been requested to take the necessary legal action in this regard,” Unisa added.