Zimbabwe’s ICT Minister Mavetera exposed for pretending she has a PhD
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Tatenda Mavetera, has come under fire for allegedly misrepresenting her academic qualifications.
Mavetera has been using the title “Dr” despite only being a PhD candidate.
A flier from her Ministry and Business Times refers to her as “Dr. Mavetera,” but she recently revealed that she’s still a PhD candidate, sparking questions about the legitimacy of using the title “Dr.” before completing her doctorate.
Mavetera’s educational background includes an Honours Degree in Management and Marketing and a Masters in Strategic Marketing. She is also pursuing another doctorate in Business Leadership at Midlands State University.
“If you want to know my qualifications:
“1.Bsc Honours in Management and Marketing WUA (Women’s University in Africa). 2.Masters in Strategic Marketing MSU 3.Masters is Development studies WUA. 4.PHD candidate in Doctorate in Business Leadership majoring in Digital Marketing and Information Systems MSU. 5.Diploma in Shipping, courier and forwarding (ABMA),” Mavetera said four days ago.
Prominent lawyer and former legislator Fadzayi Mahere has argued that using the title “Dr.” before completing a PhD program is misleading.
Mahere questioned: “Good day Honourable Minister Tatenda Mavetera, Why do you use the title ‘DR’ yet according to your tweet on the 9th of November, you indicated that, in terms of qualifications, you’re still just a PhD candidate?
“Can a PhD candidate use the title ‘DR’?”
Mavetera’s situation bears resemblance to the recent incident involving former Zanu-PF MP Dexter Nduna, who apologised for falsely claiming to have graduated with a law degree from the University of Zimbabwe.
Nduna’s apology followed an investigation by the university, which revealed he had failed some modules and was not eligible to graduate.
He apologised to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is the Chancellor of all State universities in the country, saying he was advised by Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri to do so.
“I therefore take this opportunity to apologize to you, Your Excellency, for celebrating before graduating, thereby putting the credibility and revered name of your institution into disrepute.
“I have made arrangements to register and write exams for the outstanding two modules so that I can complete my law studies at the University of Zimbabwe.
“As a former military officer of ten years and former legislator of ten years, I should not have allowed the administration glitches at the institution and my own excitement of completing a law program to cloud my judgment and act the way I did on the day of graduation.
“I therefore apologize and hope that you will find it in your heart to forgive me,” Nduna said.
