HARARE – Socialite Jackie Ngarande has thrown her weight behind troubled Zimbabwean cleric Walter Magaya, saying the recent controversies dogging him are not reflective of a character that has given a lot back to Zimbabwean society.
Magaya’s academic qualifications came under scrutiny recently as he bid to become the president of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
One of the requirements for the post was that the prospective candidates should possess at least an O-Level certificate, which Magaya did not have.
Some, including Magaya himself, claimed that he had attained some qualifications from Unisa, but in a statement during the week, the institution said they had no record of Magaya as a student.
In an open letter, Ngarande said Magaya should not be judged by his recent troubles.
“Myself Jackie Ngarande Official and well meaning Zimbabweans, stand in unwavering support of Prophet Walter Magaya, the founder of PHD Ministries, during this challenging time.
“Recent reports have revealed that he, along with other prominent figures in the region, fell victim to a fraudulent scheme involving fake honorary degrees.
“While this unfortunate incident is regrettable, it does not in any way diminish the immense contributions Prophet Magaya has made to our nation and its people.
“For years, Prophet Magaya has been a pillar of hope, dedicating his life to uplifting the lives of thousands through his selfless philanthropic efforts.
“His commitment to improving the welfare of widows, single mothers, orphans, and the less privileged speaks volumes about his genuine heart for service,” she wrote.
Ngarande said the good Magaya had done across various sectors was too great to be wiped away by the current wave of bad publicity engulfing his life.
“He has ensured that children from disadvantaged backgrounds receive education by paying school fees and has created employment opportunities, not only within his church but across various sectors.
“In addition to his humanitarian work, Prophet Magaya has played a crucial role in empowering the entertainment industry.
“Through Yadah events, he has provided a platform for musicians, socialites, and other artists to showcase their talent while being compensated generously,” she wrote.
Ngarande encouraged the country’s educational institutions to bestow Magaya, who she insisted was a victim of a scam, with honorary academic honours.
“Being scammed does not define a person’s character or erase the good they have done.
“Instead, it serves as a reminder that even the most well-intentioned individuals can fall prey to deception. Prophet Magaya remains a beacon of hope, a leader who has tirelessly worked to uplift lives, and a man whose impact cannot be erased by this unfortunate event.
“If anything, this situation presents an opportunity for the University of Zimbabwe and other esteemed institutions to formally recognize Prophet Magaya’s work with a legitimate honorary doctorate.
“His legacy is built not on titles, but on tangible acts of kindness and nation-building, which deserve acknowledgment and appreciation,” she said.
ZIFA requirements about academic qualification were clear – minimum 5 O-Level passes. This was the 18th October 2024 resolution that was adopted by the Normalisation Council. Kana usina gwaro iri, you don't qualify period. PHD not PhD ministries founder should have bowed out gracefully without bringing his name into disrepute by misrepresenting higher academic qualifications that he still did not have, including the honorary doctrate. No amount of spin can sanitise what transpired. Granted he has done good to some extent (and bad as well)… but the good or bad deeds were not the criteria for qualification… Certificate re O-Level rine minimum 5 subjects recorded with passes.
Mbiri yaMagaya tiri kuiziva, hazvishamisi kunzwa munhukadzi akaita Jackie achimutsigira