The University of South Africa (UNISA) has officially dismissed claims that Zimbabwean preacher and businessman Walter Magaya is a graduate or alumnus of the institution.
Walter Magaya did not graduate from UNISA, tertiary confirms
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, UNISA confirmed that a search of its student records found no trace of Magaya ever being registered or graduating from the university.
“Based on the information provided, the system of the university could not find any record showing that Mr Magaya was ever registered or graduated with UNISA. This effectively means that UNISA does not have Mr Magaya either as a student or a graduate. Any certificate/s he produces which he claims to be from UNISA is/are therefore fraudulent,” the statement read.
Further controversy arose after a video surfaced online in which Magaya claimed he had received an honorary doctorate from UNISA. The institution firmly denied this assertion, stating that it had never conferred such a title upon him.
“The university has never conferred any honorary doctorate on Mr Magaya and strongly condemns this false claim,” UNISA added, emphasising that any conduct misrepresenting the institution damages its reputation and could prompt legal action.
According to reports, the scandal erupted after Magaya submitted a purported UNISA diploma in marketing to the High Court of Zimbabwe while attempting to challenge his disqualification from contesting the presidency of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
His application was ultimately dismissed, with the court ruling that his claim lacked merit.
Who is Walter Magaya?
Magaya is a well-known figure in Zimbabwe, recognised as the founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries.
His church commands a significant following, with Magaya positioning himself as a religious leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
Magaya is also involved in Zimbabwean football, owning Yadah Stars, a club competing in the country’s Premier Soccer League.
His bid to become ZIFA president was met with resistance due to his lack of an Ordinary Level certificate, a minimum qualification required to contest the position.
In response, Magaya presented what he claimed to be a diploma from UNISA, which bore certification from both the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the South African Police Service.
The authenticity of the document was quickly called into question, prompting inquiries from journalists and leading to UNISA’s outright denial of his academic credentials.
Despite past claims by Zimbabwean media that Magaya had been awarded an honorary doctorate by UNISA as far back as 2017, the university’s statement has put an end to such assertions.
It remains unclear whether Magaya will face any legal consequences for the false claims.