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Writes Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi
Maynard Kudakwashe Manyowa has been at the forefront of exposing a deeply troubling issue in Zimbabwe – government officials and public figures who possess fake academic qualifications. This campaign, which has gained significant attention, highlights the alarming prevalence of fraudulent academic credentials among some of the nation’s leaders. While Manyowa’s efforts to bring this issue to light are commendable, what is even more shocking is the lack of response from the Zimbabwean government. Despite the gravity of the situation, the authorities have remained conspicuously silent, raising questions about their complicity in the matter.
The situation in Zimbabwe is not unique, though. In neighboring South Africa, a growing movement of genuinely educated professionals has begun to voice their concerns and demand action. They are pushing for the removal of individuals who hold fraudulent qualifications from positions of power and employment. The South African public has taken matters into their own hands, actively campaigning for the integrity of academic credentials and the public sector’s credibility. This is an important contrast to the Zimbabwean context, where the deafening silence from both the government and the public sector is deeply concerning.
It is hard to understand why Zimbabwe’s leaders and the society at large have failed to address this issue adequately. What are the repercussions for a country when those in power have lied about their academic qualifications? It is clear that fake qualifications not only undermine the integrity of those holding such positions but also damage the public trust. More disturbingly, the lack of a response from the government only deepens this trust deficit. Instead of investigating and rectifying the situation, the government remains unresponsive, allowing the issue to fester.
Equally troubling is the silence of those with genuine academic credentials. In a country where integrity should be valued above all else, it is disturbing that those who have worked hard to attain real qualifications have not taken a louder stand against this growing menace. Their silence suggests either indifference or fear both of which are deeply problematic. Genuine professionals should be the ones leading the charge to preserve the credibility of the country’s institutions, not passively watching as the fabric of public trust disintegrates.
This passive acceptance is especially perplexing given the impact fake qualifications have on governance and national development. In a country where resources are already scarce, having leaders who do not possess the necessary skills and knowledge to make informed decisions only exacerbates the challenges faced by the nation. The citizens of Zimbabwe deserve better. They deserve leaders who are both qualified and committed to the well-being of the nation.
The situation begs the question, why is the government so silent in the face of such a clear and pressing issue? Are they part of the problem? Is the government itself complicit in perpetuating this culture of fake qualifications? With the country already grappling with various challenges, including a struggling economy and a broken healthcare system, the last thing Zimbabweans need is to have their leaders unaccountable and unqualified. The people deserve to know, what is the government’s position on this matter, and what steps will they take to resolve it.
It is time for the government of Zimbabwe to break its silence. This issue cannot be ignored any longer. The public has the right to know if their leaders are committed to eradicating fake qualifications or whether they too are part of the problem. The citizens deserve transparency, accountability, and a clear stance on this issue. Without action, Zimbabwe’s credibility and trust in its leadership will continue to erode, threatening the country’s future. The government must act now or risk being viewed as complicit in the degradation of the nation’s educational and professional standards.
Let us continue to name and shame.
