Prophet Magaya in hot soup as Anti-Corruption Commission sniffs into his FAKE Unisa qualifications which have a police stamp

Controversial Zimbabwean preacher and businessman, Walter Magaya, finds himself embroiled in a fresh scandal, as the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) launches a fraud investigation into the authenticity of his academic qualifications.

The probe follows revelations that a marketing diploma Magaya submitted to both the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and the Harare High Court, claiming it was from the University of South Africa (UNISA), is fraudulent.

The Fake Diploma Scandal

At the centre of the investigation is a marketing diploma purportedly obtained from UNISA, which Magaya submitted to ZIFA and the High Court as part of his application to run for president in last month’s ZIFA executive committee elections. The diploma, certified as a true copy of the original by Waterfalls police, was used by Magaya to argue that he had a higher qualification than the five O’ Level passes required for the ZIFA position.

However, UNISA has categorically denied issuing the diploma, stating that Magaya was never a student or graduate of the institution. “Any certificate he produces which he claims to be from UNISA is therefore fraudulent,” the university said in a statement on January 29.

ZACC has since written to ZIFA and the Judicial Service Commission, requesting documents and records related to Magaya’s application and court case. The anti-graft body sent out the requests for information on January 31, according to documents seen by ZimLive.

A History of Dubious Claims

This is not the first time Magaya’s academic credentials have been called into question. In a recent video that went viral on social media, the preacher claimed to be a university graduate and even boasted of receiving an honorary doctorate. UNISA, however, swiftly debunked these claims, stating that its systems had no record of Magaya’s registration or graduation.

“The institution strongly disapproves of this untrue statement and has never awarded Mr Magaya an honorary doctorate,” UNISA said. “This basically suggests that Mr Magaya is not a student or a graduate of Unisa. Therefore, any certificate or certificates he presents that purport to be from Unisa are fake.”

The university has vowed to take legal action against Magaya, stating that such behaviour harms and discredits its brand.

Journalist Exposes the Fraud

The potential fraud was uncovered by Maynard Manyowa, a Zimbabwean journalist based in the United Kingdom, who contacted UNISA to verify Magaya’s academic credentials. Manyowa’s investigation revealed that Magaya’s claims of holding tertiary qualifications from UNISA were entirely false.

This is not the first time UNISA has been embroiled in a qualifications scandal. In 2023, the South African Council for Educators exposed a fraudulent educator who had a fake Bachelor of Education degree from UNISA. A 26-year-old man from the North West was arrested in connection with the case.

Yadah TV Shuts Down

Amid the growing controversy, Magaya’s Yadah TV channel on DStv (281) was shut on January 31, 2025. The channel, which had been on DStv since 2018, was primarily used to promote Magaya’s religious activities, including his controversial healing claims and exploitative practices.

A notice on DStv confirmed the channel’s closure but did not provide a reason. It read: “DStv regrets to inform you that it will be saying goodbye to the Yadah TV channel from 31st January 2025.”

According to The NewsHawks, Yadah TV was a platform for Magaya to promote his religious activities, fake healing powers, and exploitative practices. The channel was often criticised for using deceitful sermons to secure tithes from followers.

A Career Marred by Controversy

Magaya’s religious career has been plagued by a series of scandals, including allegations of sexual abuse, fraudulent academic claims, and the promotion of an illegal HIV “cure.” In 2019, he claimed to have discovered a cure for HIV/AIDS, a claim that was swiftly rejected by the Zimbabwean government. His herbal remedy, AGUMA, led to his arrest and a subsequent fine of US$700. He was forced to issue a public apology to the nation.

More recently, Magaya launched a new product: a card he claims possesses healing and deliverance powers. In a video shared on social media, he stated, “I can safely say to you the cards are officially launched. They are for you, for your use.” The cards, which will be sold for an unspecified price, are the latest in a string of dubious product launches by the preacher.

Sexual Abuse Allegations

Magaya’s troubles extend beyond his questionable business ventures. In 2022, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) launched fresh investigations into sexual abuse allegations against him. The ZGC announced in October 2022 that it was re-inviting submissions from victims of sexual exploitation by the cleric.

The investigations were initially halted after the alleged victim in a 2015 rape case withdrew charges against Magaya. The State had accused him of raping a female congregant at one of his houses in Mt Pleasant and forcing her to terminate her pregnancy. Magaya allegedly bought her silence with $100,000.

Despite the withdrawal of charges, the ZGC was given a green light by the High Court to continue its investigations. In a statement, the ZGC said, “The Zimbabwe Gender Commission wishes to advise members of the public that the Zimbabwe Gender Commission in its Commission meeting number 38 on the 4th of August 2022 resolved to recommence investigation of the allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse of women levelled against Prophet Walter Magaya of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries.”

A Pattern of Deception

Magaya’s controversies are not limited to his academic fraud and sexual abuse allegations. He has also been accused of making false claims about his religious powers. In one instance, he claimed to have carried “Zimbabwe’s problems and prayers” to Israel in two black satchels.

His previous product launches, including a lipstick he claimed could boost bodily functions and help those with low blood sugar, have also been met with scepticism and criticism.

What’s Next for Magaya?

As ZACC intensifies its investigation into Magaya’s fake qualifications, the preacher’s future hangs in the balance. If found guilty of fraud, he could face severe legal consequences, further tarnishing his already controversial reputation.