We don’t know him: Prophet Magaya exposed for allegedly faking UNISA qualifications after being disqualified by Zifa for failing O-Level

Harare – Controversial Zimbabwean preacher and businessman, Walter Magaya, is facing fresh scrutiny after his claim of holding tertiary qualifications from the University of South Africa (UNISA) was vehemently refuted by the institution itself.

This revelation follows Magaya’s unsuccessful High Court challenge to his disqualification from the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential race.

Magaya’s disqualification in December 2024 stemmed from his failure to submit an Ordinary Level (O-Level) certificate, a mandatory requirement for ZIFA presidential candidates. He subsequently took the matter to the High Court, arguing that his tertiary qualifications far surpassed the O-Level requirement, rendering it unnecessary. In support of this claim, he presented three diplomas in Marketing and Theology, allegedly obtained from UNISA. However, this assertion has now been directly challenged.

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. Interestingly, Manyowa previously served as the Public Relations manager for Prophet Shepherd Bushiri in South Africa before Bushiri’s dramatic return to Malawi.

In a letter dated 28 January 2025, a UNISA press officer unequivocally stated that Magaya’s name does not appear in the university’s database. “Kindly be advised that based on the details you provided; our system could not trace either a student number or date of birth for Mr. Magaya,” the letter read. “This effectively means that we do not have Mr. Magaya as a student of UNISA.”

This revelation casts serious doubt on the validity of the documents Magaya submitted to the High Court. The lack of response from Admire Mango, CEO of Magaya’s Yadah Stars, further fuels speculation surrounding this potential scandal. Repeated attempts to contact Mango via phone calls and text messages yielded no response.

The High Court case itself provides further context to the controversy. Justice Tawanda Chitapi dismissed Magaya’s urgent chamber application, ruling that his challenge lacked merit. Magaya argued that his disqualification was unreasonable, citing the ZIFA electoral committee’s failure to consider his purported tertiary qualifications and their alleged failure to communicate in writing the need for additional documentation within the stipulated seven-day timeframe. He also claimed that ZIFA lacked proper appeal structures.

However, Justice Chitapi’s judgment highlighted the core issue: the requirement for O-Level qualifications as outlined in ZIFA statutes. “Simply put, the applicant contends that although he did not submit O-Level qualifications he still met the requirements and would have qualified,” the judge noted in his ruling.

The judge emphasized that even with higher qualifications, the O-Level requirement remains, stating: “Just for the avoidance of doubt, if one relies on a diploma, the issue is not that a Diploma is higher than O’Level.

The applicant would be required to produce an O’Level certificate even if he holds a PhD.” The judge ultimately concluded that Magaya failed to provide sufficient evidence to overturn the vetting committee’s decision, dismissing his application and ordering each party to bear its own costs.

The respondents, represented by Lovemore Madhuku, argued that Magaya’s application was flawed, citing his failure to name the ZIFA Ethics Committee, which initially disqualified him, and the omission of ZIFA itself as a respondent. Madhuku further pointed out that Magaya’s failure to provide complete information about his qualifications hindered the committee’s ability to make an informed decision. He stated, “In the present matter, the applicant has been coy in disclosing further information regarding his qualifications to correct the committee’s decision.”

Beyond the legal aspects, Magaya also made allegations of coercion. He claimed that he was pressured by “elders” and “powerful people” to support Nqobile Magwizi’s campaign for the ZIFA presidency, after his own disqualification.

This claim adds another layer of complexity to the situation, raising questions about potential political maneuvering within Zimbabwean football. The UNISA’s denial of Magaya’s claimed qualifications, coupled with the High Court’s dismissal of his case, leaves a lot to be desired about his prophetic powers.