Prophet Walter Magaya Exposed: UK Journalist Uncovers Allegedly Fraudulent Diploma

In a stunning revelation, UK-based journalist Maynard Manyowa has uncovered evidence suggesting that the diploma in marketing presented by Prophet Walter Magaya in the High Court is fraudulent. Magaya had submitted the diploma in his bid to overturn his disqualification from the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential elections.

The PHD Ministries founder argued that his three diplomas, including the one now under scrutiny, were equivalent to or higher than the required O’ Level qualifications stipulated by ZIFA. However, a letter dated 28 January 2025 from the University of South Africa (Unisa) directly challenges Magaya’s claim.

Unisa Responds to Inquiry

In response to Manyowa’s media inquiry, Unisa stated that their records did not reflect Magaya as a student. The letter reads:
“Dear Mr. Maynard Kudakwashe Manyowa, your media inquiry regarding the above has reference. 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. This effectively means that we do not have Mr. Magaya as a student of Unisa.”

This revelation has cast doubt on Magaya’s qualifications and his attempt to bypass the election requirements.

Magaya Claims Pressure and Bullying

In the aftermath of his disqualification, Magaya has alleged that he was pressured into supporting eventual ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi. He claims he was “bullied” by influential individuals into endorsing Magwizi’s candidacy after being excluded from the race in December.

“I can’t fight the system,” Magaya reportedly told ZIFA councillors a day before the election, signaling his resignation to the political and social pressures surrounding the contest.

Controversy Surrounding ZIFA Elections

Magwizi secured a decisive victory in the ZIFA elections, garnering 61 votes. Other candidates, including Philemon Machana and Twine Phiri, trailed far behind. However, the elections were marred by allegations of vote-buying, with businessman Wicknell Chivayo reportedly promising vehicles to ZIFA councillors who supported Magwizi.

The unfolding scandal involving Magaya’s alleged fraudulent diploma and the broader controversies surrounding the ZIFA elections have further highlighted the challenges facing Zimbabwean football governance.

Implications for Magaya

This latest development could have significant legal and reputational consequences for Magaya, who has faced multiple controversies in recent years. The exposure of the alleged fraudulent diploma not only undermines his credibility but also raises questions about the scrutiny applied to candidates in key public positions.

For now, the spotlight remains firmly on both Prophet Magaya and ZIFA, as stakeholders demand accountability and transparency in the leadership of Zimbabwean football.