Unisa Denies Claims That Walter Magaya Is a Graduate or Alumnus

The University of South Africa (Unisa) has strongly refuted claims circulating in the public domain and on social media suggesting that Zimbabwean national Walter Magaya is a graduate or alumnus of the institution.

In response to a media inquiry from an international platform, Unisa confirmed that a search of its records, based on the information provided, found no evidence that Magaya was ever registered as a student or graduated from the university.

“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 university stated.

Further fueling concerns, Unisa also came across a video in which Magaya claims to have received an honorary doctorate from the institution. The university categorically denied this, emphasizing that it has never conferred any such degree upon him.

“Unisa strongly condemns this false claim. We believe that conduct of this nature damages and brings our brand into disrepute, and we reserve the right to take appropriate corrective action. Relevant authorities within the university have therefore been requested to pursue necessary legal steps,” the statement added.

Magaya’s Credentials Under Scrutiny Amid ZIFA Election Battle

The controversy surrounding Magaya’s academic qualifications comes at a critical time, as he want handed a High Court ruling on his disqualification from contesting the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidency.

Justice Tawanda Chitapi ruled against Magaya’s legal challenge against his disqualification, which was based on his failure to submit an O Level certificate—a key eligibility requirement. Instead, Magaya submitted three diplomas: a Marketing Diploma, a Higher National Diploma in Marketing, and a Diploma in Theology.

His lawyer, Advocate Thabani Mpofu, argued that the ZIFA ethics committee’s decision should be overturned, stating that Magaya had provided qualifications that were “superior” to an O Level certificate.

“What brings us to court is a simple and straightforward issue. The requirement set out in the ZIFA constitution is clear. It says ‘O Level or an equivalent qualification.’ If a qualification issued by a university is even better than O Level, then this application ought to succeed,” Mpofu argued.

ZIFA, however, maintained that Magaya’s case was not properly before the court. Representing the football body, lawyer Lovemore Madhuku argued that ZIFA, as a private entity, is not subject to judicial review under administrative law.

“The High Court reviews cases from inferior courts, administrative authorities, or tribunals. ZIFA falls under none of those. It is a private, non-profit organization, according to Article 1.1 of the ZIFA constitution,” Madhuku stated.

This legal battle, combined with the allegations surrounding his academic credentials, places Magaya at the center of a growing controversy that could have significant implications for both his football ambitions and personal credibility.