*ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera Breaks Silence On PhD Scandal, Use of ‘Dr’ Title* ‼️ *_View, Follow And Forward Our Channel For More Hot Topics_* 👇🏽 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDpfSeGehEJGxtW140p Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, has denied allegations that she paid someone to complete a PhD on her behalf. She also explained why she continues to use the title “Doctor” despite not holding a PhD. Earlier this week, investigative platform DugUp reported that Mavetera allegedly hired an academic from Mutare to write her PhD, with the supposed knowledge of her Midlands State University (MSU) supervisor. The report also pointed out that Mavetera has been using the “Dr” title, even though her honorary degree came from an institution banned by Zimbabwe’s High Court from awarding qualifications in the country. Mavetera Defends Use of “Dr” Title On Saturday, February 22, Mavetera responded to the controversy on her official X (formerly Twitter) account. When user @ruzivo_isimba questioned why she still refers to herself as “Dr.” without a PhD, she replied: “I received an Honorary degree in October 2022. It is an award not an academic one.” In October 2022, Mavetera announced that she had received a Doctorate of Humane Letters from the International Women’s University (IWU). However, this institution is not connected to the Women’s University in Africa and was part of the now-banned IIP network. In July 2024, Zimbabwe’s High Court officially barred IIP and its affiliates from awarding degrees (Case No. HCH1469/24). Despite this ruling, Mavetera continues to use the “Dr” title in government documents, event posters, and official ministry communications. Tatenda Mavetera Breaks Silence On PhD Scandal When another social media user, @fightforZim, asked her to share her PhD thesis, Mavetera admitted she hasn’t started writing it yet: “I will share when I finish I am still at proposal stage not even started chapter 1.” Another user, @kasiryTawaz, asked if she had a fake PhD. In response, Mavetera insisted she is genuinely pursuing a PhD and is currently in her third year: “No Sir. Thank you I am at the early stages of attaining one. I finished my taught courses for 2 years now doing my proposal for my thesis.” Mavetera’s social media responses appear to contradict how she initially reacted when DugUp contacted her. The investigative unit claims she responded with veiled threats directed at their Lead Producer, Maynard Manyowa. iHarare