Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Tatenda Mavetera, is facing criticism after it was revealed that she has been using the title “Dr.” despite being a PhD candidate rather than a doctorate holder. The controversy erupted when a recent flyer from her Ministry, as well as Business Times publications, referred to her as “Dr. Mavetera,” prompting questions about the ethicality of using the academic title before completing the necessary qualifications.
Tatenda Mavetera, who holds an Honours Degree in Management and Marketing and a Master’s in Strategic Marketing, is currently pursuing a second doctorate in Business Leadership with a focus on Digital Marketing and Information Systems at Midlands State University. Despite this, she has consistently used the “Dr.” title, which has raised concerns about academic integrity and transparency.
In a statement released on social media, Tatenda Mavetera outlined her academic credentials, which include a BSc Honours in Management and Marketing from Women’s University in Africa (WUA), a Masters in Strategic Marketing from Midlands State University (MSU), a Masters in Development Studies from WUA, and her ongoing PhD studies at MSU. In addition, she holds a Diploma in Shipping, Courier, and Forwarding from the ABMA.
While her qualifications are extensive, the issue centers around the use of the “Dr.” title. On November 9, Tatenda Mavetera herself clarified that she is still a PhD candidate, not yet a doctoral graduate, which has led to accusations of misleading the public by using a title she is not entitled to.
The question raised by critics, including prominent lawyer and former legislator Fadzayi Mahere, is whether it is appropriate for a PhD candidate to refer to themselves as “Dr.” before officially graduating. In a tweet addressed to Tatenda Mavetera, Mahere asked, “Good day Honourable Minister Tatenda Mavetera, why do you use the title ‘Dr.’ yet according to your tweet on the 9th of November, you indicated that, in terms of qualifications, you’re still just a PhD candidate? Can a PhD candidate use the title ‘Dr.’?”
The issue has sparked widespread debate in Zimbabwe, with many questioning whether this practice is common among public figures and whether it undermines the value of academic qualifications. Critics argue that using the title “Dr.” before completion could be seen as an attempt to inflate one’s credentials or mislead the public into believing one has a qualification they have not yet attained.
Tatenda Mavetera’s situation bears a striking resemblance to a previous controversy involving former Zanu-PF Member of Parliament Dexter Nduna, who was embroiled in a scandal over false claims of holding a law degree from the University of Zimbabwe. Nduna had made public statements celebrating his graduation, only for an investigation to reveal that he had failed two modules and was not eligible for his degree.
He later issued a public apology to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, admitting that he had “celebrated before graduating” and that his actions had put the credibility of the university in disrepute. Nduna’s case was a cautionary tale about the dangers of misleading the public about one’s academic credentials, and Tatenda Mavetera’s use of the “Dr.” title has raised similar concerns.
While the distinction between a PhD candidate and a graduate may seem subtle to some, academics and ethical experts argue that it is crucial to maintain honesty and transparency in how academic titles are used. The title “Dr.” is a recognition of the completion of a doctoral program and the conferral of a degree. Using it prematurely can dilute the value of the title and lead to a public perception of dishonesty, especially when the person in question holds a public office.
In Tatenda Mavetera’s case, the controversy could have wider implications. As the Minister of ICT, she is responsible for advancing digital infrastructure and policy in Zimbabwe. However, her use of a title she has not officially earned could undermine her credibility and authority, particularly in the eyes of the public and other stakeholders in the education and technology sectors.
Tatenda Mavetera’s defenders have argued that her academic pursuits are commendable, and that the use of the “Dr.” title may have been an unintentional error. However, as the debate continues to unfold, it raises broader questions about academic ethics, public trust, and the need for greater transparency among public figures, particularly when it comes to qualifications and credentials. As Zimbabwe navigates these debates, the case of Tatenda Mavetera serves as a timely reminder that integrity, especially in the use of academic titles, remains an essential part of professional and political life.
In other news – Mpilo Central Hospital worker sentenced for stealing phones from patients
A 34-year-old employee at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after being found guilty of stealing mobile phones from patients while they were in a vulnerable state. The employee, Lizuba Nkosi Ngula, took advantage of patients’ illnesses to commit the thefts, targeting individuals who were unable to defend themselves. His actions led to three counts of theft, each involving mobile phones stolen from patients in the hospital’s Post Natal ward.
However, in a move that blends punishment with rehabilitation, the court also imposed a conditional sentence, allowing Ngula to serve 315 hours of community service instead of completing his full prison term. Read More
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