In 2023, Zimbabwean MP Shacky Timburwa claimed to have earned a PhD—a supposed achievement he described as “the culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and endless research.”
But the truth is far less glamorous. Timburwa did not study for this PhD, nor did he earn it through academic merit. Instead, he attended a staged ceremony, paid for a gown, posed for pictures, and walked away with a fake title.
The Hoax at UNISA
On November 4, 2023, a peculiar event took place at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Several individuals, including socialites from Malawi and Zimbabwe, gathered to receive “doctorates.” The event appeared legitimate at first glance—gowns, certificates, and a grand venue. But UNISA had nothing to do with it.
The so-called degrees did not exist. They were not conferred by the university. Instead, it was an elaborate scam orchestrated by individuals looking to capitalize on people willing to buy prestige.
Days later, UNISA disowned the Malawians who participated. However, Timburwa, a sitting MP for Chegutu West, seemed to escape scrutiny—at least initially.
How Timburwa Fell for the Scam
To understand the roots of this deception, we must go back to the COVID-19 era and introduce another key player: Isaiah Brian Sovi.
Sovi, an internet personality and self-proclaimed “prophet,” has strong connections with Zimbabwean religious circles. In December 2020, he was the first to receive a fake UNISA degree. Unlike others who claimed honorary doctorates, Sovi falsely stated that he had earned an actual PhD.
By 2023, Sovi had a new target: Shacky Timburwa. He convinced the MP that he could obtain a PhD from UNISA, leading Timburwa to travel to South Africa in early November.
Timburwa attended the ceremony, bought a graduation gown, and posed for pictures. However, unlike some others, he did not claim it was an honorary doctorate. Instead, he insisted that he had completed years of research and study to earn the degree.
A now-deleted LinkedIn post read:
“It’s official—I’ve crossed the finish line and earned my Doctorate in International Relations! At the age of 31 years old. The culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and endless research.”
Despite later claiming that he was scammed, Timburwa actively used the “Dr” title in public appearances and engagements.
Scrubbing the Evidence
As suspicions grew, Timburwa and his associates began deleting posts that referenced his fake PhD. However, the internet never forgets. Tools like the Wayback Machine and screenshots preserved the evidence of his claims.
A video of the ceremony, posted by a close associate, confirmed Timburwa’s participation. Though she later distanced herself from the scandal, she admitted that Timburwa personally sent her the images. His own TikTok account had liked and shared the video before it was deleted.
The Fallout
Despite acknowledging that he had been deceived, Timburwa continued to use the title “Dr” well into 2024. In November of that year, he even spoke at a Thematic Lecture where he was introduced as “Hon. Dr. Shacky Timburwa.”
His personal website, still active as of February 2025, referred to him as “Honourable Dr. Shacky Timburwa.”
But the deceptions didn’t stop with the fake PhD.
False Claims About a Law Degree
Timburwa’s Wikipedia page states that he obtained a law degree from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) in 2023. However, Dug Up found no evidence that he graduated.
A UZ law professor, while refusing to comment on student records, implied that there were issues with Timburwa’s academic claims. Timburwa himself admitted he was only a student, not a graduate, yet his Wikipedia page said otherwise.
Further investigation revealed that Timburwa had hired a reputation manager to create and curate his Wikipedia page. This individual, speaking anonymously, confirmed that all the information came directly from Timburwa—including the claim that he had already earned a law degree.
Wikipedia moderators flagged his page for abuse and manipulation, noting that no verifiable sources confirmed his supposed graduation.
The Forbes 30 Under 30 Controversy
Timburwa first gained mainstream attention when he was included in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, Dug Up discovered that he paid a local curator to secure his place on the list.
While it remains unclear whether Forbes Africa was aware of these dealings, the revelation raises questions about the credibility of his nomination.
When reached for comment, Forbes.com (which oversees Forbes Africa) stated they were looking into the matter.
Fraudulent Titles and Potential Legal Trouble
Throughout this investigation, multiple sources indicated a consistent pattern of deception in Timburwa’s public life.
Despite claiming to detest academic fraud, he knowingly participated in a sham graduation, falsely presented himself as a PhD holder, and continued using the title long after realizing the truth.
Dug Up has contacted the University of Zimbabwe regarding his fraudulent academic claims and whether he should face deregistration.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has also been asked to comment. If Timburwa knowingly participated in events as “Dr.” and financially benefited from this title, legal action could follow.
The Verdict
Shacky Timburwa denies any wrongdoing, insisting that he was a victim of a scam. However, his actions tell a different story.
- He never earned a PhD from UNISA. The university has no record of him as a doctoral graduate.
- He does not have a law degree. The University of Zimbabwe has not confirmed any such graduation.
- He likely paid for his inclusion in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30. Forbes is currently investigating.
For someone who claims to abhor academic fraud, Timburwa has spent years benefiting from false titles and fabricated achievements. His PhD was a hoax, his Wikipedia page is filled with misleading claims, and his credibility is now in shambles.
The question remains: Will there be consequences, or will he continue to live the lie?
Source | Read Full Story DUG UP
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