July 26, 2025, 03:45 AM SASTThe University of Zimbabwe (UZ), once celebrated as a beacon of academic excellence in Southern Africa, is now at the center of a storm of allegations that threaten to unravel its reputation. Labeled a “Titanic of Academic Fraud and Deception,” the institution faces claims of widespread corruption and mismanagement under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Paul Mapfumo and his administration. These serious accusations, primarily driven by the Association of University Teachers (AUT), have sparked a heated debate about the future of higher education in Zimbabwe.
The Allegations Unfold
The AUT, the union representing lecturers at UZ, has been the loudest voice raising the alarm. In a series of public statements and social media posts, they allege that academic fraud permeates all faculties, with professional degrees such as Social Work being particularly compromised. The union claims that dissertations and projects are submitted without proper supervision or defense, with marks arbitrarily assigned by chairpersons.
This, they argue, produces graduates who lack the necessary skills and knowledge, posing significant risks if employed in critical roles like caring for vulnerable populations.The AUT further contends that the silence from government officials is not coincidental but complicit, suggesting that some officials may be students benefiting from this flawed system. This accusation adds a layer of political intrigue to an already volatile situation.
The lecturers, currently on day 101 of a legal and constitutional strike, are also highlighting their own grievances, demanding a salary restoration to $2,500 per month for junior staff—a stark contrast to their current earnings.
The Context of Crisis
These allegations come amid a prolonged industrial action that has paralyzed the university. Lecturers have withdrawn from teaching, invigilation, and marking exams, leading to widespread disruptions.
The strike, which began in April 2025, stems from eroded salaries due to inflation and currency devaluation, with lecturers earning as little as $230 monthly. The AUT has accused the administration of arrogance and mismanagement, pointing to unaddressed memos and the dismissal of strike leaders as evidence of a broader disregard for their plight.Students have also joined the fray, with some arrested for protesting in solidarity with the lecturers. The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) has demanded the reinstatement of suspended members, accusing university authorities of suppressing dissent.
This unrest has further damaged UZ’s standing, with its ranking plummeting from the top 25 universities in Africa to a concerning 62 out of 100, reflecting broader economic and political challenges in Zimbabwe.
Who Is Behind the Claims?
The AUT, led by figures like spokesperson Obvious Vengeyi, has been the primary source of these allegations. Supported by sympathetic student groups and some political commentators, such as former Finance Minister Tendai Biti, the union has vowed to release further evidence of scandals. Their narrative paints Vice Chancellor Paul Mapfumo as a central figure in this decline, accusing his leadership of fostering an environment where academic integrity has eroded. Mapfumo, a respected soil scientist appointed in 2019, has previously championed research and innovation at UZ, but these efforts now appear overshadowed by the current crisis.
The Outcome So Far
As of now, the allegations remain unproven, with no official investigation launched by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) or the government. The deafening silence from key officials, including those tagged in AUT posts like Minister Frederick Shava ( @mhtestd) and President Emmerson Mnangagwa ( @edmnangagwa ), has fueled speculation of a cover-up. The university administration has not publicly responded to the fraud claims, focusing instead on disciplinary actions against striking lecturers and students.The strike continues unabated, with four AUT leaders recently dismissed and salaries withheld as pressure tactics. Students face an uncertain academic future, with exams canceled and replacements for striking lecturers deemed inadequate. The AUT promises more revelations, hinting at a deeper rot that could implicate higher authorities.
A Call for Accountability
This crisis at UZ is more than an institutional failure—it’s a reflection of Zimbabwe’s struggling education system, battered by economic instability and political interference. The AUT’s allegations, while yet to be substantiated, demand a transparent investigation to restore trust. Without action from ZIMCHE, the government, or the university leadership, the “Titanic” may sink further, leaving a generation of students and educators adrift.
