Government Halts Bogus PhD Conferment Event in Harare

By Staff Reporter
Harare, – The Zimbabwean government on Saturday stopped an allegedly illegal honorary degree conferment ceremony scheduled to take place in Harare, warning that the event was unlawful and those involved could face prosecution.

In a press release issued on 5 February 2026, the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) identified an unauthorised “honorary degree” ceremony planned for Friday, 13 February 2026, at the Rainbow Towers and Conference Centre.

According to ZIMCHE, the event was being organised by Iconic International Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a South African-registered company, reportedly in partnership with two foreign institutions — Prowess University (Delaware, USA) and American Management University (California, USA).

The higher education regulator noted that neither institution is recognised in Zimbabwe or by the United States Department of Education, and therefore lacks legal authority to award degrees in their home countries or in Zimbabwe.

Under the ZIMCHE Act [Chapter 25:27], no local or foreign institution may award degrees in Zimbabwe without proper registration and accreditation. ZIMCHE emphasised that Iconic International Holdings (Pty) Ltd is not a registered higher education provider in Zimbabwe and does not have legal authority to confer or facilitate degrees.

“Conferring degrees in Zimbabwe without the Council’s approval is a criminal offence,” the regulator stated.

ZIMCHE further warned that any “honorary degree” issued by the company would be legally void and unrecognised. Individuals who accept such awards and use the title “Doctor (Dr.)” may face legal action for misrepresentation or fraud.

The council cited a landmark High Court ruling confirming that honorary degrees fall under its regulatory oversight and cannot be issued by unregistered institutions.

ZIMCHE said it has already initiated legal proceedings to prevent the ceremony and urged the public to verify the accreditation status of institutions before accepting academic honours. Citizens are advised to consult ZIMCHE’s official website for a list of registered institutions or contact its offices if approached by unregistered entities offering degrees.

“The ZIMCHE remains committed to protecting the public and the integrity of Zimbabwe’s higher education system and will continue to take civil and criminal action against those operating outside the law,” the statement concluded.