Harare, (New Ziana) – The Engineering Council of Zimbabwe (ECZ) has moved swiftly to protect the integrity of the profession after a viral social media video exposed what it described as a blatant case of impersonation over the misuse of professional titles in the country.
In a strongly worded public notice, the statutory regulator warned that the designation “Engineer” is not a casual label but a legally protected professional title reserved exclusively for individuals who are properly qualified, registered, and compliant with Zimbabwean law.
The statement follows the circulation of a widely shared video in which an individual allegedly presented himself to the public as an engineer without the requisite legal standing.
According to the ECZ, the video features one Laston Machengo of Roy Eno Solar Tech, who is accused of masquerading as an engineer in clear violation of the Engineering Council Act [Chapter 27:22].
The council said the incident compelled it to act decisively to uphold professional standards and safeguard the public from potential harm arising from unregulated engineering practice.
Citing Part VI, Section 33(1) of the Act, the ECZ emphasized that no person other than a registered engineer is permitted to hold themselves out as an engineer or to use any title, description, or initials suggesting registration – whether through advertising, documentation, or public representation.
The law, the council stressed, is explicit and leaves no room for ambiguity, while the penalties for violating the Act are severe.
Under Section 33(3), offenders – along with those who knowingly engage or accept the services of unregistered individuals – risk a fine of up to Level Eight, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
“Resultantly, ECZ is proceeding to lay charges against the culprit in terms of the statutory provisions of the law governing the practice of engineering in Zimbabwe,” it said, confirming that formal legal action is now underway.
Beyond the individual case, the ECZ framed the matter as a broader warning to would-be impostors, cautioning that the abuse of professional titles undermines public trust, endangers lives, and devalues the work of legitimately trained engineers who have met stringent academic and ethical requirements.
The ECZ urged members of the public, businesses, and institutions to verify the registration status of anyone claiming to be an engineer before engaging their services.
New Ziana
