By Marshia Mutambi
HARARE – Zimbabwe’s judiciary is facing an alarming surge in cases involving forged academic certificates, with new revelations showing that the crisis is now extending to even the most basic levels of education — including primary school qualifications.
Authorities warn that societal pressure and unrealistic expectations of academic success are increasingly pushing citizens, particularly the youth, toward fraudulent shortcuts.
The extent of the problem was underscored during the recent Transparency International Zimbabwe Integrity School graduation ceremony, held in the capital, Harare.
Addressing participants, Prosecutor General Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo raised the alarm over the growing number of individuals being prosecuted for presenting counterfeit qualifications.
“We are handling more and more cases involving forged certificates – even at Grade 7 level,” she revealed. “It’s shocking, but the pressure to appear successful is pushing people to dishonest extremes.”
Justice Matanda-Moyo’s remarks highlighted a deeper societal issue — the widespread glorification of formal education as the sole path to success.
She expressed concern that the overwhelming emphasis placed on academic achievement has led many Zimbabweans to disregard alternative, equally valid career paths.
“Not everyone is academic — and that’s okay. Some are doing exceptionally well in areas like farming, mining, and other hands-on trades,” she said. “You don’t need a degree to be a millionaire. If you fail, rewrite. Don’t forge.”
By underscoring this point, the Prosecutor General was not only condemning the act of forgery but also advocating for a broader national shift in mindset. Her message resonated strongly with the need to value vocational and entrepreneurial pursuits that fall outside the traditional academic route.
She emphasised that success is not confined to the possession of paper qualifications, and that integrity should never be compromised in the quest for personal advancement.
Her comments came in the wake of a recent scandal that rocked Mpilo Central Hospital, where it was discovered that several student nurses had gained admission using fake Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) certificates. The revelation sent shockwaves through the health sector, raising concerns about the safety and competence of future professionals in critical fields such as nursing and medicine.
In response to these developments, Justice Matanda-Moyo urged the nation’s youth, job seekers, and career hopefuls to resist the temptation to take dishonest shortcuts. She encouraged them instead to explore career options that align with their inherent talents, skills, and personal interests.
“Let’s stop pushing people into careers that don’t suit them. Follow your passion — it’s the honest way to succeed, and it protects your future.”
While she did not specifically address the separate but related issue of fake doctoral degrees — a controversy that has been simmering in Zimbabwe’s public discourse — her remarks added weight to ongoing national conversations about the integrity of qualifications in both the public and private sectors.
The proliferation of fraudulent academic titles has raised questions about regulatory oversight and the credibility of leadership in various spheres of society.
The Prosecutor General’s firm stance sends a clear message: success built on dishonesty is unsustainable, and true achievement lies in dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to ethical conduct.
As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with economic challenges and a competitive job market, the pressure on individuals to attain academic credentials remains high. However, leaders like Justice Matanda-Moyo are calling for a cultural shift — one that embraces authenticity, respects diverse talents, and prioritises long-term integrity over short-term appearances.
