The university has confirmed that Magaya’s name does not appear in any of their databases.
Magaya submitted a photocopied and certified diploma in marketing as part of his application to have a decision by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to disqualify him from the presidential race overturned.
ZIFA had barred Magaya from the elections, citing his failure to meet the required 5 passes at Ordinary Level.
Magaya, however, argued that his UNISA diploma, being a higher qualification, should suffice.
Journalist Maynard Manyowa, of UK-based Dug Up, uncovered the alleged fraud after reaching out to UNISA for confirmation.
In a letter dated January 28, 2025, the university confirmed that they had no record of Magaya’s qualifications. It said:
Kindly be advised that based on the details you provided; our system could not trace either a student number or date of birth for Mr. Magaya.
This effectively means that we do not have Mr. Magaya as a student of UNISA.
Magaya has demonstrated his passion for football by founding Yadah FC, a team in the Premier Soccer League. He has also built a stadium and sponsors women’s football in Zimbabwe.
However, as a preacher, Magaya has been surrounded by controversy. He previously claimed to have developed a cure for HIV/AIDS, and some women from his church have accused him of sexual abuse.