FIRST LADY CELEBRATES PHD AS ZIMBABWE’S LEADERS TURN TO ACADEMIC TITLES FOR POWER

President Emmerson Mnangagwa traveled to Chiweshe, Mashonaland Central, to celebrate a big moment for his wife, First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa. She recently earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Midlands State University. The First Lady’s PhD is a new achievement in her life, and President Mnangagwa personally handed her the doctoral cap during her graduation at the university in Gweru.

This celebration comes at a time when getting PhDs is becoming very popular among top officials in Zimbabwe. Some people think officials are not getting these degrees for the right reasons. The story of former First Lady Grace Mugabe is still fresh in the minds of many. In 2014, Grace Mugabe got a controversial PhD from the University of Zimbabwe. People called it fake, and many questioned how she managed to get it so fast. Her degree became a major topic, especially after her husband, the late President Robert Mugabe, was removed from power in a coup in 2017.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga also has a PhD, which he earned from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. But, like Grace Mugabe’s degree, there has been a lot of talk about how he got it. Many Zimbabweans see this as a sign of a bigger trend where officials are chasing advanced degrees not for education but for status and power.

In Zimbabwe, having a PhD is seen as a way to gain respect and influence. Many officials believe that having a PhD can make people see them as smarter, better leaders, and more credible. To them, it is more than just a piece of paper—it is a key to unlock higher positions and power in politics.

This is a form of “academic credentialism.” It happens when people use degrees not to show what they have learned but to make themselves look more important. This is happening more and more in Zimbabwe, and it raises many questions. Are these officials getting degrees to serve the people better, or are they doing it for their own gain?

Pursuing education is always a good thing. Learning new things and gaining more knowledge helps people grow and serve their communities better. For officials, it should mean they are ready to use their knowledge to improve the lives of citizens. But, when higher education is used only for personal glory and political gain, it loses its true meaning.

The First Lady’s new PhD could inspire many people to seek education. But it is also important to look at why Zimbabwe’s leaders are so eager to get advanced degrees. Are they doing it to improve their skills, or is it just to look good in public?

Zimbabwe’s history shows that many officials use education as a tool to hold onto power. They believe that having a PhD makes them untouchable and respected. But respect and leadership should come from actions, not just titles. True leadership is about serving others, not just adding more degrees to one’s name.

If Zimbabwean leaders want to inspire the next generation, they must show that education is about learning and growth, not just status. Leaders should use their knowledge to help the country grow, fix problems, and create opportunities for everyone.

Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa’s PhD celebration in Chiweshe is a big moment for her and her family. But it also opens a conversation about why so many officials in Zimbabwe are chasing PhDs. Education is a powerful tool, but it should never be used for personal gain or to manipulate public perception. It should be about making a real difference in the lives of others.

The people of Zimbabwe hope their leaders will focus on what really matters: using their knowledge and power to serve the nation with honesty and integrity. Education should not be a shortcut to power but a path to meaningful change.