Unregistered Muzorewa varsity exposed

Mr Ernest Muzorewa

Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) and United Methodist Church (UMC) have distanced themselves from the operations of the Abel Tendekai Muzorewa University, which is allegedly operating illegally in Rusape.
In a public statement, ZIMCHE warned that the institution is unregistered and lacks accreditation to operate as a university, enroll students, or advertise academic programmes.
Both ZIMCHE and UMC urged prospective students and the public to exercise caution and verify credentials before engaging with the institution. The move is aimed at protecting students from illegitimate academic operators.
The project is being spearheaded by Mr Ernest Muzorewa, younger brother of the late Abel Tendekai Muzorewa— the first black bishop of the United Methodist Church and Prime Minister of the short-lived Zimbabwe-Rhodesia Government.
When contacted for comment, Mr Muzorewa initially said he preferred face-to-face interviews, and later advised this reporter to drop the story as “big people” were involved.
“Currently, I am at the farm in Odzi. I will be in Mutare around 4pm, so that I can give you the details you want. I am more worried about your job than anything else because of the people involved in what is happening. There are big players involved, and I am afraid that if you get caught in the middle, things will be bad for you. I would suggest that you do the story next week after I have seen how the elephants have decided. If you rush with this story your hands may get burnt. For now, I am not saying anything to anybody because it is beyond me. I know nothing about the ZIMCHE Press statement; I just read it in the paper. You need to be very cautious,” said Mr Muzorewa.
The ‘university’ has been circulating messages on social media seeking rental houses for student and lecturer accommodation, claiming it was preparing to open this year.
However, the messages provided no details about the location of its campus.
The United Methodist Church has categorically denied any involvement, stressing that the proposed university is a private family initiative with no association with the church.
“The Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE), the statutory body mandated to register, accredit and regulate higher education institutions in Zimbabwe in terms of the ZIMCHE Act (Chapter 25.27) wishes to alert members of the public regarding reports circulating on social media and other informal communication channels concerning the alleged establishment and planned opening of an institution referred to as Abel Tendekai Muzorewa University in Rusape. For the avoidance of doubt, ZIMCHE wishes to categorically inform the public that the purported Abel Tendekai Muzorewa University is not registered or accredited by the ZIMCHE, and therefore has no legal authority to operate as a university or to offer any undergraduate, post graduate or honorary degree programmes in Zimbabwe.
“Consequently, any attempt by representatives of the purported Abel Tendekai Muzorewa University to open their doors to the public, enroll students or advertise academic programmes before obtaining registration and accreditation from ZIMCHE would constitute an unlawful act. ZIMCHE therefore issues a formal warning to representatives of the institution to desist from any activities that may mislead the public into believing that the institution is authorized to operate as a university in Zimbabwe.
“The institution is advised to immediately cease any public misrepresentations suggesting that it is permitted to enroll students or offer degree programmes until it has fully complied with the statutory requirements for registration and accreditation,” reads part of the statement.
ZIMCHE also warned that those operating institutions of higher learning without following the laid-down law risk civil and criminal proceedings against them, and has urged prospective students and parents to verify the status of colleges and universities before enrolling to avoid losing money.
“The ZIMCHE further warns that any institution operating outside the provisions of the ZIMCHE Act shall be subject to enforcement action, including civil and criminal proceedings as provided for under the laws of Zimbabwe. This notice serves as a caution to any other organisations or individuals who may intend to establish or operate higher education institutions without complying with regulatory requirements. ZIMCHE will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any entity that undermines the integrity, credibility and quality assurance framework of Zimbabwe’s higher education system. Members of the public, prospective students, parents and employers are strongly advised to verify the registration and accreditation status of any institution claiming to offer degree programmes before engaging with or enrolling at such institutions. The ZIMCHE remains committed to safeguarding the integrity, quality and credibility of Zimbabwe’s higher education system and protecting students and the public from fraudulent and unregulated academic practices,” further reads the statement.
Administrative assistant to the UMC Bishop, Reverend Doctor Jairos Mafondokoto, clarified that the proposed university has no relationship with the church and is not using their premises in Rusape as offices.
“No, it is not affiliated to the United Methodist Church. They are also not using our church premises. It is a private family university. The best people to ask are the organisers, but that university has no relationship with the United Methodist Church,” said Reverend Mafondokoto.
Pamugodo Lodge managing director, Ms Shungu Chidawanyika, said there is no university operating at their premises.
“There is no university operating at Pamugodo Lodge, but we have potential clients who expressed intention of occupying some of our space and running their offices while they set up their operations,” she said.
Speaking at the launch of the university last year, it was stated that the first enrolment will be in August 2026, while short courses will be on offer as early as January 2026.
It was stated that although their main site will be at Mabvuwo Mountain in Muziti area, where Bishop Muzorewa hails from, on the outskirts of Rusape, they will be using Pamugodo Lodge and United Methodist Church offices in Rusape as their temporary homes while construction is underway.
Mr Muzorewa added that the university will start with five faculties: Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Business Development Studies, Faculty of Theology and Community Engagements, Faculty of Healing and Allied Sciences, and Faculty of Computer Sciences and Information Systems.
Ends