By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal, and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, has found herself at the center of a social media storm after her credentials were questioned by former CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere.
This controversy arose following Minister Mavetera’s recent proposal to implement a data protection fee for WhatsApp administrators in business groups, which could range from US$50 to US$2,500.
The clash began when Mahere publicly challenged Mavetera’s use of the title “Doctor” despite her being a PhD candidate. Days after comparisons between Mavetera and Rwanda’s ICT minister flooded social media, Mahere tweeted directly at Mavetera, asking:
“Good day, Honourable Minister @TateMavetera,
1. Why do you use the title ‘DR,’ yet according to your tweet on the 9th of November, you indicated that, in terms of qualifications, you’re still just a PhD candidate?
2. Can a PhD candidate use the title ‘DR’?”
The online inquiry quickly escalated, with netizens taking sides, some backing Mahere’s stance while others defended Mavetera.
In response to the growing controversy, Minister Mavetera clarified her situation in a tweet, stating, “Thank you for asking. I was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters in 2022. It is not part of my academic qualifications but an award, which is why I did not mention it in that post you have highlighted.”
This explanation has done little to quell the debate, with many still questioning whether it is appropriate to use the title “Doctor” in a professional context when the academic qualification is not yet attained.