By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
In a decisive blow to Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries leader Walter Magaya’s presidential aspirations, the High Court of Zimbabwe has upheld the decision to disqualify him from running in the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) elections.
Magaya’s bid to become ZIFA president has been dashed due to his inability to produce the required Ordinary Level (O Level) certificate.
Justice Tawanda Chitapi delivered the ruling on Thursday, ruling against Magaya’s application to overturn the ZIFA Normalisation Committee’s decision.
The judge emphasized that a UNISA diploma does not replace the need for an O Level certificate, as required by ZIFA.
The ruling makes it clear that even individuals with advanced degrees, like a PhD, must still provide proof of an O Level certificate to meet the criteria.
In his judgment, Justice Chitapi stated, “Just for the avoidance of doubt, if one relies on a diploma, the issue is not that a diploma is higher than O’ Level. The applicant would be required to produce an O’ Level certificate even if he holds a PhD.”
Additionally, the court found Magaya’s lack of transparency about his qualifications concerning.
The judge noted that Magaya failed to provide sufficient information to challenge the Normalisation Committee’s decision, describing his approach as “less than forthcoming.”
The High Court’s decision has effectively disqualified Magaya from the ZIFA presidential elections, which are set to take place on Saturday.