The announcement that controversial businessmanKudakwashe Tagwireihas received an honorary doctorate fromBabcock Universityin Nigeria has stirred a storm of criticism and debate in Zimbabwe, where the fuel mogul is widely viewed as a central figure in the country’s corruption scandals and crony capitalism.
ZANU PF social media activistMairosi Watungwatook to Facebook on Sunday to praise the move, writing:
“Congratulations 🎊🎊 to Dr. Kudakwashe Tagwirei on receiving an Honorary Doctor of Business and Strategic Management from Babcock University, Nigeria. This well-deserved honor reflects his exceptional contributions to business leadership, philanthropy and economic transformation.
It’s inspiring to see patriotic Zimbabweans like him recognized abroad for their efforts in supporting our nation’s vision. #ImpactfulLeadership🇿🇼🎊🎊🎊”
While ruling party supporters hailed the recognition as a validation of Tagwirei’s “patriotic business leadership,” critics slammed it as an insult to struggling Zimbabweans and a slap in the face of accountability.
“Giving Tagwirei an honorary doctorate is like awarding a match to someone accused of setting the house on fire,” said an opposition legislator who declined to be named. “He has become a symbol of state capture and the suffocating grip of elite cartels on our economy.”
Tagwirei, who has been linked to opaque deals involving fuel, mining, and public contracts, remains under sanctions from the United States and the United Kingdom for alleged corruption and for enabling the looting of Zimbabwe’s natural resources.
“This honorary doctorate does nothing to cleanse his image,” said human rights advocate Nyarai Chikasha.
“It is an affront to the millions of Zimbabweans enduring poverty while the politically connected flourish without accountability.”
Despite widespread criticism, Tagwirei remains a powerful figure within Zimbabwe’s political and economic circles, often seen as a close ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. His influence over key sectors — particularly fuel and gold — has earned him the nickname “Queen Bee,” a reference to his central role in what critics call Zimbabwe’s ‘economic honeycomb’ of corruption.
As praise and outrage clash over the honorary degree, the episode has once again highlighted the deep divide between Zimbabwe’s ruling elite and its disillusioned citizens.
Source: Zimeye
