A Midlands-based academic institution Macronet International Association is in hot soup over allegations that it is duping learners through misrepresentation as a registered institution.
Zim Morning Post understands that the organisation is not accredited with the Higher Examinations Council (HEXCO) neither is it recognised by the Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC).
The organisazion is owned by Edwin Ncube who is believed to hail from Zhombe in Midlands province but is domiciled in Gweru’s Mkoba suburb.
Most of those duped by the shady organisation state that it purportedly offers training courses and certificates in hotel management, tourism and catering, nurse aide courses, receptionist courses among others.
Once clients’ part with amounts varying between US$90-US$200, promised services are reportedly withheld and are instead offered what was not agreed upon.
Officials from the Ministry of Higher Education’s Quality control department who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “Macronet International Association is not registered with them and their certificates are not recognized.”
The official said parents and guardians need be extra careful lest they lose their hard earned cash to fraudulent entities.
In Zhombe, the organisation is allegedly charging US$90 for first aid courses and then promises prospective clients with jobs after completion of the short courses.
Sources say the organisation has spread its wings to Matabeleland where it has reportedly partnered the Matebeleland Youth Association purporting to offer higher and tertiary courses.
Recently, Ncube was hauled before the courts in Bulawayo on allegations of fraud.
During that case, Maureen Malandu (40) of Mpopoma and Memory Madyara (32) of Makokoba told the court that they paid US$200 for ambulance technician courses at the college, but instead were taught first aid.
The court heard that Ms Malandu paid US$110 while Ms Madyara parted with US$90 after they were informed that the amount would cover items needed for the completion of the course.
However, Ncube was not asked to plead over the matter.
Macronet is still on the prowl using the same modus operandi to defraud students who seek higher education as a solution to poverty.
Some of the duped clients have since reported the matter to the police while some have directly reported to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), a source confirmed.
Ncube could not be reached for comment.
However, in a written response to Zim Morning Post, the institution declined any wrong doing.
“It is best to know that our institution is a registered Trust, registered according to the laws of Zimbabwe since 2010 to offer (livelihood skills) to targeted community groups as an empowerment drive to afford beneficiaries to have appropriate skills to start income generating projects or be motivated to pursue a course at a future time. We are not a college to register for Hexco and we have made our position clear with the Ministry of Higher Education Head office that through partnership with government colleges our targeted groups would be trained,” Macronet said.
