Shacky Timburwa
Shacky Timburwa | |
|---|---|
| Born | Shakemore Wellington Timburwa May 9, 1992 |
| Citizenship | Zimbabwean |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2015–present |
| Known for | Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 (2021); Member of Parliament for Chegutu West |
| Spouse | Marina Tatenda |
| Children | 4 |
| Website | sttopclub |
Shacky Timburwa (born Shakemore Wellington Timburwa, 9 May 1992) is a Zimbabwean entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and politician. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Parvaim Gold Holdings and co-founder of Energy Plus International. In 2021, he was listed among the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 class of 2021.[1] In 2024, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Chegutu West constituency, representing ZANU-PF.[2]
Timburwa has been the subject of controversy, including a circulating video in 2023 linked to an Al Jazeera corruption documentary, and a 2025 investigation that found he had falsely claimed to hold a doctorate from the University of South Africa (UNISA).[3]
Early life and education
[edit]Timburwa was born on 9 May 1992 in Mutare, Zimbabwe, and grew up in Dangamvura, a high-density suburb of Mutare. He has described witnessing severe energy shortages in his community during his youth as a key influence on his later business interests.[4]
He enrolled at Mutare Polytechnical College, where he pursued a Diploma in Diesel Plant Fitting Mechanics. He later studied Business Administration and Management at Africa University in Mutare.[5] In 2023, he enrolled at the University of Zimbabwe to pursue a Bachelor of Laws (BLS) degree, which he had not yet completed as of 2025.[3]
Business career
[edit]Energy Plus International
[edit]Timburwa co-founded Energy Plus International in 2015 alongside a close friend, Rinos Mautsa, using personal savings and a contribution from his mother. He has stated that he began his entire entrepreneurial journey with a total of US$533.[5] The company specialises in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) installations and distribution, and solar electric design and installation. Its operations have expanded from Zimbabwe into South Africa and Zambia, with plans reported for further expansion into the Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi.[5] Energy Plus has worked in association with the Italian energy consultancy Avant-Garde.[6]
Parvaim Gold Holdings
[edit]In 2016, Timburwa launched Parvaim Gold Holdings, a gold mining and private equity company. The company operates across mining, engineering, processing, and administration, and also functions as a financier, linking foreign investors to mining assets in Zimbabwe.[7] Timburwa has described the company's investment strategy as focused on opportunities with a value catalyst projected within a short to medium-term timeframe.[8]
Other ventures
[edit]Timburwa also founded Premier Mary, a company specialising in hardware and construction solutions. He has described his broader business interests as spanning alternative energy, mining, real estate, and manufacturing.[7] He serves as a columnist for The Herald newspaper and has spoken at international business forums, including as a keynote speaker at the GITEX Dubai Expo 2021.[5]
Political career
[edit]In 2023, Timburwa announced his candidacy in ZANU-PF primary elections for the Chegutu West National Assembly seat. He was elected as Member of Parliament for Chegutu West constituency in 2024.[2] In parliament, he was appointed to serve on three portfolio committees: Energy, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Youth.[9]
Recognition
[edit]| Year | Award / Recognition | Awarding Body |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 100 Most Influential Young Leaders in Africa | Pan-African Youth Leadership |
| 2020 | Top 40 Most Influential Young Leaders in Zimbabwe (aged 40 and below) | Institute of Corporate Directors Zimbabwe / Institute of Corporate Governance Zimbabwe / Professional Director Canada / Governance Solutions Canada |
| 2021 | Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 (Class of 2021) | Forbes Africa |
| 2021 | Global Chamber of Business Leaders – Young Business Leaders' Programme representative for Zimbabwe | Global Chamber of Business Leaders |
| 2021 | World Energy Council Future Energy Leaders Programme nominee | World Energy Council |
Controversies
[edit]Gold video and Al Jazeera documentary (2023)
[edit]In March 2023, a video circulated on social media appearing to show cases of gold associated with Timburwa. The video attracted significant media attention in Zimbabwe as it emerged shortly before the broadcast of an Al Jazeera documentary on corruption in Zimbabwe.[10]
Falsified PhD claim (2025)
[edit]In February 2025, a UK-based investigative publication revealed that Timburwa had falsely claimed to have been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Relations by the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2023. According to the investigation, Timburwa had attended a ceremony at UNISA in November 2023 alongside several other individuals, including socialites and a Malawian legislator, at which fake graduation certificates were issued. UNISA was reported to have been unaware of the event, and the degrees were not awarded by the institution. Despite this, Timburwa had publicly used the title "Dr" in various engagements following the ceremony.[3][11]
Personal life
[edit]Timburwa is married to Marina Tatenda, with whom he has four children.[5] He is publicly described on his social media as a spiritual son of pastor Emmanuel Makandiwa, founder of the United Family International Church (UFIC) in Zimbabwe.[12]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ "CLASS OF 2021 Change-Makers In A Historic Year". Forbes Africa. 11 June 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
- 1 2 "SHACKY TIMBURWA GETS IN". Newsday Zimbabwe. December 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Shacky Timburwa 'PhD' is a fraud – MP never graduated with Doctorate". Dug's Substack. 4 February 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
- ↑ "Shakemore Timburwa: Building A Better Tomorrow". Exeleon Magazine. 3 March 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Shacky Timburwa Entrepreneur Profile". StartupBiz Zimbabwe. 21 January 2022. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
- ↑ "Shakemore Timburwa". Pindula. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
- 1 2 "Shakemore Wellington Timburwa". Zim-Abroad. 29 May 2020. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
- ↑ "Forbes-listed Timburwa inspires generations". The Standard. 13 June 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
- ↑ "Bill Watch 07-2024". Veritas Zimbabwe. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
- ↑ "Shacky Timburwa". Pindula. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
- ↑ "Timburwa's Shaky PhD". Mafaro. February 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
- ↑ "Shacky Timburwa – Facebook page". Facebook. Retrieved 21 May 2026.