Veteran actor Sello Maake kaNcube when he was conferred an honorary doctorate by a bogus institution. Image: X/@sellomkn.
Department of Higher Education confirms Sello Maake’s PhD is from a bogus college
Trinity International Bible University that conferred an honorary doctorate to Sello Maake KaNcube is a bogus institution.
Veteran actor Sello Maake kaNcube when he was conferred an honorary doctorate by a bogus institution. Image: X/@sellomkn.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, has confirmed that Trinity International Bible University which honored veteran actor Sello Maake kaNcube with a doctorate, is not a registered private higher education institution.
Nzimande confirmed this on Sunday, 21 April, a day after Maake was conferred his honorary doctorate and flooded social media to celebrate.
BOGUS COLLEGE HONOURS SELLO MAAKE WITH A PHD
On Sunday, Nzimande said he has become aware of reports and related images on social media of honorary doctorates that have been awarded to some of the country’s top celebrities by the bogus institution.
“According to our records as the Department of Higher Education and Training, Trinity International Bible University is not a registered private higher education institution. Trinity International Bible University is therefore not authorised to offer any qualifications, including honorary degrees,” he said.
DEPARTMENT PREVIOUSLY WARNED BOGUS INSTITUTION
Nzimande said the Department of Higher Education had written to the bogus institution before, warned them about continuing to operate illegally, and asked them to regularise their operations.
In addition, Nzimande said they have also asked the Council on Higher Education (CHE) for guidance on how honorary qualifications should be offered and by whom.
“As the Department, we have nothing against Trinity International Bible University or the celebrities they have chosen to honour.
“We are, however, deeply disturbed by the persistent disregard for the regulations by the management of Trinity International Bible University. The Department is considering more comprehensive and decisive action against Trinity International Bible University and all other individuals or institutions who continue to undermine the Department’s regulations,” Nzimande reiterated.
OTHER SA CELEBRITIES CONFERRED HONORARY DOCTORATES
Sello Maake kaNcube is not the only celebrity who has been honoured by the bogus institution.
In 2021, businesswoman and football club owner Shawn “MaMkhize” Mkhize was also conferred an honorary doctorate by the bogus institution.
South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) leader Zwelinzima Vavi was also honoured by the institution.
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