WHEN people discuss religion and the Bible, they often reference truth and honesty.
Could these principles have been used to lure in prominent people into accepting honorary doctorates from a bogus "religious institution"?
Recently, some celebrities were embarrassed on social media because they got honorary doctorates from Trinity International Bible University. This university in Mzansi is not officially registered and can't give out real certificates.
Renowned actor Sello Maake kaNcube, singer Winnie Mashaba, actress Elizabeth Serunye, and unionist Zwelinzima Vavi are among those who proudly shared their newfound titles as "Doctor".
Are they real doctors?
The South African Association of PhDs (SAAPhDs) said they have noted with concern private higher education institutions that are not officially registered with the department of higher education.
This, according to the association, is "a growing trend" that cannot be ignored as this creates confusion among less informed people about the awarding of such honorary degrees.
According to the association, honorary doctorates are bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society or achieved remarkable success in their respective fields.
“These honorary degrees don't require recipients to fulfil the typical academic requirements of a doctoral programme," the association said.
Those who receive this honorary doctorate often entails nominations and approval by the institution leadership.
1. Honorary decorate should be conferred to a person who has contributed significantly to the cultural, scientific and social development of the country, nation or world
2. Persons nominated should be in an area of activity that is highly relevant to the university or institution awarding the honorary doctorate
3. Nominations should follow rigorous processes of being vetted by the various structures of the institution from students, alumni , council and senate
4. Honorary decorate is not awarded in exchange for financial contribution.
SAAPhDs called on educational regulatory bodies and law enforcement to collaborate in rooting out bogus institutions.
They have also urged celebrities and famous people to distance themselves from such institutions and decline invitations to be awarded these unrecognized degrees.
Daily Sun reached out to Sello Maake kaNcube and Winnie Mashaba for comment. However, Maake kaNcube offered vague response.
“All these questions are better suited the people except the second which you would answer how you would feel when you yourself are being honored," he said.
Winne Mashaba’s team said they will not respond to the enquiry.
“She is not doing any interviews. The university will be the one doing them,” the team said.
Research done by Daily Sun revealed that the institution is accredited by an international body, with its founder hailing from Ghana.
Despite efforts to contact the institution's spokesperson, Johan Grobler, for clarification, it was reported that he was currently unavailable.
