Renowned South African actor Sello Maake kaNcube found himself in the midst of controversy over the weekend after proudly sharing pictures of himself being conferred with a purported honorary doctorate from the Trinity International Bible University, an institution not registered with education authorities in South Africa.
The announcement of Maake kaNcube’s honorary doctorate in Philosophy in Business Administration quickly sparked skepticism among social media users, who questioned the legitimacy of Trinity International Bible University and the unconventional venue choice for the ceremony, which reportedly took place in a warehouse.
As chatter on social media escalated, Maake kaNcube responded to the criticism with a cryptic message, suggesting that criticism and experience combine to impart wisdom. He thanked supporters for their positive messages amidst the backlash, while also hinting at a deeper meaning behind the controversy.
However, the excitement surrounding Maake kaNcube’s honorary title was overshadowed by the revelation from the Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, who confirmed that Trinity International Bible University is not registered and lacks the authority to confer any qualifications, including honorary degrees.
In response to the controversy, the department’s spokesperson, Veli Mbele, emphasized that Trinity International Bible University operates unlawfully and has been warned by authorities to cease its illegal activities. The department has also sought guidance from the Council on Higher Education regarding the proper protocol for awarding honorary qualifications.
While Maake kaNcube has yet to address the Minister’s statement directly, the unfolding situation underscores the importance of due diligence when accepting honorary titles and highlights the need for greater scrutiny of institutions offering such awards. As the story continues to develop, the public awaits Maake kaNcube’s response and any further updates on the matter.