Minister slams 'college' that gave Sello Maake kaNcube honorary doctorate
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, says Trinity International Bible University is not registered.
Veteran actor Sello Maake kaNcube has become the latest celebrity to receive a fake honorary doctorate.
Taking to Instagram, Sello shared images from the ceremony where he was conferred with the fake qualification by Trinity International Bible University.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2. Look at God! It’s now Dr Sello Maake kaNcube. Someone please tell my co-pilot Pearl Mbewe Maake KaNcube that she is no longer travelling this life journey with a national treasure but with an honourable DR!" he wrote on Instagram.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, says Trinity International Bible University is not registered.
According to The South African, Blade said that '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'.
He went on to clarify that the institution, Trinity International Bible University, is a fake.
“According to our records as the Department of Higher Education and Training, Trinity International Bible University is not a registered private higher education institution," The South African quoted Minister Blade over the weekend.
"Trinity International Bible University is therefore not authorised to offer any qualifications, including honorary degrees,” he added.
The minister added that people must not think the department has anything against the celebrities who have received the bogus qualifications.
“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.
READ: Students warned of fly-by-night colleges as academic year starts
"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 reportedly said.
Other celebrities who have received fake honorary doctorates from the institution include Gospel singer Winnie Mashaba and 'Skeem Saam' actor Elizabeth Serunye.
Last year, Shauwn Mkhize also came under fire after she was given a fake honorary doctorate from an unregistered Christian college, Good Shepherd College of Religion, Culture, and Training.
“Kindly note that the Good Shepherd College of Religion and Training is not registered with the Department as a private higher education institution. We are currently investigating,” spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi said in a statement at the time.
READ: Boity Thulo sets record straight on university qualification
Winnie Mashaba, Elizabeth Serunye and Sello Maake kaNcube have all received honorary doctorate from the alleged bogus University, Trinity International Bible University.
— Muzamana Victor (@Muzamana_Victor) April 21, 2024
Minister of higher education Blade Nzimande says Trinity International Bible University is not registered pic.twitter.com/pKRaKXOU17
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