Shauwn Mkhize – fondly known as MaMkhize – found herself trending on the X app shortly after it was revealed that actor Sello Maake kaNcube had been awarded an honorary PhD or doctorate from a bogus university.
Like the soapie star, Shauwn was also given a fake qualification from an unregistered Christian college.
Neither Sello nor Shauwn have officially responded to the reports.
SELLO MAAKE KANCUBE’S PHD
According to the Sowetan, Sello Maake kaNcube received his honorary doctorate from the Trinity International Bible University, which was deemed a “bogus” institution.
This was confirmed by the Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande.
His spokesperson, Veli Mbele, told the publication: “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.
honorary doctorate is fake. Image: X/@sellomkn.
He continued: “We also wish to state that, as the department, we have written to Trinity International University before and warned them about continuing to operate illegally and for them to regularise their operations.
“We 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”.
On X, the former Generations actor bragged about his qualifications just hours before.
He posted in a tweet: “Look at God! It’s now Dr Sello Maake kaNcube.”
He added: “Someone, please tell my co-pilot [wife] Pearl Mbewe Maake KaNcube that she is no longer travelling this life journey with a national treasure only but with an honourable DR!”.
Sello has yet to addressed the minister’s claims.
MAMKHIZE DRAGGED OVER DODGY DOCTORATE
In 2021, MaMkhize was also awarded an honorary doctorate in philosophy by a Christian institution, the Good Shepherd College of Religion, Culture, and Training.
The KwaZulu-Natal college claimed they were motivated by the reality TV star and philanthropists’ “good deeds.”
The businesswoman announced the news in a grand reveal on Instagram. The post featured her wearing a graduation gown and attending a fancy dinner.
However ,MaMkhize’s joy was shortlived when the Department of Higher Education revealed that no such institution existed on its database.
“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.
Surprisingly, MaMkhize still refers to herself as a “Dr” in her Instagram bio. Shauwn also has a Diploma in Accounting from ML Sultan Technikon now known as the Durban University of Technology.