Veteran actor Sello Maake-kaNcube’s name is currently on many people’s lips and no, this is not because of his alleged divorce from his wife Pearl which he has refuted, but rather his honorary doctorate degree that Minister Blade Nzimande’s department does not recognise.
Sello was recently conferred with a doctorate degree by the Trinity International Bible University, an institution that’s not registered with the Department of Higher Learning and Training.
The actor who was beaming with joy a few days ago shared the news on his social media platforms. Posting the pics of his big moment, he captioned his post:
“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.”
In the same post, Sello also made sure to shut the divorce rumours, commenting, “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!”
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Speaking to the SowetanLIVE, the Department of Higher Learning’s spokesperson Veli Mbele shared:
“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. 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.”
Adding that the university might soon see itself in trouble with the law, Veli commented, “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. As the department of higher education and training, we are willing to engage with Trinity International Bible University and the celebrities they have honoured, to better explain our position.
He concluded by saying, “As the Department of Higher Education and Training, we have a legal responsibility to protect the integrity of our qualifications and that of our post-school education and training system.”
Also see: Internet moved by viral video of emotional mother during daughter’s graduation
