The Department of Higher has confirmed that the Trinity
International Bible University is not a registered institution and thus unauthorised to confer honorary doctorates. This after the institution conferred honorary doctorates to several celebrities that include veteran actor and playwright, Sello Maake ka Ncube, who posted pictures on his social media accounts, celebrating the doctorate.
“The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande has become aware of reports and related images on social media of honorary doctorates that have been awarded to some of our country’s top celebrities by the Trinity International Bible University. According to our records as the Department of Higher Education and Training, Trinity International Bible University is not a Trinity International Bible University. Trinity International Bible University is therefore not authorised to offer any qualifications, including honorary degrees,” said the
department spokesperson, Veli Mbele.
Mbele confirmed that this is not the department’s first encounter with the institution, as it had written to it before and warned them about continuing to operate illegally and for them to regularise their operations.
The department has also roped in the Council on Higher
Education for guidance on how honorary qualifications should be offered and by who.
“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 Department’s regulations by the management of Trinity
International Bible University,” explained Mbele.
He added that the department is considering more
comprehensive and decisive action against Trinity International Bible University, 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,” highlighted Mbele.
He emphasised that the department has a legal responsibility to protect the integrity of its qualifications and that of its post school education and training system. The institution has in the past honoured gospel singer Winnie Mashaba, businesswoman and media personality, Shawn Mkhize.
