Sunday Tribune

Shauwn Mkhize’s bubble burst

LETHU NXUMALO lethu.nxumalo@inl.co.za

HOW does it feel to receive an honorary PHD in philosophy and going all out to celebrate your achievement, only to find out that the degree is from a bogus college?

We wouldn’t know, as Durban businesswoman, socialite and reality TV star Shauwn Mkhize did not respond to our questions.

It was glitz, glam and expensive champagne last week when Mkhize hosted friends and family to celebrate her PHD from the Good Shepherd College of Religion, Culture and Training. It has since been established that the institution is not registered with the Department of Higher Education.

Mkhize took to social media to announce that she was celebrating her doctorate alongside her sister, and penned an emotional tribute to her late parents.

“Dear Mama and Papa, here we are your daughters both doctors. I hope you and dad are watching over this moment and you are beyond proud,” she said.

“Thank you, Lord, for this day, and thank you to okhababzela ka Mavovo kayihlandla. It’s moments like this that I cherish from the bottom of my heart, being celebrated and acknowledged whilst I’m still alive.”

She asked her followers to address her as Dr President Shauwn Mkhize.

However, news broke this week that the college was not registered.

Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, said he was concerned about the increase in the number of cases involving bogus institutions awarding honorary doctorates.

He cautioned the public and celebrities to be careful when registering with or receiving degrees from learning institutions.

Nzimande advised that individuals check with registrars of private higher institutions and private colleges on whether such institutions were legitimate.

“We urge members of the public to always be circumspect and not accept such qualifications,” he said. “I have already requested the Council of Higher Education to investigate and advise on appropriate action on all the reported cases of the awarding of these bogus honorary degrees.”

METRO

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2021-12-05T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-12-05T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://sundaytribune.pressreader.com/article/281517934407226

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