Economist Thabi Leoka could face jail time if she falsified her PhD
Embattled economist and career board member Thabi Leoka is embroiled in a scandal over a PhD that she claims to have from the London School of Economics.
FILE: Leoka denied any wrongdoing, saying that she would be considering taking legal action against Business Day. Picture: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG - Embattled economist and career board member, Thabi Leoka, could face jail time for allegedly falsifying an academic qualification.
Leoka is embroiled in a scandal over a PhD that she claims to have from the London School of Economics.
Media reports have revealed how she allegedly lied about the qualification but she has disputed this.
Leoka, who possesses a Master's from a prestigious institution and another from Wits, has served on several boards and on the president’s economic advisory council.
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According to the National Qualifications Framework Amendment Act, which was passed last year, a person is guilty of an offence if they falsely claim to qualify as a local or lawfully recognised foreign institution.
The Act also stipulates that the person may be liable for a fine or up to five years imprisonment or both.
Professor Steven Tuson, from the Wits Law School, said this act made it easier to secure a conviction.
"The requisite elements of the offence is claiming to qualify. What would be an aggravating factor if she committed the offence to gain financially."
Despite promising to provide proof of her PhD on Tuesday, Leoka is yet to release anything to the public.