Thabi Leoka PhD dispute: Vetting not required for Economic Advisory Council jobs – Presidency
The esteemed economist, appointed to the council, was on Tuesday accused of lying about her PhD qualification 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 - In light of allegations that economist Thabi Leoka lied about her PhD, the Presidency said formal vetting was not a requirement for candidates chosen for the Economic Advisory Council.
On Tuesday, Business Day reported that Leoka, appointed to the council, lied about obtaining the qualification from the London School of Economics.
READ: Economist Thabi Leoka vows legal action over qualification allegations
Leoka also served on boards, including MTN, Anglo American Platinum, and most recently, Remgro.
She denied any wrongdoing and told the Clement Manyathela Show that she would be considering taking legal action against Business Day.
The Presidency wants answers from Leoka, with spokesperson Vincent Magwenya saying in the interest of transparency, they requested that she address the matter of her qualifications expeditiously.
He said because its Economic Advisory Council is a non-statutory body, vetting is not required when appointments are made.
Magwenya said members volunteered their time and were not employed by The Presidency, nor were they remunerated by the State.
He said appointments are based on experience and qualifications, and a PhD is not a requirement.