Gloria Motsoere22 April 2024 | 4:52

Higher Education Dept to take action against Trinity International Bible University over honorary doctorates

The Trinity International Bible University is in hot water after it was found to be an unregistered institution of higher learning.

Higher Education Dept to take action against Trinity International Bible University over honorary doctorates

Actor Sello Maake kaNcube (right) gets his honorary doctorate from the Trinity International Bible University. Picture: @sellomkn/X

JOHANNESBURG - The Higher Education Department says it's considering taking decisive action against the Trinity International Bible University that has been allegedly issuing bogus honorary doctorates to celebrities in the countries.

The department revealed on Sunday that the university was not a registered institution of higher learning.

It says it became aware of this after popular actor, Sello Maake ka Ncube, posted pictures on his social media pages over the weekend, celebrating his doctorate from the university.

Maake ka Ncube is among many prominent figures who have been awarded qualifications from the bible school, including gospel singer, Winnie Mashaba, and businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize.

Departmental spokesperson, Veli Mbele, said that action would be taken if the institution continued to operate illegally.

"We've written to Trinity International University before and have warned them about continuing to operate illegally and for them to regularise their operations. We also asked the Council for Higher Education for guidance on how honourary qualifications should be offered and by who."