Winnie Mashaba, Sello Maake kaNcube and Elizabeth Serunye
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, has confirmed that Trinity International Bible University, which recently honored veteran actor Sello Maake kaNcube and Elizabeth Serunye (Principal Jacobeth Thobakgale of Skeem Saam), and previously traditional gospel artist Winnie Mashaba with a doctorate, is not a registered private higher education institution.
This comes after Sello Maake kaNcube celebrated his honorary PhD on social media.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2
Look at God! It’s now Dr Sello Maake kaNcube 🤩🥰😍
Someone please… pic.twitter.com/PqqyFtfAke
— Sello Maake kaNcube -Archie Moroka ☺️ (@sellomkn) April 20, 2024
Nzimande confirmed this on Sunday, 21 April, a day after Maake was conferred his honorary doctorate.
“According to our records as the Department of Higher Education and Training, Trinity International Bible University is not a registered private higher education institution. Trinity International Bible University is therefore not authorised to offer any qualifications, including honorary degrees,” he said.
Nzimande said they have also asked the Council on Higher Education (CHE) for guidance on how honorary qualifications should be offered and by whom.
Nzimande said the Department of Higher Education had written to the bogus institution before, warned them about continuing to operate illegally, and asked them to regularise their operations.
“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 regulations by the management of Trinity International Bible University.
The Department is considering more comprehensive and decisive action against Trinity International Bible University and all other individuals or institutions who continue to undermine the Department’s regulations,” said Nzimande.
PROMINENT MEMBERS HONORED BY TIBU
In 2018 Traditional leaders and prominent members of society were awarded with honorary doctorates by the Trinity International Bible University in partnership with the Christian Leadership Academy in Port Elizabeth
The recipients included King Zwelonke Sigcawu of the AmaXhosa kingdom, King Dalimvula Matanzima of the Western Tembus, King Peter Cardi of the Khoisan in Cape Town and South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) leader Zwelinzima Vavi was also honoured by the institution.
They were all bestowed with honorary Doctor of Philosophy in leadership and governance by the internationally accredited church, which is also affiliated to New World Mission Dunamis International University.
In 2019 Gospel musician Winnie Mashaba also honorary doctorate from the Trinity International Bible University (TIBU) for her work in music.
In 2021, businesswoman and football club owner Shawn “MaMkhize” Mkhize was also conferred an honorary doctorate by the bogus institution.