Fact Check: No, Phindile didn't hack UJ to dish out distinctions

- 'Phindile' has been causing waves on social media after allegedly hacking the University of Johannesburg's IT system

- The 'hacker' was applauded for allegedly giving herself and other students distinctions

- Briefly.co.za explores the claim to see if there is any truth behind it

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Phindile has been trending on social media as citizens call for IT companies and even the University of Johannesburg to give her a job.

This comes after the student allegedly hacked the UJ website and gave both herself and other students distinctions:

“Further investigations found that she did not do it for herself only. She edited marks for 200 other students who were having problems passing their modules. They probably thought it was a miracle. The university is busy trying to reach a final decision on whether they can cancel the degrees issued with marks that were edited by Phindile.

"We reached out to some of the degree holders and some are already working, it will be a very hard decision to make,” the anonymous person was quoted as saying."

This tale impressed numerous citizens with thousands weighing in on the brave - and illegal - supposed act of the student.

READ ALSO: Mcebo Dlamini contemplating path forward: Sentence ends law career

However, Briefly.co.za has gathered that this story, as impressive as it is, is totally fake. In a statement issued by the University of Johannesburg, it was declared untrue:

“UJ has noted a report peddling misinformation disguised as legitimate news. The report, which was published on a news satire/parody site, is FALSE! Sadly, many readers have been misled to believe that it is real news. It is FAKE news.”

Nevertheless, people are still caught up in the hype and demanding that UJ reach out to this imaginary character that managed to best their security.

In other tertiary education news, Mcebo Dlamini says that he is contemplating his future after a criminal conviction ended any chance of a career in law.

The Fees Must Fall activist was nevertheless applauded by EFF leadership who voiced their support for his vision.

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Source: Briefly News