University of South Africa Denies Giving Malawian Influencer Doctorate, SA Calls for His Arrest

• The University of South Africa denied giving a Malawian social media influencer an honorary degree
• UNISA stated after Phemphero Mphande claimed that he got a doctorate from the institute recognising his work in humanitarian aid
• Netizens called for people claiming to have qualifications when they don't to be arrested
• Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News's current affairs journalist, offered coverage of current affairs and societal issues during his eight years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

Yet another social media user has been slapped on the wrist by a university for lying about having a degree. This time, the University of South Africa (UNISA) denied giving honorary doctorates to Malawian influencers and public figures. The University also slammed the influencer and musician for misusing its name.

UNISA denies giving influencer doctorate

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UNISA flatly denied giving Malawian socialite and activist Phemphero Mphande an honorary doctorate. It also rejected a musician from the same nation, Patience Namadingo and another individual called Mansoor Sharif Karim. According to IOL, the saga exploded when Mphande tweeted on X that he was awarded an honorary PhD for his work in humanitarian aid, where he claimed to have raised over 200 million in need.

UNISA slams influencer

In a statement, UNISA pointed out that Mphande, Namadingo and Karim were not among the candidates considered for honorary doctorates for 2020, 2021 and this year. UNISA further stated that they did not give out any such degree in that period when Mphande claimed he got a degree from them.

They clarified that the conferring of doctorates is an elaborate process and condemned them for misusing UNISA's name. Following this, Mphande responded on X and claimed that he was a scam victim and that he was contacted by individuals who claimed that they confer degrees on behalf of the institution.

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South Africans call for his arrest

Netizens on Facebook suggested that the University should have people claiming to have degrees from UNISA and put him on the same level as the bogus 'Dr' Matthew Lani.

Phumelelo Phumza Mahlaba said:

“I saw someone suggesting that it’s time higher institutions arrest these so-called graduates, and I could not agree more. So disgusting! Pekle should go back to school if they’re desperate for titles.”

Faith Smith added:

“UNISA should open a case against him to make an example.”

Bary Wiliams pointed out:

“It’s a norm in our country to expect and not work hard to achieve a goal or a dream. It starts from the top. If they can do it, why can’t others?”

Bheki Sikhosana suggested:

“The law must prosecute these criminals. It’s s disgrace and nonsensical.”

'Dr' Matthew Lani goes viral on US TikTok

In a similar article, Briefly News reported that bogus 'Doctor' Matthew Lani was outed by American TikTok after Wits University denied that he had a degree from them.

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The Department of Health also spoke out against him and denied that he worked for the department and opened a case against him. South Africans were stunned by how brave the gent was in impersonating a doctor for the sake of contentment.

Source: Briefly News