07/11/2023
Unisa Denies Conferring Honorary Doctorates on Phemphero Mphande, Patience Namadingo, and Mansoor Sharif Karim
Johannesburg, South Africa – In a recent press release, the University of South Africa (Unisa) has categorically denied conferring honorary doctorates on three prominent Malawian figures: Phemphero Mphande, Patience Namadingo, and Mansoor Sharif Karim. The university's statement comes in response to claims made by these individuals on social media and in the media, suggesting that they had received these honorary degrees in 2020, 2022, and 2023, respectively.
Unisa's Acting Registrar, Professor Moloko Sepota, has stated that the university never considered, approved, or awarded honorary doctorates to Phemphero Mphande, Patience Namadingo, or Mansoor Sharif Karim. The university's official records do not include these individuals among the candidates eligible for such an honor in 2020, 2021, or 2023. Unisa also clarified that no honorary degrees were awarded in 2022.
Moreover, Unisa strongly refutes the authenticity of the certificates presented by Mphande and Namadingo as Unisa degree certificates. The institution emphasized that the awarding of honorary doctorates at Unisa follows a meticulously controlled process. Nominations and approvals occur through various governance structures within the university, culminating in final approval by the University Council. The conferment of honorary degrees is conducted during open graduation ceremonies, presided over by duly authorized university officials, typically the Chancellor or Principal and Vice Chancellor.
Unisa expressed its disapproval of these false claims and denounced the misuse of its name for fraudulent purposes. University officials have been directed to investigate the matter, ensuring that those involved are held accountable and required to retract their false statements.
The controversy surrounding the alleged honorary doctorates has raised questions about the credibility of such claims and the importance of verifying academic honors. Unisa's response serves as a reminder that honorary degrees are awarded only through a rigorous and transparent process, safeguarding the integrity of the university's academic distinctions.