Sello Maake KaNcube renounces controversial honorary doctorate and demands apology

Legendary actor Sello Maake KaNcube has formally rejected an honorary doctorate awarded by the unaccredited Trinity International Bible University, saying the recognition has caused him years of ridicule and reputational harm.

Foundation announces rejection and demand for apology

In a statement from the Sello Maake KaNcube Foundation, the actor announced that he has formally rejected, renounced and dissociated himself from the degree awarded by Trinity International Bible University, which is also known as Trinity International University of Ambassadors.

The foundation said the decision follows “years of sustained public controversy, reputational harm, ridicule and emotional distress arising from the manner in which the matter surrounding Trinity International University of Ambassadors was publicly handled and politicised.”

“Mr Maake kaNcube accepted the honorary doctorate in good faith and had absolutely no involvement in the institution’s administration, accreditation, governance or regulatory affairs.”

Backstory: minister’s criticism and public fallout

The foundation’s statement recalled that the controversy began about two years ago when Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande criticised the unregistered institution for awarding degrees to South African celebrities, saying the awards were not worth the paper they were written on. Since then, the actor has faced a barrage of online trolling, the foundation said.

Letters sent, demands made and legal action contemplated

Maake KaNcube has sent official letters to both the university and the Department of Higher Education and Training. The foundation said he is demanding:

• a public clarification that he was never implicated in wrongdoing;
• a formal apology for the reputational harm suffered; and
• greater responsibility in the handling of innocent public figures during matters of institutional investigation and public communication.

The foundation also revealed that the controversy “ruined potential opportunities for Maake KaNcube to receive legitimate honorary degrees from respected South African universities.” It said the actor is hiring a legal team to explore available remedies and that all letters sent so far are “strictly without prejudice and with full reservation of legal rights.”

Looking ahead

Despite the experience, the foundation said Maake KaNcube remains committed to South African arts, culture and mentorship. “This matter goes beyond a title or qualification. It concerns dignity, fairness and the human cost of public humiliation,” the foundation added, and thanked the public, industry colleagues and supporters who have stood by him.