UNISA hints at holding Mphande, Namdingo and Karim to account for fraudulent conduct

The prominent South Africa based tertiary institution, University of South Africa (UNISA) has hinted at holding Malawian social media influencer, Pemphero Mphande, renowned musician Patience Namadingo and business tycoon, Sharif Karim into account for fraudulent conduct.

In a Media statement dated 7th November, 2023, the University has denied claims that they conferred doctorate degrees on the three Malawians.

Musician Patience Namadingo claimed that he had been awarded with the honorary doctorate degree in 2020 before Pemphero Mphande announced through his social media platforms that he has been awarded with the same degree from UNISA.

However, in a twist of events, the University issued a statement on Tuesday distancing itself from the claims saying that the three Malawians are fabricating false news.

“UNISA wishes to state categorically it has NOT conferred any such degrees on the trio and that any assertion to this is simply NOT,” reads the letter in part.

“These three individuals are also not amongst the candidates considered and approved for the awarding of honorary doctorates in 2020, 2021 and 2023. Neither have they been nominated, approved or considered for such honours at any period or at whatsoever.”

The statement adds that the Certificates that were displayed by the three individuals are not definitely NOT Unisa degree certificates.

University of South Africa Acting Registrar, Professor Moloko Sepota said the institution has launched efforts to hold the three into accounts for fraudulent conduct.

“As a university, we distance ourselves from these false claims and also condemn in the strongest terms the misuse of UNISA name for fraudulent conduct. Relevant Officials within the University have been directed to look into this matter and ensure that these individuals are held to account and also made to retract any false claims,” he said.

Meanwhile, the three individuals remain mum on the matter. Patience Namdingo AKA Doc Anavaya is currently based in Zambia.