Internationally revered veteran actor Sello Maake KaNcube has formally rejected and renounced an honorary doctorate awarded to him by Trinity International University of Ambassadors following controversy surrounding the institution.
In a strongly worded letter written by the Sello Maake KaNcube Foundation, the legendary thespian said he could no longer associate himself with the honorary doctorate conferred upon him in April 2024.
The Foundation said the decision followed reputational damage suffered by Maake KaNcube after public allegations and controversy involving the institution and comments allegedly made by former Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande that the college was a fly by night institution as it was not registered.
“At the outset, we wish to express our sincere appreciation for the recognition and intentions extended to Mr Maake KaNcube at the time the honorary doctorate was awarded,” reads the letter.
“We acknowledge that the conferment was presented in good faith and in recognition of his decades-long contribution to the arts, culture, social development, and nation-building in South Africa and beyond.”
However, the Foundation said the actor had now decided to “reject, renounce, and disassociate himself from the honorary doctorate and any association linked thereto”.
According to the Foundation, the controversy surrounding the institution left Maake KaNcube’s “name, reputation, personal integrity, and professional brand” exposed to “significant and irreparable reputational harm”.
The Foundation further accused the institution of failing to publicly clarify allegations and defend individuals associated with it despite being afforded enough time to do so.
“Despite the seriousness of the matter, and despite the Foundation extending ample time, patience, and goodwill for your institution to publicly address the allegations, clarify your position, and decisively protect the dignity of those associated with your institution, no satisfactory public intervention or corrective communication was undertaken,” the letter states.
The Foundation said the absence of a public response had subjected the actor to humiliation and ridicule.
“What was intended to be a moment of honour and recognition has instead become a source of controversy that has negatively impacted both his personal standing and professional legacy.”
The Foundation also requested that the institution remove Maake KaNcube’s name and likeness from any promotional material linked to the honorary doctorate.
It further revealed plans to engage the Department of Higher Education and Training over the matter and seek a public apology regarding the manner in which the actor’s name was allegedly implicated.
“This decision should not be interpreted as an attack on your institution’s intentions at the time of the conferment, but rather as a necessary and principled step to preserve the dignity, reputation, and legacy of Mr Maake KaNcube,” the letter concludes.
Trinity International University of Ambassadors was not immediately available for comment.
