Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
24 January 2024 | 12:36 p.m. SAST
2-min read

Image credit: PEAC

Economist Thabi Leoka has come under scrutiny for the legitimacy of her claimed PhD from the London School of Economics.

Leoka, who recently resigned form the boards of MTN SA and Anglo-American Platinum, initially attributed her departure to health reasons.

However, a background check revealed discrepancies in her academic qualifications.

The 44-year-old economist, known for her role as a company director and as a member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, is now facing questions about her credentials.

In an interview on Radio Islam International, Professor Jannie Rossouw from the Wits Business School highlights the significance of the issue.

“It’s always a big issue when something is misrepresented. In this instance, somebody did a background check and established that the PhD that she claims was apparently never studied, never awarded, that she doesn’t have it,” Professor Rossouw says.

Regarding Leoka’s resignations from MTN SA and Anglo-American Platinum, Professor Rossouw expressed concern, saying, “Until such time as she’s given us a clear answer, there will be a lot of doubt.”

The controversy has sparked discussions about the need for transparency in high-profile appointments and the vetting processes employed by top-level companies.

“They should have done a proper vetting process. And for that, they have to answer why they didn’t do it. But clearly, there was a lapse in their system,” Professor Rossouw points out.

The interview clarifies that while having a PhD is not a requirement for the roles Leoka held, the misrepresentation of qualifications raises concerns about the broader impact on public trust.

In response to questions about the possible motive behind such misrepresentations, Professor Rousseau explains, “It is as if people feel that it would give them more stature to pretend to have these qualifications. South Africa is a country where the public puts a high premium on qualifications.”

The professor says that such cases erode the credibility of the university training system and increase the scrutiny on individuals to provide evidence of their qualifications.

Addressing speculation of a witch hunt, Professor Rousseau states, “It’s difficult to say because it’s, in the final analysis, a simple question. Does she have a PhD or does she not have a PhD? That’s a simple matter for her to prove if she has one.”

The interview concluded with Professor Rousseau discussing the potential career setback for Leoka, noting, “It would be difficult for her to come back to work in South Africa, also to be a motivational speaker, because confidence in her judgment has been dented.”

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.