Honorary degree qualifications from unaccredited institutions: Anathema for Pentecostal self-discovery

Abstract

There are Pentecostal leaders claiming academic and ecclesial titles such as Dr, Prof, Bishop, Apostle, etc. These honorary degrees are offered by some unaccredited institutions claiming some international status. The phenomenon concerns the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology. Exorbitant amounts are paid for these bogus qualifications. The problem is hereby addressed by first giving some practical examples of those awarded these qualifications. The second part paints a short history of Pentecostal education and the rise of intellectual tendencies. The third part elaborates on the South African legislature of accreditation of institutions of learning, who qualifies to confer honorary qualifications, and the application of these qualifications. Addressing this problem, church leaders should familiarize themselves with the accreditation processes of institutions and qualifications in South Africa and be aware of the trap of commercialisation of the gospel within the Pentecostal communities these days.