Honorary doctorate recipients don’t have to use the title ‘Dr’ [Video]

The South African Association of PhDs says honorary doctorate recipients should not demand to be referred to as Dr as there is a difference between an academic and an honorary doctorate. 

This comes as the Department of Higher Education recently confirmed that the Trinity International Bible University, which has conferred honorary doctorates to some of the country’s public figures, is not registered. Additionally, it is not authorised to offer any qualifications.

In the wake of the increasing number of public figures receiving honorary doctorates, the SA Association of PhDs says recipients should not demand to be called “Dr”.  

In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, the association’s Avela Majavu said there are only two doctors in South Africa: a medical doctor and a doctor who obtained their PhD academically. 

Majavu said that in an academic doctorate, you delve into work-related research and have to defend your qualifications. This rigorous process entails years of dedicated study and completing a substantial doctor thesis or …