By Lehlohonolo Lehana
Remgro, an investment holding company, has issued a statement to the recent reports surrounding the former board member “Dr” Thabi Leoka.
This follows an expose on Tuesday, that Leoka had falsified her Economics PhD from the London School of Economics (LSE), as one of the reasons she had been axed from the Remgro board,
The LSE and the University of London have confirmed that they have no record of Leoka being awarded a PhD from either body.
In a statement, Remgro said Leoka was appointed as an independent non-executive director of Remgro in 2023, subject to shareholder approval at an annual general meeting (AGM).
However, the appointment was not ratified at the Remgro AGM on 4 December, as she advised the board that she opted to no longer stand for election as an independent non-executive director of the company due to personal reasons.
“Remgro’s values are central to the culture of ethical and moral behaviour and compliance. To ensure that these values are upheld, the Board recognizes the need to ensure rigor in the process of electing and nominating members to the directorate,” said the company’s communiqué.
Leoka, who holds a Master’s Degree from the institution, claims her name cannot be found among PhD graduates because she changed her name at Home Affairs.
Meanwhile, questions are being asked on the vetting of appointees to presidential advisory committees in light of the qualification scandal involving Leoka.
Presidency said because its Economic Advisory Council is a non-statutory body, vetting of appointees is not required.
It has since asked Leoka to “expeditiously address the matter of her qualifications” in the interests of transparency.
Leoka promised to prove that she does hold a PhD from the London School of Economics.
She has held numerous directorships as well as high-profile advisory positions to President Cyril Ramaphosa and former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene.
In 2018, “Dr” Leoka was among a panel of researchers appointed by Nene to review a list of VAT zero-rated items and terms of reference. In 2019, “Dr” Leoka was appointed by Ramaphosa to the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), to “advise the President and government more broadly, facilitating the development and implementation of economic policies that spur inclusive growth”.
She also serves on the boards of several companies including Anglo American Platinum, the Small Business Institute and the Senegal-based consulting group Act-Afrique. She is also a board member of MTN SA, and in company documents, her official bio says she holds a PhD in economics from the University of London.