Economist Thabi Leoka vows legal action over qualification allegations

JOHANNESBURG - Economist Thabi Leoka said she would be responding legally to allegations that she lied about her qualifications.

Leoka is embroiled in a qualification scandal after Business Day reported that she lied about holding a PhD from the London School of Economics.

The economist has sat on boards of companies including MTN, Anglo American Platinum and most recently, Remgro.

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She also served on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Economic Advisory Committee.  

Leoka, who holds a Master's in Economics has denied any wrongdoing, saying the reason her name cannot be found among PhD graduates was because she changed her name at home affairs.

However, she has yet to provide proof of her PhD.

She said she would not be taking the allegations lying down.

"I think this is tarnishing on one's personality and it has implications on their professional life and it's an unfortunate story. It's run on the front page, I'm definitely taking legal action."