South African: President Ramaphosa fires adviser

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has removed economist Thabi Leoka from an advisory panel amid questions about her PhD qualification.

Leoka had claimed to hold a PhD from the London School of Economics (LSE), but reporters from the Daily Maverick have been unable to find any record of the degree.

Last week, she denied misrepresenting her qualifications. On Monday, Leoka resigned from her positions on the boards of two prominent companies, Anglo American Platinum and MTN SA.

She was also informed of her immediate termination from the Presidential Economic Advisory Council. The council, which does not require formal vetting, advises on economic policies to promote inclusive growth.

Leoka previously stated that she had not been able to produce evidence of her qualification due to her health and her location at the Miami Bascom Palmer Eye Hospital.

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She added that her names had been reflected differently on her degrees, which may have contributed to the lack of evidence found by journalists.

Leoka is a prominent economist and commentator in South Africa and has provided advice to the government.