GDE: No record of matric certificate for ‘Dr Matthew Lani’
The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that there is no existing record of a matric certificate issued to Matthew Lani, who has been masquerading on social media as a medical practitioner.
The infamous TikTok doctor ‘Dr Matthew Lani’ told his followers that he does not have a matric certificate but a high school diploma obtained through a scholarship at the University of Cambridge in England.
However, Cambridge International College said he has never enrolled at their institution, and his name does not appear in their official registers for any period.
The bogus doctor rose to fame by dispensing medical advice online and has also been featured in television and radio interviews.
In a statement released on Monday, the department's spokesperson, Steve Mabona, confirmed that Lani does not possess a matric certificate.
"Our official records indicate that Matthew Bongani Lani was initially enrolled at Bordeaux Primary School in Randburg in 2007. However, he was referred to Gresswold Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) School in Kew, Johannesburg, in January 2010. This followed an evaluation at the time, which determined that his academic performance dictated that he be transferred to an LSEN school.
“Subsequently, his academic journey at Gresswold LSEN School came to an end in September 2012.
“Matthew re-emerged on our system in 2016 at Fourways Adult Centre, where he wrote 3 subjects as a part-time candidate. However, he only passed one of those subjects.
“Based on these records and further verified information at our disposal from UMALUSI, we can confirm that Matthew Bongani Lani indeed does not possess a matric certificate," said Mabona.
The bogus doctor is already in hot water with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as well as the University of Witwatersrand, which have distanced themselves from him.
He had claimed to have studied medicine at Wits Medical School.
The HPCSA, which regulates medical practitioners in South Africa, couldn't find him in their database.
Cambridge also said it is taking legal action against him to protect its reputation and the integrity of its academic processes.
The Gauteng Department of Health has already opened a criminal case against him.
Dr Sanele Zingelwa, whose identity was allegedly used by Lani has also opened a case of identity theft.
