Former Idols SA judge and veteran actress Marah Louw was awarded an honorary doctorate in Philosophy in Arts and Music from the Gonnafela Letlole Academy (GLA).
As reported by the entertainment publication ZiMoja, the actress recently graduated under the South African Royalties Development Foundation (SARDF). An honorary doctorate in Philosophy in Arts and Music is primarily awarded to people who have provided a local or global influence recognised by either a college or university.
The ceremony took place at the Academy’s main campus in Mpumalanga, with attendees including Chef Vusani Nkosi Eyenkosi, former chef of the late Dr Nelson Mandela and Graca Machel.
She told the entertainment publication, “I am truly honoured to have received this. It indeed shows that the hard work has not been in vain.”
In 2018, Sunday Sun reported that Marah – who portrayed the character of Boi in the telenovela The Queen – alleged that she was unfairly dismissed by the Fergusons. The reason for her dismissal was due to her inability to reach an agreement with the show’s producer regarding a new contract.
According to a statement made by the late Shona Ferguson, Louw wasn’t fired from the show; instead, she was in and out of contract. He clarified that Louw had chosen not to extend her contract when she was informed that her storyline was reaching its conclusion.
“Telling a lie doesn’t suit you Mr Producer. Here’s proof of the letter you sent me in September 2017.” The letter, dated 18 September 2017, informs Louw of the company’s intentions to terminate her Global Performers Agreement with The Queen, said the actress in an X (formerly Twitter) rant.