Sebastian Petersen denies creating LinkedIn profile cited in qualifications complaint
DA Ward 66 candidate Sebastian Petersen has denied creating or controlling a LinkedIn profile that raised questions about his qualifications, while the Patriotic Alliance presses the party for answers.
Dr. Sebastian Petersen, a candidate for the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Cape Town's Ward 66, has denied allegations that he misrepresented his qualifications on his LinkedIn profile. Patriotic Alliance (PA) strategist Grant Pascoe initiated the complaint, pointing out discrepancies between Petersen's claimed qualifications and those listed on his LinkedIn page.
Pascoe alleged that Petersen had claimed degrees from Milpark College, Cape College of Theology, Trinity College, Cape Theological Seminary, Moriah Theological Seminary, and the University of the Western Cape, but his LinkedIn profile listed Damelin, Cape Theological Seminary, Moriah Theological Seminary in Indonesia, and no UWC degrees.
In response, Petersen clarified that he was unaware of the LinkedIn profile in question and that he had undertaken theological studies at various institutions as part of his preparation to become a minister of the Gospel. He also stated that while theological qualifications may not always fall under the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) or the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), this did not imply the education was of poor quality.
Petersen specifically denied studying in Indonesia and confirmed that he had not completed a degree at the University of the Western Cape, as he had explored the Recognition of Prior Learning process but ultimately did not complete the program. Additionally, he clarified that he did not confuse Milpark College with Damelin and that his academic record confirmed he had obtained an NQF Level 5 qualification in Financial Services: Wealth Management from Milpark College.
DA Metro Chairperson JP Smith stated that while Petersen had undertaken theological, religious, and leadership studies, this information had not been submitted as part of his DA candidacy. Smith noted that Petersen was selected based on political experience, leadership, and knowledge of government. However, PA mayoral candidate Cheslyn Daniels rejected Petersen's denial, asserting that the DA had not responded to the complaint and that voters deserved answers before casting their ballots.
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