In that case it is truely astonishing, however I cant see why he wouldn't benefit from working as a phd under the best professors in his field, continuing his work.
> Barnes, a meteorologist at the SA Weather Service in Cape Town, graduated in September.
> [...]
> "Work is good here in Cape Town. I wasn't expecting a doctorate. So at this point, I am not about what lies ahead in my career. I will look into opportunities should they present themselves in the future."
Sounds to me like he's not especially interested in academia.