By Thapelo Molefe
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa demanding urgent clarity on long-running investigations into alleged academic fraud at the University of Fort Hare, warning that delays risk undermining public confidence in government.
In a letter on Friday, EFF leader Julius Malema said the party was concerned about the “prolonged delay” in concluding probes by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into allegations involving senior ANC leaders.
The party named Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, Buffalo City Mayor Princess Faku, and former minister Noxolo Kiviet among those implicated.
“The continued lack of resolution in these matters creates the perception that politically connected individuals are shielded from accountability,” Malema wrote.
“The EFF expects your urgent attention to this matter and a substantive response that reflects a commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law.”
The EFF called on Ramaphosa to provide an update on the status of the SIU investigations, ensure there is no political interference, and outline any interim findings ahead of a targeted completion date of September.
According to the party, the SIU probe includes claims that Mabuyane irregularly registered for a master’s degree without meeting requirements and may not have authored his own research proposal.
Kiviet is alleged to have obtained postgraduate qualifications without first completing an undergraduate degree, while Faku allegedly registered for a law degree without meeting entry requirements and completed modules in an implausible timeframe.
The SIU was authorised to investigate the matter under a 2022 proclamation, with its scope later expanded in 2024 to include broader irregularities at the institution.
Mabuyane has rejected the allegations, describing them as “false and without merit”, and confirmed he has opened a defamation case in response to comments made by Malema.
“For the record, I do not hold a master’s degree from the University of Fort Hare,” Mabuyane said, adding that the matter is before the courts and should not be discussed publicly while it remains sub judice.
He accused Malema of a “malicious fixation” and urged him to focus on his own legal challenges following his recent conviction on firearm-related charges.
The ANC in the Eastern Cape backed Mabuyane, welcoming the defamation case and criticising Malema’s remarks as an orchestrated attack.
“Malema is hell-bent on using vilification and slander to attack Cde Mabuyane, knowing very well that the UFH matter is sub judice and before the courts,” the party said.
The latest political clash follows remarks by Malema outside the East London Magistrate’s Court, where he linked policing priorities to the Fort Hare allegations.
Addressing supporters, Malema claimed police were being misdirected away from serious issues.
“You are not supposed to be here. You are supposed to be in the office of Oscar Mabuyane because he stole a master’s at Fort Hare,” he said.
“We are led by fools. That’s why they don’t know how to plan. We are led by fools. That’s why they steal master’s degrees at Fort Hare.”
Malema also criticised the magistrate in his case, alleging bias, and confirmed his intention to appeal both conviction and sentence.
The EFF said failure to act decisively would signal that “integrity and merit can be bypassed through political proximity”, while the ANC maintains the matter should be left to the courts.
INSIDE EDUCATION
