Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane says he has instructed his lawyers to consider legal action against EFF leader Julius Malema after Malema alleged that he obtained a fraudulent master’s degree from the University of Fort Hare.
Mabuyane has rejected the allegations, saying they are false and baseless. He also said he does not hold a Master’s Degree from the university.
The dispute follows remarks made by Malema outside the East London Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he addressed supporters after his sentencing in a firearm-related case.
During his address, Malema called on police officers deployed at the court precinct to arrest Mabuyane, alleging irregularities linked to qualifications at the University of Fort Hare.
“You, in uniform, go to Oscar Mabuyane’s office and arrest him. The University of Fort Hare, it needs special attention. A lot of ANC people are graduating from the University of Fort Hare, and a majority of their qualifications are fake qualifications,” said Malema.
In response, Mabuyane’s spokesperson Sonwabo Mbangana said the Premier viewed the remarks with concern and rejected them in full.
“Premier Mabuyane categorically rejects the claims that he obtained a fraudulent Master’s degree from the University of Fort Hare.“These allegations are false and without merit. For the record, Premier Mabuyane wants to reiterate, once again, that he does not hold a Master’s degree from the University of Fort Hare,” said Mbangana.
Mbangana said the matter involving Mabuyane and the University of Fort Hare is before the courts and is therefore sub judice, making it inappropriate to comment further on its merits.
He added that Malema’s comments formed part of what the Premier’s office described as a pattern of defamatory and politically motivated attacks.
“Mr. Malema has just been convicted and sentenced to direct imprisonment by a court of law for his reckless behaviour of discharging a firearm in public. His focus should be more on showing remorse to the South African public for his egregious behaviour, because as a public representative, he has failed to respect the rule of law.”Mbangana said Mabuyane has advised Malema to reflect on recent events and act responsibly in future public statements.
“Premier Mabuyane advises Malema to draw the necessary lessons from this unfortunate episode of his life and become a better person and set a good example for his followers.”
He added, “Premier Mabuyane calls on Mr. Malema to respect the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, and not to undermine it through reckless statements or by attempting to dictate to law enforcement agencies how they should execute their constitutional mandate.”
“The Republic of South Africa is a Constitutional Democracy governed by the rule of law. No individual, regardless of their political standing, is above the law, or when it suits them, is entitled to weaponise public platforms to spread misinformation and defame others.”
Mbangana confirmed that Mabuyane has instructed his legal team to explore appropriate legal remedies in response to what he described as sustained defamatory conduct by Malema.
“Premier Mabuyane remains committed to serving the people of the Eastern Cape with integrity and transparency, and will not be distracted by political grandstanding or malicious attacks on his character.”
“These claims are not only factually incorrect but form part of a broader pattern of reckless political rhetoric. Premier Mabuyane urges all leaders to exercise responsibility, particularly when making public pronouncements,” he added.
Malema’s remarks relate to long-standing controversy over Mabuyane’s registration for a master’s degree at the University of Fort Hare.
Mabuyane was deregistered in 2021 after the university found that proper admission procedures had not been followed. He is challenging the matter in court.
Meanwhile, Malema was sentenced on Thursday to five years’ direct imprisonment but was released on warning pending an appeal.
His sentencing relates to the unlawful discharge of a firearm during a 2018 rally.
He was previously found guilty in September last year on five charges under the Firearms Control Act, including discharging a firearm in a built-up or public area without sufficient reason, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.