Eastern Cape Court Rules Against SIU Probe Into Oscar Mabuyane’s Degree, South Africans Debate
- The High Court in Bhisho, Eastern Cape (EC), has ruled in favour of Premier Oscar Mabuyane
- The premier approached the courts after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probed his master's degree
- South Africans weighed in on the court's decision and the SIU's response to the latest ruling
Source: Twitter
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
EASTERN CAPE – Oscar Mabuyane’s qualifications are back in the spotlight following a ruling by the High Court in Bhisho, Eastern Cape (EC).
The EC Premier is accused of having a fake degree from the University of Fort Hare, after he was allegedly registered for a master’s degree without completing his honours.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) launched a probe into the awarding of degrees, which previously focused on honours alone and now includes bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees as well.
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High Court rules in Mabuyane’s favour
With the SIU probing the qualifications, Mabuyane took the matter to the High Court in Bhisho, where the judge ruled in his favour. The judge described the investigation as unconstitutional and an abuse of power.
The judge’s ruling seemingly blocked the SIU from pursuing the matter, but the unit doesn’t see it that way.
According to the Daily News, SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said that the judge’s ruling did not affect its investigation.
“What you then see is the result of part B of the previous case that Mabuyane had brought in, and this doesn’t affect our investigation,” Kganyago stated.
Why are Mabuyane’s qualifications being questioned?
The Premier’s qualifications are being questioned following an investigation by the university. The investigation was launched after a research supervisor and former faculty dean, Professor Edwin Ijeoma, was accused of irregularly registering individuals even if they didn’t have the proper qualifications.
He was accused of registering former Eastern Cape Health Member of the Executive Committee, Sindiswa Gomba, for an honours degree in Public Administration, even though she did not have an undergraduate degree.
He is linked to claims that Mabuyane obtained a master’s degree despite not completing his honours.
Source: Twitter
South Africans debate High Court’s ruling
Social media users weighed in on the court’s ruling, with some questioning why Mabuyane approached the court if he had nothing to hide.
Tee Man asked:
“But if the degree is genuine, why go all out to stop the probe?”
Judy Vd Westhuizen Knoetze stated:
“He has investigated himself, and then he found himself very innocent.”
Ratombo Ntapi Ramatapa said:
“He's not alone. He’s like most of his fellow graduates. Like it's in fashion.”
Soma Mmina Kwena Moroka claimed:
“It's obvious that the Premier doesn't have that degree.”
Sakhiwo Njomba asked:
“Is that allowed? To stop someone from investigating him?
Darox Maroro Darox stated:
“If his degree is genuine, then I don't see why he would stop the investigation. Unless he has something to hide.”
AfriForum accuses National Prosecuting Authority of shielding Mabuyane
Briefly News reported that AfriForum's Gerrie Nel wrote a letter to the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) head, Shamila Batohi.
The organisation was not happy with the way a case is being handled involving Eastern Cape Premier, Mabuyane.
South Africans weighed in on the letter, sharing mixed reactions both for and against AfriForum's unhappiness.
Source: Briefly News
