Oscar Mabuyane Threatens Legal Action After Julius Malema’s ‘Fake Degree’ Claims

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has moved to take legal action against Julius Malema following allegations that he obtained a fraudulent master’s degree from University of Fort Hare.

Mabuyane has strongly denied the claims, describing them as baseless and misleading. He further clarified that he does not hold a master’s degree from the institution.

Malema’s Courtroom Remarks Spark Political Storm

The controversy erupted after Malema addressed supporters outside the East London Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, shortly after being sentenced in a firearm-related matter.

During his address, Malema urged police officers present at the scene to take action against Mabuyane.

“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.

Mabuyane’s Office Slams ‘Defamatory’ Comments, Considers Legal Options

Responding to the remarks, Mabuyane’s spokesperson Sonwabo Mbangana said the Premier rejected the allegations outright and viewed them with serious concern.

“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 added that the matter involving Mabuyane and the university is currently before the courts, making it sub judice and limiting further comment.

He also criticised Malema’s conduct, linking it to what he described as a pattern of reckless and politically driven 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 had urged Malema to reflect on his actions and exercise greater responsibility in future.

“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.”

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“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 lawyers to assess possible legal steps in response to what he described as ongoing defamatory behaviour.

“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.

Fort Hare Controversy and Malema’s Legal Troubles

Malema’s comments relate to a long-running dispute involving Mabuyane’s registration at the University of Fort Hare. The Premier was deregistered in 2021 after the university found that proper admission processes had not been followed. He is currently challenging that decision in court.

Meanwhile, Malema was handed a five-year direct prison sentence on Thursday but was released on warning pending an appeal.

The sentence stems from the unlawful discharge of a firearm during a 2018 rally. He was previously found guilty in September last year on multiple charges under the Firearms Control Act, including discharging a firearm in a public area, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.