POLITICS

Investigation at UFH has proceeded well - SIU

Unit refutes any allegations that its “not up to the job” to look into corruption, fraud, and irregular actions

SIU on investigation of allegations regarding corruption, fraudulent, and irregular actions relating to the admission into and the awarding of degrees at Fort Hare University

15 June 2023

SIU refutes assertions that it is “not up to the job” and “not equipped” to investigate allegations regarding corruption, fraudulent, and irregular actions relating to the admission into and the awarding of degrees at Fort Hare University

The SIU has noted various utterances and reports in the media to the effect that SIU is “not up to the job”, and “not equipped” to investigate allegations of corruption, fraud and irregularities relating to the admission into and awarding of degrees at the Fort Hare University.

The SIU is also investigating allegations of corruption in four tenders at the University. These include contracts for cleaning and gardening services, the leasing of student accommodation tender, the appointment of a service provider for the maintenance and repair of air conditioning systems, and collusion between officials of the University and service providers.

The SIU sets the record straight and refutes any assertion that it is not up to the job or not equipped to investigate as stated by some publicly.

The SIU confirms that it is mandated by law and more than equipped and has the required skills, experience, and capacity to investigate the allegations received. The SIU has been fulfilling its mandate for more than 26 years.

The investigation at the University of Fort Hare has proceeded well thus far and uncovered evidence that is currently being assessed for the purposes of informing the findings and actions to be taken.

The SIU is mindful that the proclamation and some aspects of the investigation have been challenged in the High Court and the matter is pending at court. However, due to the assertions covered in the media having the effect of misleading the public, the SIU was left with no option but to set the public record straight.

Issued by Kaizer Kganyago, Chief Stakeholder Relations and Communications Special Investigating Unit, 15 June 2023