Premier Mabuyane must come clean about Fort Hare degree
15 May 2023
Premier Oscar Mabuyane must come clean about the details surrounding his research proposal to obtain a master’s and PhD in Public Administration, as well as his relationship with tainted University of Fort Hare professor, Edwin Ijeoma.
Not only are the allegations extremely serious, but they also raise serious questions about the ethical conduct of the Premier and, left unanswered, bring his term of leadership into serious dispute.
A Special Investigation Unit report alleges that Mabuyane tried to fake his way into a PhD, with the help of Professor Ijeoma and a secret team of ghostwriters. The Premier is just one of many senior ANC public representatives implicated in this qualification scandal.
Allegations that he misrepresented himself by signing a letter that gave the impression he already had a master’s degree in public administration are deeply concerning. This is an offence in terms of the National Qualifications Amendment framework Act, and carries a fine and up to five years imprisonment.