Overview
- The High Court in Bhisho declared the SIU’s investigation into Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s Fort Hare qualifications unconstitutional, set it aside, and ordered the Unit to pay costs.
- The SIU said the judgment delivered on 23 October 2025 addressed an earlier proclamation and does not bar ongoing inquiries.
- According to the SIU, Proclamation 194 of 2024 broadened its mandate to cover registration, admission, and awarding of Bachelor’s through PhD degrees at Fort Hare.
- The SIU stated it will continue probing UFH qualifications, including those linked to Mabuyane, and will refer any evidence of criminal conduct to the NPA or pursue civil recovery.
- The ANC in the Eastern Cape welcomed the ruling as a vindication, while Mabuyane’s office said he will challenge his deregistration and the UFH forensic report in court.