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By Anita Dangazele
- Julius Malema told people outside a court in KuGompo City on Thursday that Oscar Mabuyane stole a university master’s degree.
- The African National Congress defended Oscar Mabuyane and said the comments from Julius Malema show he is desperate for votes.
Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane has opened a defamation case against Julius Malema.
The Economic Freedom Fighters leader said Mabuyane got his master’s degree through fraud.
Malema made the claims on Thursday. He was speaking to supporters outside a magistrate’s court in KuGompo City.
He told the crowd that Mabuyane is a crook who stole his education.
Malema said police must go to the premier’s office and arrest him.
“We grew up being told that no one can steal a qualification. Oscar Mabuyane’s master’s degree was stolen like nappies,” he said.
Malema also claimed many African National Congress members have fake degrees from the University of Fort Hare.
He said the Special Investigating Unit needs to look into their qualifications.
The African National Congress in the Eastern Cape welcomed the legal case on Thursday evening.
Party spokesperson Yanga Zicina said the comments from Malema were an organised attack on voters.
Zicina said Malema knows the matter of the university degrees is already in court.
He said Malema is just trying to damage the premier’s name because he is desperate for votes.
“His outbursts are irresponsible and dangerous,” Zicina said. “They show a leader who does not understand the impact of his actions.”
Zicina said South Africa is a democracy and people choose their leaders freely.
He said voters still trust the African National Congress despite the false claims.
He said the party proved this with its support in the 2024 national and provincial elections.
Zicina also pointed to recent wins in Buffalo City Metro, Winnie Madikizela Mandela Municipality and Sakhisizwe Municipality.
He said the party will keep defending democracy against anyone trying to break it down.
Pictured above: Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane has opened a defamation case against EFF leader Julius Malema over claims about his degree.
Image source: ANC Eastern Cape & EFF
