ANC clears Eastern Cape Premier in Fort Hare registration scandal

The Eastern Cape ANC’s provincial integrity commission (PIC) has cleared Premier Oscar Mabuyane of wrongdoing in the University of Fort Hare (UFH) registration scandal.

Mabuyane announced the PIC’s decision in a statement on Tuesday saying he had voluntarily subjected himself to the PIC.

“The PIC had looked into the matter, it is of the view that based on the information before it, there is no unethical or fraud-related conduct on Mr Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane’s part of that, as a result, the PIC recommends that his name be cleared,” said the premier’s spokesperson, Mvusiwekhaya Sicwetsha.

In March, Mabuyane, who is also the ANC’s provincial chair, was deregistered from UFH’s master’s programme for not meeting minimum requirements.

ALSO READ: Fort Hare university lays charges against professor

The university laid criminal charges against Nigerian fugitive Professor Edwin Ijeoma for the alleged irregular admission and registration of two students, including Mabuyane.

The Premier was supervised by Ijeoma, who resigned after he was suspended for allegedly defrauding the university.

The allegations against him include that he irregularly registered axed health MEC Sindiswa Gomba for an honours degree in public administration.

Mabuyane had always maintained that he was legally admitted and registered by the university.

Additional reporting by News24 Wire

READ NEXT: Mabuyane defiant on Fort Hare deregistration: ‘I am a student in that university’