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ActionSA is gravely concerned by credible reports and recent comments made by the University’s Vice Chancellor suggesting that the recent vandalism and destruction at the University of Fort Hare form part of a broader attempt to delay or derail the release of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) findings into academic fraud at the institution. ActionSA condemns last week’s acts of vandalism and destruction, but we also condemn academic fraud and political interference in corruption investigations.

In an interview with Daily Maverick, Fort Hare Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu alleged that the violent protests and torching of the university’s administration block last week may have been politically sponsored to prevent the imminent release of the SIU report, which reportedly names 33 high-ranking politicians. If true, this represents an extraordinary abuse of political power and a direct attack on the integrity of South Africa’s higher education institutions.

ActionSA demands that the Presidency and the SIU reject any form of interference and immediately finalise and publish the outstanding portion of the Fort Hare investigation. The South African public has a right to know the names of those who have manipulated an historic institution for personal and political gain. Shielding politicians from accountability while university staff and students face intimidation and violence is unacceptable.

The SIU’s investigation into academic fraud and maladministration at Fort Hare, including the controversial fake-degree case involving the current Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and former Premier Noxolo Kiviet, remains incomplete, with the final report still to be submitted to the President. According to the Minister of Higher Education’s own parliamentary reply to ActionSA, the university has yet to receive the findings and expects directives only once the report is finalised. ActionSA maintains that no individual, least of all those in high political office, should be shielded from accountability while the integrity of our higher education system hangs in the balance.

ActionSA calls on the Minister of Higher Education and the Presidency to ensure that the SIU’s Fort Hare findings are completed, released, and acted upon without delay. South Africa cannot allow its universities to become crime scenes of political corruption, nor can we tolerate a government that protects those who cheat their way into high office.

Issued by ActionSA Parliamentary leader Athol Trollip