Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has initiated legal proceedings against Julius Malema following accusations that he fraudulently obtained a Master’s degree from University of Fort Hare.
Malema made these allegations while addressing Economic Freedom Fighters supporters outside a court in KuGompo City in the Eastern Cape. This came shortly after he received a sentence of five years’ direct imprisonment on Thursday.
In response, Mabuyane is demanding that Malema issue a public apology within three days and provide a written commitment to refrain from making similar statements in the future.
According to Mabuyane’s spokesperson, Sonwabo Mbananga, the Premier views these claims as part of an ongoing effort to damage his reputation.
“It is wrong to perpetuate falsehoods and untruths repeatedly as facts, knowing these matters are yet to be tested and, as such, they are before the courts. It would be wrong for any leader, for whatever purpose, and in this instance, we do say it is for political purposes, that this lie is being repeated time and again by Mr Malema. The Premier rejects this unequivocally and maintains that he is not a corrupt leader,” said Mbananga.
