A forensic report commissioned by the University of Fort Hare (UFH) reveals how Oscar Mabuyane, Eastern Cape Premier and African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee member, attempted to obtain a fake PhD in public administration.
According to News24, the report uncovers the involvement of former UFH Professor Edwin Ijeoma, who used his secretary and a team of ghostwriters to compile and submit Mabuyane’s research proposal.
Investigators found evidence to suggest that Mabuyane was aware of the deception.
Mabuyane holds a BCom degree and, without an Honours degree, could not have enrolled at Fort Hare for a Master’s degree. According to investigators, Ijeoma used his influence at the university to irregularly register Mabuyane for a Master’s degree for which he did not qualify, before notching it up to a PhD.
Investigators found a letter which gives the impression that Mabuyane already had a Master’s degree.
In response to questions from News24, Mabuyane said he was being set up, and that the investigation’s findings were concocted as part of a political scheme to smear his good name.
The investigation has also drawn in Public Service and Administration minister Noxolo Kieviet, who is accused of fraudulently obtaining two degrees from Fort Hare.
In October 2020 Ijeoma was suspended over allegations that he irregularly registered axed MEC Gomba for an Honours degree in public administration.