ActionSA Urges Immediate Release of Fort Hare Academic Fraud SIU Report Amid Concerns of Political Interference
ActionSA is deeply concerned by recent developments at the University of Fort Hare, where credible reports and statements from the Vice Chancellor suggest a potential cover-up of academic fraud and political interference. The organization has been monitoring the situation closely, especially after the recent acts of vandalism and destruction at the university.
Condemning Acts of Vandalism and Academic Fraud
ActionSA strongly condemns the vandalism and destruction that occurred last week (https://www.actionsa.org.za/actionsa-condemns-the-destruction-of-fort-hare-and-calls-for-the-defence-of-education-and-democracy/). However, we also stand against academic fraud and any attempts to interfere with corruption investigations. The organization believes that the integrity of South Africa's higher education institutions must be protected.
Allegations of Political Sponsorship
In a recent interview with Daily Maverick (https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-10-12-this-thing-was-sponsored-violent-protests-at-fort-hare-were-politically-orchestrated-says-vice-chancellor/), Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, the Vice Chancellor of Fort Hare, made alarming claims. He suggested that the violent protests and torching of the administration block could have been politically orchestrated to prevent the release of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report. This report reportedly names 33 high-ranking politicians, which, if true, would be a severe breach of political integrity and a direct attack on the credibility of South Africa's higher education system.
ActionSA's Demands
ActionSA demands that the Presidency and the SIU take immediate action to finalize and publish the Fort Hare investigation report. The South African public has a right to know the identities of those involved in manipulating this historic institution for personal and political gain. It is unacceptable to shield politicians from accountability while university staff and students endure intimidation and violence.
The Ongoing SIU Investigation
The SIU's investigation into academic fraud and maladministration at Fort Hare, including the controversial fake-degree case involving current Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and former Premier Noxolo Kiviet, is still incomplete. The final report has not yet been submitted to the President, raising concerns about the delay.
According to the Minister of Higher Education's parliamentary reply to ActionSA, the university has not yet received the findings and expects directives only after the report is finalized. ActionSA emphasizes that no individual, especially those in high political positions, should be exempt from accountability while the integrity of the higher education system remains at stake.
Urgent Call to Action
ActionSA urges the Minister of Higher Education and the Presidency to ensure that the SIU's Fort Hare findings are completed, released, and acted upon without further delay. South Africa cannot afford to allow its universities to become breeding grounds for political corruption, and the government must not protect those who engage in fraudulent activities to gain high office.
