In a significant development that underscores the intense legal and political battle surrounding the University of Fort Hare, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has moved swiftly to dispel any notion that its wide-ranging probe into academic qualifications has been derailed. This follows a recent Eastern Cape High Court ruling that had been misinterpreted in some quarters as a halt to the investigation, particularly concerning Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane.
In a firm and clarifying statement released on Sunday, 16 November 2025, the SIU reaffirmed its commitment to the investigation, asserting that the High Court’s judgment pertained specifically to an earlier version of the presidential proclamation authorising the probe. This initial proclamation, the unit explained, has since been superseded by an amended and legally fortified version, ensuring the investigation’s continuity.
Navigating the Legal Labyrinth
The confusion stemmed from a legal challenge lodged by individuals linked to the university. The High Court ruling, delivered last week, found technical deficiencies in the initial proclamation signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The court highlighted specific areas where the scope of the investigation, as defined in that first document, was deemed overly broad or insufficiently precise for the matters it sought to investigate.
However, in what appears to be a strategic pre-emption of such legal hurdles, the Presidency had already issued a revised proclamation. This amended directive, signed after consultations with the SIU, carefully addresses the potential jurisdictional and procedural concerns, effectively rendering the High Court’s criticism of the first proclamation moot.
“The investigation into allegations of fraud and corruption related to the awarding of qualifications, including any matters involving Premier Mabuyane, continues unabated under the authority of the amended proclamation,” the SIU’s statement read. “The unit wishes to state categorically that the investigation has not been stopped.”
The Political Stakes at Fort Hare
The SIU’s probe into Fort Hare has become a political lightning rod. The prestigious institution, a cradle of African leadership, has been rocked by allegations of a “degrees-for-sale” scandal, intimidation, and even attempted assassinations targeting officials attempting to root out corruption.
At the centre of this storm is Premier Oscar Mabuyane, a senior figure in the ruling African National Congress (ANC). The investigation is scrutinising the legitimacy of his Master’s degree in Public Administration, obtained from Fort Hare in 2021. For Mabuyane, the outcome carries immense weight, potentially impacting his political future and integrity.
The SIU’s latest statement is a clear signal that it will not be easily swayed by legal technicalities or political pressure. By publicly clarifying the status of the investigation, the unit is seeking to maintain the momentum of its probe and reassure the public of its resolve.
A Broader Battle for Institutional Integrity
Beyond the fate of individual politicians, the Fort Hare investigation represents a critical test for South Africa’s fight against systemic corruption. It probes whether centres of higher learning, vital for the nation’s development, have been compromised.
The SIU’s reaffirmation demonstrates a determined effort to close off escape routes for those implicated. It suggests a meticulous, step-by-step approach by the investigating bodies: plugging legal loopholes as they are identified and ensuring the probe is legally watertight.
As the SIU forges ahead, all eyes will be on its next moves. The unit’s unwavering stance sets the stage for a protracted legal battle, but one it now seems better equipped to fight. The message from the SIU is unequivocal: the search for the truth at the University of Fort Hare, and the accountability that must follow, is far from over.
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