…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has urged the African National Congress (ANC) to conduct an internal audit of all its public representatives who obtained degrees from the University of Fort Hare since 2013.
The call comes after a recent oversight at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape exposed political interference by the ANC in the faculty of Public Administration at the Bisho campus.
ANC Members Implicated in Qualifications Scandal
The DA highlighted the involvement of several senior ANC members in the qualifications scandal, including Public Service and Administration Minister Noxolo Kiviet, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, and Buffalo City mayor Princess Faku.
The party argues that these revelations indicate a deep-rooted culture of corruption within the ANC.
Forensic Investigation Reveals Alleged Wrongdoings
A forensic investigation reportedly found that Oscar Mabuyane sought assistance from former University of Fort Hare Professor Edwin Ijeoma, his team of “research assistants,” and ghostwriters to develop his Master’s proposal.
Mabuyane is accused of not meeting the requirements for pursuing the qualification without honours and relying heavily on the work done by Ijeoma and his team, including their help in preparing for his presentation.
ANC’s Infiltration of Higher Learning Institutions Criticized
DA Shadow Minister of Higher Education Chantel King criticized the ANC for its infiltration of institutions of higher learning, highlighting it as one of the reasons for dysfunctional state institutions that are negatively impacting the economy.
King argued that this practice undermines meaningful transformation in the education sector and disregards the efforts of students striving to improve their lives through education.
Calls for Action and Suspension
The DA awaits the conclusion of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation into the qualifications scandal.
In the meantime, the party urges President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend Minister Kiviet until the investigation is completed.
The DA is determined to prevent the ANC from exerting undue influence over higher learning institutions, as was witnessed during the state capture of the country.
Conclusion:
The DA’s call for an internal audit of ANC representatives with degrees from the University of Fort Hare highlights concerns over political interference and corruption within the party.
Recent revelations implicating senior ANC members in the qualifications scandal further reinforce these concerns.
The party emphasizes the need for meaningful transformation in the education sector and demands that those involved be held accountable.
The DA awaits the outcome of the SIU investigation and calls for the suspension of Minister Kiviet during this process to ensure the integrity of higher learning institutions.