High Court Backs Malema’s Right to Question Mabuyane’s Master’s Degree
The Eastern Cape High Court has dismissed an urgent application by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane to stop EFF leader Julius Malema from repeating claims that he fraudulently obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Fort Hare.
In a judgment delivered today, 23 June 2026, the court dismissed the application with costs, finding that Malema’s remarks formed part of protected political speech on a matter of public interest. Mabuyane argued the allegations were false, defamatory and damaging to his reputation.
The dispute stems from comments Malema made in April 2026, alleging that Mabuyane had “stolen” a Master’s degree from Fort Hare. Mabuyane was enrolled in the programme through the university’s Recognition of Prior Learning process but was later deregistered after a review found he did not meet the admission requirements.
The EFF welcomed the ruling as a victory for accountability and free political expression.
