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Premier Oscar Mabuyane must come clean about the details surrounding his research proposal to obtain a master's and PhD in Public Administration as the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) expands its probe into academic fraud at the University of Fort Hare (UFH). The expanded mandate again places his alleged fraudulent admission to the master's degree program in the spotlight.

While these are not new allegations, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed an amended proclamation last week, allowing the SIU to extend its investigations to bachelor's, master's, and PhD qualifications, which brings renewed attention to the Premier's academic record.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) believes that Premier Mabuyane must act with transparency and integrity as the leader of the Eastern Cape government.

Not only are the allegations extremely serious, but they also raise serious questions about the ethical conduct of the Premier and, left unanswered, bring his term of leadership into serious dispute. As long as these allegations remain, they will continue to cast a shadow over his office and the provincial government.

We cannot allow unresolved accusations of academic fraud to undermine the credibility of the Eastern Cape's leadership. The Premier must allow the investigation to take its course, and if he has nothing to hide, he should have no hesitation in cooperating fully with the SIU.

The DA calls on Premier Mabuyane to prioritise his office's reputation and the trust of the people of the Eastern Cape. He can bring much-needed clarity and demonstrate his commitment to accountability and ethical governance by addressing these allegations head-on.

The people of this province deserve a leader who is beyond reproach, and it is now up to Premier Mabuyane to prove that he is fit to continue in office.

The DA will continue to monitor this situation closely and ensure that the rule of law is upheld throughout the investigation.

Issued by Dr. Vicky Knoetze MPL - DA Leader of the official opposition in the Eastern Cape Legislature