Cape Town – Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has instituted legal proceedings against Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), over statements he describes as defamatory.
According to Eyewitness news, the application was filed in the Eastern Cape High Court in KuGompo City.
Mabuyane is seeking an order declaring Malema’s claims false and unlawful, as well as an interdict preventing him from repeating them.
“Premier Mabuyane remains firmly committed to the rule of law and has elected to place this matter before a competent court of law so that the truth may be determined through due legal process, rather than through ongoing public misinformation and political grandstanding. The premier will not allow his name, reputation, or public office to be undermined by false and defamatory claims,” the report quoted Sonwabo Mbananga, who speaks for the premier as saying.
The dispute stems from allegations made by Malema that Mabuyane fraudulently obtained a master’s degree from the University of Fort Hare, claims the premier has firmly denied.
“Oscar Mabuyane doesn’t look like President Mandela, I will not vote for Oscar Mabuyane when they say to you vote ANC you must say you are saying I must vote for Oscar Mabuyane a crook of note a person who steals education” EFF President Julius Malema
“You, in uniform, go to… pic.twitter.com/3G99TVmV4i
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) April 17, 2026
In court papers, Mabuyane argues that the statements have harmed his reputation and were made without evidence, Times Lives reported.
He is also seeking damages and further relief to bar Malema from making public comments or conducting interviews that suggest or imply he unlawfully obtained the degree.
Malema’s legal representatives, England Slabbert Attorneys, indicated in a detailed response to Mabuyane’s lawyers that they have been instructed to oppose or defend any proceedings instituted against their client.
They further stated that, should the matter proceed, there may be a need to join the President, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), and the university to the proceedings due to their potential interest in the case.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
