Question NW145 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
24 February 2023 - NW145
Tambo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)Whether his department conducted any inquiry into the recent allegations by Professor Sakhele Buhlungu, who has been a victim of an assassination attempt, regarding the fraudulent registration of 15 high-ranking politicians in postgraduate programmes at the University of Fort Hare; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether his department intends to conduct any such inquiry; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) Accordingly, the fraudulent registration of 15 high-ranking politicians in postgraduate programmes at the University of Fort Hare, which falls within the scope of matters to be investigated by the Special Investigating Unit SIU), will not be investigated by the Department. As per the Notice of the investigation (No.R.84) in the Government Gazette No 47199 of 5 August 2022 (attached), the SIU investigation will look into the maladministration in the affairs of the University’s Faculty of Public Administration in relation to the awarding of honours degrees; management of funds; and sourcing of public servants for study into various Faculty programmes by an individual for personal gain (Paragraph 2 in the Schedule).
(2) The Department will await the findings of the Special Investigating Unit.