King Dalindyebo weighs in on Mabuyane degree dispute, backs accountability calls

His Majesty King Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo has weighed in on the ongoing dispute involving Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, backing calls for accountability and questioning the Premier’s response to concerns about his academic qualifications.

In a statement issued on Friday, 17 April 2026, through spokesperson Mayibuye Melisizwe Mandela, the AbaThembu monarch said the Premier’s admission that he does not hold a Master’s degree from the University of Fort Hare does not resolve the matter but instead deepens public concern.

The statement comes amid heightened political tension following remarks by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, who has repeatedly raised questions about Mabuyane’s qualifications and conduct.

According to the King, the Premier’s response has relied on legal positioning, including references to sub judice, which the statement describes as avoiding the core issues rather than addressing them directly.

The King also pointed to a previous case he reportedly opened relating to the Premier’s conduct, saying it was escalated to the South African Police Service but that the outcome has not been made public. This lack of clarity, the statement argues, raises concerns about transparency and whether accountability processes are applied consistently.

The intervention further links the issue to broader national concerns about delayed accountability in cases involving senior political figures, suggesting that such patterns contribute to growing public frustration.

The statement criticises what it describes as a shift toward personal attacks in responses to the allegations, particularly in relation to Malema, arguing that this approach does not address the substance of the concerns raised.

It also highlights the absence of visible disciplinary processes within political structures, saying the lack of clear public records of action strengthens ongoing questions about institutional response.

While acknowledging Malema’s role in bringing the matter into the public domain, the King emphasised that accountability should not depend on one political figure alone but must be upheld by institutions and society at large.

The statement affirms support for lawful and transparent efforts to ensure that public officials are held accountable, regardless of position or political affiliation.

At the time of publication, Premier Mabuyane had not publicly responded to the King’s statement.

What remains unclear is whether any formal investigations or disciplinary processes are currently underway, and whether authorities will provide further clarity on the earlier reported case.

The issue continues to draw attention across the Eastern Cape, raising broader questions about leadership, transparency, and public trust.

We will update this story if there is an official response or further developments.