This statement serves as a formal response to the press release issued by Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane in relation to public remarks made by Julius Malema.
In my capacity as Spokesperson to His Majesty King Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo, I, Mayibuye Melisizwe Mandela, convey the following position as instructed by the King.
Let it be stated without ambiguity that the people of South Africa are not fools, and they will not be misled by carefully constructed denials that avoid the central issues under public discussion.
The Premier’s admission that he does not hold a Master’s degree from the University of Fort Hare does not resolve the matter. Instead, it deepens long standing public concern and raises further questions that have persisted for years. Rather than providing full clarity, the response has been marked by selective disclosure and reliance on procedural and legal defences.
Hiding behind the term *sub judice* is not accountability, it is avoidance.
His Majesty further recalls that he previously took steps by opening a formal case relating to matters connected to the conduct of the Premier. At the time, the King was informed that the matter had been escalated to the then Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service. To this day, the outcome of that process remains unclear. This continues to raise serious concerns about transparency, consistency, and the equal application of justice, particularly where politically connected individuals are involved.
It is further noted that concerns of delayed accountability and unresolved high level matters have, in different contexts, also been raised in relation to processes involving senior public figures, including President Cyril Ramaphosa. This pattern reinforces a growing public perception that accountability mechanisms are not applied with equal effectiveness across all levels of leadership.
The response issued by Premier Mabuyane seeks to dismiss legitimate public concern while simultaneously launching personal attacks against Julius Malema. This approach does not address the substance of the issue. Instead, it reflects a political strategy of deflection, where scrutiny is met with accusation rather than explanation.
His Majesty notes that what has been raised by Julius Malema should not be treated as an isolated or occasional political intervention. It reflects issues that require continuous public scrutiny and sustained accountability in the daily governance of public institutions. These matters should not depend on periodic political statements but must form part of an ongoing national culture of accountability.
The continued silence or lack of visible disciplinary processes from EFF provincial leadership and the ANC leadership regarding the allegations linked to the Premier raises further concern. The absence of clear public records showing formal disciplinary action by the province in relation to the University of Fort Hare matter only strengthens public questions about consistency and institutional response.
His Majesty further observes that accountability cannot rest solely on the voice of one political leader. While Julius Malema has consistently raised these concerns, it is the responsibility of all institutions, leaders, and society at large to ensure that such matters are not ignored until they become politically convenient.
His Majesty notes that public office requires full accountability and that engagement with public scrutiny must be met with clarity, not evasion or intimidation.
It is in this context that His Majesty acknowledges the role of the Economic Freedom Fighters, under its Commander in Chief Julius Malema, in raising matters of accountability in the public domain. The King affirms that he stands in support of all lawful, principled, and transparent efforts that seek to ensure that public officials are held to account without fear or favour.
The matter at hand is not political theatre. It is a question of public integrity, institutional trust, and equal accountability before the law. South Africans deserve leaders whose records can withstand scrutiny without evasion or contradiction.
His Majesty King Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo remains firmly committed to justice, transparency, and the principle that no individual is above accountability, regardless of position or political influence.