The Eastern Cape High Court has dismissed an urgent application by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane to stop EFF leader Julius Malema from repeating claims about his Master’s degree from the University of Fort Hare.

The court dismissed the application with costs on Tuesday, finding that Malema’s remarks formed part of protected political speech on a matter of public interest.

Mabuyane had approached the court arguing that Malema’s allegations were false, defamatory and damaging to his reputation.

The dispute stems from remarks made by Malema in April 2026, when he alleged that Mabuyane had improperly obtained a Master’s degree from Fort Hare.

Mabuyane had been enrolled in the programme through the university’s Recognition of Prior Learning process, but was later deregistered after a review found that he did not meet the admission requirements.

The EFF welcomed the ruling, describing it as a victory for accountability and freedom of political expression.

The judgment is likely to intensify political debate around public accountability, academic integrity and the limits of political speech in South Africa.

For Mabuyane, the court setback means Malema is not legally barred from repeating the claims, although the Premier has maintained that the allegations are false and defamatory.