EFF calls for Princess Faku to resign as ANC dismisses Fort Hare fraud claims

By Thapelo Molefe

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Eastern Cape have called for the resignation of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality mayor, Princess Faku, over allegations linked to the investigation into academic qualifications at the University of Fort Hare.

In a statement, the EFF said Faku should step down following claims that she fraudulently registered for an LLB degree. The allegations form part of an ongoing probe by the Special Investigative Unit (SIU).

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“The Economic Freedom Fighters calls for the immediate resignation of the ANC-deployed Mayor, Princess Faku, following revelations that she fraudulently registered herself at the University of Fort Hare,” the party said.

The EFF alleged that Faku did not meet the requirements to enrol for the law degree and accused political leaders of abusing their positions to access higher education.

“In a context where millions of young people seek to pursue higher education after matriculating and are often denied entry due to limited access and space in universities, it is disgraceful that ANC politicians in the Eastern Cape use their political and financial influence to undermine the merit-based system,” the party said.

“There are worthy young people who were denied access at Fort Hare due to Princess Faku and all ANC politicians who manipulate their way into institutions of higher learning.”

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The party said those implicated must be held accountable.

“Princess Faku and all those who are implicated in degree-fraud must immediately resign and be held responsible for undermining education, denying young people a fair chance, and stealing their university spots,” it said.

However, the ANC in the Eastern Cape has rejected the allegations.  

“The ANC has noted with great sense of disbelief and utter repugnance reckless, defamatory, and politically opportunistic utterances issued by the EFF against Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Executive Mayor, Princess Faku,” the party said.

The ANC said the university’s decision to defer Faku’s graduation had already been set aside by the courts and denied any wrongdoing by the mayor. Faku’s graduation was delayed in 2023. The Bhisho High Court later reviewed and set aside the university’s decision to defer or suspend her graduation, and she was conferred with her LLB degree in April 2024.

“Comrade Princess Faku did not fraudulently register at the University of Fort Hare, the record is clear, the law is clear, and the court has spoken,” the statement read.

The ANC said the EFF’s claims were politically motivated.

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“The EFF’s statement is not a contribution to public accountability but rather a smear campaign built on falsehoods and deliberate distortion,” it said.

“The Executive Mayor has no reason to resign over a matter that has already been dealt with by lawful and judicial process.”

The ANC has demanded that the EFF withdraw its statement and issue an apology within 24 hours, warning that legal action could follow if it fails to do so.

The dispute comes as the broader SIU investigation into alleged irregular admissions and the awarding of qualifications at the University of Fort Hare continues.

In October 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed an amended proclamation widening the scope of the probe to include the registration or admission of ineligible persons and the awarding of bachelor’s, honours, master’s and PhD degrees.

It also comes as Faku is expected to lead a planned march in East London on Friday alongside Deputy Minister of Police Polly Boshielo. The march is aimed at calling for the removal of a recently corronated Igbo king and the closure of drug dens in the California area.

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