The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has welcomed an Eastern Cape High Court ruling dismissing Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s application against EFF leader Julius Malema.
The party said the court found that Malema’s statements regarding allegations linked to Mabuyane’s master’s degree at the University of Fort Hare were protected by the defence of truth and public interest.
According to the EFF, the court held that the public has a legitimate interest in scrutinising the conduct of public office bearers, particularly during an election year. The party added that the judgment affirmed the right to lawful criticism of public officials.
The EFF said the ruling vindicated Malema’s stance on alleged irregularities at the University of Fort Hare and called for investigations into the matter to be finalised. Mabuyane has not yet publicly responded to the EFF’s statement.
