A criminal complaint against Eastern Cape MEC Nqatha may soon lead to his arrest for allegedly registering for a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) at the University of Fort Hare without holding a Bachelor’s or honours degree. The Sunday Independent obtained details of the complaint, which accuses Nqatha of being involved in a scheme to obtain his degree through questionable means.
The MEC, who is also responsible for Community Safety and Liaison, is said to have registered for the MPA in 2017 under the supervision of former professor Edwin Ijeoma. Ijeoma, already embroiled in controversy, had also helped Premier Oscar Mabuyane secure a PhD without completing the required Master’s degree. Both Nqatha and Mabuyane were allegedly aided by Ijeoma, who is accused of using ghostwriters for their Master’s proposals.
The complainant, who asked to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, claimed that Nqatha and Ijeoma shared a business relationship when Nqatha served as MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta). It is alleged that Ijeoma established the Institute for Development Assistance Management (IDAM), which required funding that Cogta was reportedly willing to support with Nqatha’s assistance at the time.
Nqatha’s educational background includes a diploma in labour relations from Global Business Solution, a certificate in human resources management from Rhodes University, and additional certifications in industrial relations, project management, and journalism. However, questions have arisen about the authenticity of his academic credentials.
Fort Hare University has yet to respond to inquiries regarding Nqatha’s registration. Meanwhile, Eastern Cape Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose directed questions to Nqatha’s spokesperson, Makhaya Komisa, who did not respond.
Investigations show that Nqatha made little progress on his MPA during the first two years of his registration. Significant academic movement only occurred after Ijeoma became his supervisor in 2019, the year when the academic links between Nqatha and Mabuyane reportedly deepened.
The complainant criticized the lack of progress in addressing the issue, suggesting that political figures like Nqatha, Mabuyane, and Ijeoma were being shielded from accountability. They argued that such corruption undermines the integrity of the educational system and sets a dangerous precedent for future leaders, potentially influencing societal norms around academic dishonesty.
In light of these allegations, the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has called on universities like Fort Hare to improve their administrative systems to combat corruption and ensure transparency. Despite calls for action, law enforcement has yet to hold those involved accountable, leaving the issue unresolved.
This case highlights broader concerns about academic fraud, political influence, and the erosion of ethical leadership within the education system and government.
