Mabuyane granted leave to appeal in Malema defamation case – SABC News – Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa’s news leader.

The High Court at KuGompo City has granted the Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal regarding the defamation case against utterances made by EFF leader Julius Malema, about Mabuyane’s Master’s Degree studies at the University of Fort Hare.

In April while addressing party supporters outside the Magistrate’s Court at KuGompo City, Malema had alleged that Mabuyane had stolen his Master’s Degree.

In June Mabuyane’s application for Malema to retract his comments was dismissed by the court.

Mabuyane’s spokesperson Sonwabo Mbananga says they are seeking further legal recourse on the matter.

“Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has welcomed the decision granting him leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal. This allows the matter to be considered by the next court. The premier will consult with his legal team on the next steps in the appeal process. Premier respect the courts and will not comment on the merits of the case while the appeal is under way. The matter will proceed through the proper legal channels. The premier’s office will communicate any material developments.”