Sizwe Kupelo, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape health department, was arrested by the Hawks on charges of matric certificate fraud. Kupelo allegedly submitted a falsely certified copy of his matric certificate to secure a position as deputy director of communications.
He was granted R30,000 bail by the Zwelitsha magistrate’s court and released. The charges against Kupelo include fraud, forgery, and uttering.
According to Magistrate Nompakamiso Mlomnyeni, Sizwe Kupelo applied for the position in August 2002, which required a three-year bachelor’s degree or diploma in communications plus five years of relevant experience. He allegedly submitted a falsely certified copy of his grade 12 certificate.
Kupelo’s bail application was granted with the condition not to interfere with the four state witnesses. His lawyer, Asanda Pakade, called the charge sheet malicious and expressed confidence that the case would collapse.
The case was postponed to April 30 in the regional court.
Health MEC Nomakhosazana Meth’s spokesperson, Mkhululi Ndamase, stated, “The department welcomes any move that promotes good and clean governance,” while refraining from further comment as the matter is handled by the Hawks.
Sizwe Kupelo claims to hold an honorary doctorate from Trinity International Bible University, which came under scrutiny after higher education minister Blade Nzimande labeled its degrees as bogus. Trinity International awarded an honorary doctorate to actor Sello Maake kaNcube, prompting Nzimande to clarify that the institution is unregistered and unauthorized to confer degrees in South Africa.