BISHO- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Eastern Cape is blowing the whistle on a senior health official’s for alleged fake National Senior Certificate(NCS), sparking a heated debate about qualifications, merit and accountability in government. Reports suggests that top communications officer at Eastern Cape Department of Health(EC DoH) Sizwe Kupelo a is facing serious charges over claims that he faked his qualifications to get the job at the department in 2002.
The EFF is concerned that this case exposes a larger issue of unqualified people holding high-ranking jobs in government.
On a statement issued by EFF in the province states that, “It’s worrying that amid record high unemployment, senior positions are allegedly filled by those without the right credentials.”
This raises questions about the integrity of the hiring process and whether the right people are being appointed to key positions.
In addition provincial EFF chairperson Zilindile Vena said the party is also taking aim at the African National Congress (ANC) hiring practices, arguing that they prioritize loyalty over merit. “This case isn’t just about one person it’s about a broken system that puts connections over competence,” emphasized Vena.
EFF is demanding a thorough investigation into the department’s hiring processes and accountability for those who hired unqualified staff. “We want to know how Kupelo was able to bypass internal vetting processes and rise to such a senior position without possessing the most basic educational qualification,” EFF added.
Furthermore reports also state that Sizwe Kupelo holds a doctorate as Dr Kupelo was awarded the South African Qualifications Authority and internationally recognised PhD on 3rd November 2022 by the Trinity International Bible University.
EFF’s concerns about the alleged fake matric certificate and the ANC’s hiring practices are valid and warrant further investigation.
Photograph: supplied
Zimbini Njece
13 July 2025
