Eastern Cape teacher jailed for eight years over fake teaching degree

A former teacher who used a fraudulently obtained teaching qualification has been sentenced to eight years in prison, bringing a case that first came to the attention of investigators in 2020 to a significant turning point.

Lunga Nkrumah Sivuku, 45, appeared before the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, where he was sentenced to direct imprisonment without the option of a fine.

Sivuku pleaded guilty to fraud, forgery and uttering, offences linked to the fraudulent qualification he allegedly used in connection with his employment as a teacher at Corana Junior School.

How the fake qualification case began

The investigation started in 2020 after the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit in Komani received information alleging that Sivuku had fraudulently obtained and used a Bachelor of Education degree.

According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, investigators launched a probe to establish how the qualification had been obtained and how it was used to secure or support his employment.

The investigation continued for several years before Sivuku was arrested on 20 March 2023 at a residence in Corana Village.

He subsequently appeared in court and was released on bail of R2,000.

Eight years behind bars

Following several court appearances, Sivuku ultimately pleaded guilty to the charges against him.

On 13 October 2026, the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sentenced him to eight years’ direct imprisonment, with no option of a fine.

The sentence brings a criminal case involving the use of fraudulent academic credentials to the fore, highlighting the legal consequences of misrepresenting qualifications in a profession responsible for educating learners.

Another education fraud investigation under way

The case comes as the Hawks continue investigating alleged corruption involving public education funds elsewhere in the country.

In a separate investigation into an alleged R114 million corruption scandal involving the Mpumalanga Department of Education, the Hawks have arrested a 55-year-old woman suspected of receiving more than R1 million linked to money earmarked for emergency school repairs and maintenance.

Her arrest followed an earlier operation in which 40 suspects, including government officials and company directors, were charged with fraud, corruption and money laundering.

Investigators are continuing to trace funds allegedly diverted from money intended to improve school infrastructure, with further arrests potentially possible as the investigation progresses.

Although the two cases involve different alleged offences and investigations, they both draw attention to the importance of accountability in South Africa’s education sector, from the qualifications presented by educators to the management of public money intended for schools.

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Source: The Citizen