Facebook/ Sibongile Mani
The Walter Sisulu University (WSU) student who made national headlines after being convicted of theft after R14 million was erroneously paid into her student bank account, is now running to be the university's Convocation "sub-structure treasurer".
Sibongile Mani was granted leave to appeal her sentence in the East London Regional Court last February and has been running her campaign on social media to become the treasurer of the Eastern Cape Chapter.
The Convocation is an elected structure of the university that assists the institution and the WSU foundation in their fund-raising efforts.
Mani in Court
Last year Mani was denied leave to appeal her conviction after she was found guilty of stealing more than R800 000 of the R14m but was allowed to appeal the five-year sentence.
Magistrate Twanet Olivier said Mani knew that her actions were unlawful and therefore had the intent to commit theft.
Mani's attorney, Asanda Pakade said they were ready to take the matter to the High Court in Makhanda, including petitioning for her conviction to be overturned.
Convocation Speaks
Meanwhile, Sandiswe Mgolozeli spoke to Algoa FM News on behalf of the Convocation, saying that the structure was busy with the fundraising gala dinner on Friday, to clear student debt.
She says following the gala dinner, they will hold the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday to nominate the members to the Eastern Cape chapter which acts as the sub-structure of the Convocation Executive (Convex).
“Democratically, graduates nominate and elect students to be part of the chapter. As the Convex we have no knowledge of who is campaigning to form part of the chapter and we do not associate with people who are campaigning.”
“There will be many other graduates who are campaigning and will campaign closer to the day,” Mgolozeli added.
Back in Court
Meanwhile, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority Luxolo Tyali says the prosecution is still awaiting formal papers from the defense.
“For some time, the defense was still challenging the transcripts of the trial.”
Tyali says Mani’s appeal may be heard on the second term between 11 April and 30 June in the Makhanda High Court.
