Should politicians have a post-matric qualification?

IN SOUTH Africa there is no academic qualification requirement for politicians to serve as councillors, Members of Provincial Legislatures and Members of Parliament. They are deployed by their political parties (without considering academic qualification/s) to council, legislature and Parliament.

When Al Jama-ah member Kabelo Gwamanda was elected Joburg mayor recently, it was reported in the news that he has a law degree. Later, it emerged that Gwamanda might not have matric. Instead of clarifying the matter, Gwamanda is playing hide and seek.

Many politicians have – and continue to do so – lied about their academic qualification/s. ANC veteran Pallo Jordan comes to mind. For a long time, the respected Jordan presented himself as a person who had doctorate. It was later discovered that he does not have a PHD.

The DA’S James Smit, a councillor in Cape Town, has also lied about his qualification. Smit’s girlfriend, also a DA member, also misled the nation about her qualification. Both were never suspended by their party for their lies. Yet Bonginkosi Madikizela (DA member as well) was forced to resign as an MPL for the same sin.

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has allegedly tried to get a Master’s degree without having an Honour’s degree. (He is not the only ANC member in the Eastern Cape to be accused of falsifying qualifications). Mabuyane is putting a spin on the matter to clear his name, but the damage is already done.

Former president Jacob Zuma has Standard 4 (Grade 6) and never claimed to have Matric. I really don’t understand why politicians lie about their qualifications, because their career does not require them to have it. Or maybe they realise the importance of education.

A few years ago, the media reported that there are councillors who can’t read or write. In other words, they are not making any meaningful contribution to the council. They are just cheque collectors, which is not what they are elected for. Hence, there is poor service delivery at local government.

Should politicians have an academic qualification/s as a prerequisite to serve as councillors, MPLS and MPS? Yes. Matric as a minimum requirement at least.

They should be able to read and write, and understand and grasp complex issues. Otherwise, we are doomed as a nation.

THABILE MANGE | Durban