Education’s vital role in SA’s political landscape

TERTIARY educational qualifications, as well as the opportunity to learn new skills and develop knowledge expertise, are central to providing value to any individual and society. South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) has also recognised education as a key avenue to eliminate poverty, minimise inequality, and foster a capable and prosperous society.

- DR SHEETAL BHOOLA

In addition, Chapter 9 specifically indicates the educational goals for our national educational system from Grade R to the completion of school and higher education.

With this perspective, it is rather interesting to note that a number of our political leaders did not see the need to pursue educational qualifications or even complete their schooling curriculum after their employment as leaders, politicians, and influencers in society.

Former President Jacob Zuma did not attain any formal qualification and did not attend secondary school either, but his daughter, Bridget Zuma, attained her second qualification in accounting from Durban University of Technology.

Ms Nokuzola Gladys (Sisisi) Tolashe was appointed Minister of Social Development on July 3, 2024, and it has been reported that she has not taken the initiative to further her education or pursue a qualification.

In this instance, it is believed that she has not even completed Grade 12. Last year, BusinessTech requested a comment or feedback regarding this debacle, but their queries were ignored.

The fact that there is no knowledge of her pursuing the completion of school or another qualification is questionable, considering that 24 of our 29 ministers of the GNU all have tertiary educational qualifications, which vary from bachelor's degrees to PhDs.

At present, there are only three ministers in the Cabinet who do not have a post-Grade 12 qualification: Agriculture's John Steenhuisen, Public Works and Infrastructure's Dean Macpherson, and Sports, Arts and Culture’s Gayton McKenzie.

The lack of cohesiveness and continual internal politics within the Cabinet also contributes to the naming and shaming of ministers who lack the appropriate skills and educational qualifications.