Makhosi Khoza tells John Steenhuisen to ‘just go to school’

In a curious exchange on Twitter on Tuesday, African Democratic Change (ADeC) leader Makhosi Khoza decided to take on DA chief whip John Steenhuisen for not having a degree, which she accused the DA of being hypocritical about.

The DA was last year considering making degrees compulsory for its office bearers, particularly senior ones, which could have had a negative impact on Steenhuisen, who became a councillor for the DA in Durban in his early 20s but never pursued a tertiary education.

However, this never became DA policy.

He took exception on Twitter to Khoza, his “friend”, calling him out for his lack of advanced education, saying that he expected more from her since they knew each other. He pointed out that no such requirement had ever been passed in the DA, as it would be too exclusionary, and surmised that “desperation” for political relevance was driving her to make “silly statements”.

Again you deal in lies not fact. There is no such requirement anywhere in the DA, it would exclude the 94% of our citizens who don’t have a tertiary qualification. I’m genuinely worried about you my friend, this is just not you.

— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) April 16, 2019

She didn’t back down, though, and acknowledged he was “capable” but he should still “just go to school” and be assessed by an “accredited institution”.

“Don’t forget to invite me when you graduate.”

John my friend you are extremely capable, I know you very well. Just go to school. Get an accredited institution to assess you. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is for all South Africans like you. Don’t forget to invite me when you graduate. I’ll definitely attend ✌️ #ADeC

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— Dr Makhosi Khoza (@Dr_MakhosiKhoza) April 16, 2019

Never expected you to be so brazenly dishonest Makhosi, you have worked with me through some difficult times and you KNOW that this is not true. I can only think that your desperation is driving you to make these silly statements. You’re better than this. https://t.co/L8aGDQwZch

— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) April 16, 2019

Khoza’s political career has been somewhat tumultuous since she announced her resignation from the ANC due to her disillusionment with the ruling party.

She founded ADeC, only to leave the party following internal tumult to take a leadership at the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa). She then left Outa and is now once again promoting ADeC and its manifesto ahead of elections on May 8.

Although opinions about her minor attack on the DA and Steenhuisen were divided on social media, a number of users interpreted it as grandstanding from her in order to get attention for her party, which will be contesting its first election this year.

A number of people simply found their exchange banal and called Khoza out for in effect rubbing her PhD in others’ faces.

You're really campaigning for a seat in parliament 🤣

— Lethabo🖖 (@MandelaMinutes) April 16, 2019

https://twitter.com/michaelcardo/status/1118198476263833601

Still going on about degrees ? 🙄 pic.twitter.com/TVERL2rve7

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— Politics South Africa 🇿🇦 (@politrixsa) April 16, 2019

To some of us it's so entertaining and a turn on when politicians engage in constructive debate but just so annoying and boring when they argue and become personal.

— Butiki (@Butiki09722560) April 16, 2019

Give JS a break Ma’am

— Politics South Africa 🇿🇦 (@politrixsa) April 16, 2019

https://twitter.com/EdwillFourie/status/1118210177646440448

Seems you'd benefit listening to this guy. Truth be told without being his fellow member he is gifted in public speaking. pic.twitter.com/Ly72chm7R4

— G G jabulani (@GGJabulani1) April 16, 2019

https://twitter.com/HenkBalje1/status/1118194151529566213

https://twitter.com/gerda_morrison/status/1118257434177544192

This all seems very petty & only partly factual IMO. What’s going on here?No one is winning votes in this way.Truly. Not.A.Single.Person

— Kim Lerena Backos (@momwifecareer) April 16, 2019

Why? He has more than enough experience to do the job. Not everyone has the privilege of going to varsity my child had to start at the bottom as a server. It certainly has not hurt him at 20 he was the youngest manager in his company its called hard work!!!!!!

— Colleen Cleary (@collmatt) April 16, 2019

This is an insult to John, but also all our underserved learners. Absolute shame on you. A degree doesn’t make up for not having character.

— Nicher (@NichNicher) April 16, 2019

(Compiled by Charles Cilliers)

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