Steenhuisen’s qualifications storm a ‘political ploy to embarrass’
Analysts say there's no law that elected politicians should have any post-school qualifications, and 'it doesn't make him any less of an MP'.
DA Interim leader John Steenhuisen. Picture: Mabine Seabe/Twitter
The current furore surrounding DA Chief Whip John Steenhuisen’s qualifications (or lack thereof) are nothing more than a storm in a teacup, according to political analysts.
The matter that has kept social media alight was ignited when the Sunday Times revealed Steenhuisen’s highest qualification was a matric certificate, meaning he might be culled by a proposal from his own party – that only a member of parliament with a university degree be considered for the position of chief whip.
However, political analyst Ralph Mathekga said he was not aware of any laws within the Constitution that stipulated a politician elected to office needed an official qualification.
He explained that, while it was required of an official in public service to have a suitable qualification for the job, it was not the same for an elected politician.
Mathekga said: “… this does not necessarily make him any less of an MP.
“Before he earned his qualification, Malema did not recuse himself when his matric results were published.
“This is just a ploy by political parties to embarrass each other.”
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