Avatar photo

By Chisom Jenniffer Okoye

Journalist


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'.


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.”

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.

Read more on these topics

John Steenhuisen matric results

For more news your way

Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.