Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela has suggested that South Africa follow Kenya’s degree requirement for politicians running for governor, premier, MECs, ministers, and presidents.
This week Madonsela reacted to reports that the Commission for University Education (CUE) revoked its earlier recognition of a degree from a Ugandan University that Nairobi senator Johnson Sakaja presented for clearance to run for Nairobi County governor.
“In Kenya you need a degree for election as governor. Should we not require for our premiers, MECs, ministers, MPs and presidents?” Asked Madonsela.
“Does it make sense to ask people who have not been taught how to deal with complexity or interpret laws to make and enforce laws?
Madonsela’s suggestion drew mixed reactions from many people, including Mmusi Maimane the leader of One SA Movement, who said the requirements should include having a clean record. This was not the first time the former public protector was vocal about South African politics.
Last week she shared her observations after watching the budget vote debate, saying that most MPs have no clue what a point of order means. Madonsela said: “Watching parliament right now has convinced me a lot of public representatives have no clue what a point of order is.”
She explained that a point of order is a query in a formal debate or meeting to check whether the correct procedure is followed. Madonsela said parliaments rules should be enforced with fines and not only kicking people out.
“In ordinary clubs people are fined when they speak out of turn. Why is parliament not doing the same? Being hit in the pocket could make people give parliament the decorum it deserves,” she said.
Despite Madonsela mentioning the EFF it was clear she was talking about them as they were booted out of the National Assembly because of the disturbance they made during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech.