It’s hard to believe, but there’s no minimum education requirement to be in parliament, nevertheless, we still want to list the notable tertiary education of South African politicians here. With just two weeks to go to the 2024 General Elections on 29 May, which party politicians are packing a serious academic background?
TERTIARY EDUCATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICIANS
According to an IOL report, the tertiary education of South African politicians is by no means a deciding factor in their climb of up the political ladder. The below list of notable politicians is by no means exhaustive. We’ve tried to split it evenly per major political party. But it will give you some idea of how well read they are academically, and in what field they’ve bettered themselves over the years.
AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS
- President Cyril Ramaphosa attained a law degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 1981.
- Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, holds a Master’s in Education from the University of London. She also holds a Master’s in Linguistics from the University of Stellenbosch.
- Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Home Affairs, holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
- Minister of Mineral and Energy Resources, Gwede Mantashe, holds a Master’s from the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS). As well as Honours in Commerce from UNISA.
DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE
- DA leader John Steenhuisen has a Matric certificate from Northwood Boys High School in Durban. He has no further tertiary education to his name. His lack of higher education has come under the spotlight repeatedly since he took over the party in 2019.
- Chief whip of the party, Siviwe Gwarube, has a degree in Law, Politics and Philosophy from Rhodes University. She, too, has an honours degree in Political Science and Government from the University of the Western Cape.
- Dr. Ivan Meyer, Chairperson of the DA, holds a PhD in Public Administration from the University of Stellenbosch.
- Council Chairperson of the DA, Helen Zille has a degree in journalism from WITS.
ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS
- EFF leader Julius Malema has degree in Communications and African languages and an Honours degree in Philosophy at UNISA.
- Deputy president of the EFF, Floyd Shivambu, holds a Master’s in Political Sciences at WITS,
- EFF secretary-general Marshall Mzingisi Dlamini holds a degree in International Relations from UNISA.
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There you have it. What do you think of the tertiary education of prominent South African politicians ahead of the 2024 General Elections? Would such a thing sway your vote? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.
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