Mixed feelings on the role of education in political office

Thandeka Matebesi

Stakeholders in Bulawayo and Matabeleland have expressed mixed feelings on the level of education and or qualification a leader should possess  to be “electable.”

Speaking during the ‘This Morning on Asakhe’ Twitter Space hosted by CITE on Monday, a contributor Ma’Bhoqo argued that formal education should be a basic for any individual seeking political office as it helps them navigate the modern world.

“I think we are way past that point as a people to give excuses such as poverty for not getting an education. We are living in a fast-paced global world whereby there is need for leaders who will represent us on world stages not for us to wonder how someone even made it to a certain stage when they fail to do the most basic things”, she said.

Recently, Citizens Coalition for Change Deputy National Spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba came under fire for suggesting that a leader should have a basic education, at least Ordinary Level. 

Another participant, Son of a Manyika,  emphasised the need to first clarify the difference between education and qualification before using the concepts as a yardstick for qualifying for a political leadership position.

“Education for example will take one up to O, A, Diploma, Degree levels, giving a person a general understanding of issues. Qualification on the other hand is a specialisation in a particular field,”  he emphasised.

Mandlenkosi Mpofu, another contributor dismissed the idea that for one to be a political leader they need to be educated as elitist and regressive.

“It is a snobbish thing if you take it as far back as colonialism. Abelungu once toyed with the idea that only those with qualifications should be allowed to vote, the rest bengavunyelwa because abazwisisi izinto”, lamented Mpofu.

He argued that there was no evidence to prove that education guarantees the best leadership qualities.

“I think we have to be cautious with how we use the term education, the more appropriate word would be literacy. If one is computer literate it does not necessarily mean that they have a degree in computers but that they know how to use a computer. Literacy is more than just educational qualification and is important particularly when handling local authority business. It helps to have engineers and teachers in council and also in parliament, it helps to have lawyers who can analyse Bills when they are formulated but it does not mean everyone should be a lawyer,” Mpofu explained.

According to the Urban Councils’ Act (Chapter 29:15)  councillors are policy makers with formal powers and authority to formulate policies. 

James from Gwanda echoed Mpofu’s sentiments adding that leadership requires vision and having a heart for developmental issues more than being formally educated.

“… When you have a vision and a heart for the people you can lead. People will choose familiarity over educational qualifications and background. When you are popular in some places you can win an election. In Gwanda, during the recently held ZANU PF primary elections there was a guy who was more educated and  someone who had actually done something for the community, the one who had done something tangible for the community won the election,” said James. He added that “…the electorate needs to choose leaders who understand laws and societal issues.”

In an interview with Community Podium, ZANU PF candidate for Ward 9 who is also Tsholotsho Rural District Council Chairperson Councillor Esau Siwela said the most important qualities for an aspiring political leader are empathy and availability. 

“Eminyakeni emihlanu edlulileyo ngifunde ukuthi umuntu okhokhela kuhle ngohlala ebantwini, othanda abantu, olalelayo izikhalazo zabantu njalo ozihambisayo lapho okumele ziye khona, ohlupheka labantu”, said Siwela. 

He, however, pointed out that literacy is an important aspect of political leadership as it enables one to meaningfully contribute during developmental debates. 

“Ekhansilini kufuna umuntu obalayo ezinto ezifana lama statutory instruments, ama by-laws, iConstitution lamanye ama documents. Nxa ungakwazi ukubala uyabe ucela abanye ukuthi bakwenzele izinto okwenza umsebenzi wakho ube nzima. Njalo ekhansilini kuhlala kulama debates kumele ufake umbono wakho endabeni ezithize ezinengi manje nxa ungakaze wangena lawe esikolo wafunda ukubala lokubhala uyathwala nzima sibili ngoba akula ongakukhuluma ungakaze wenze iResearch”, explained Siwela. 

The Electoral Act Chapter [Chapter 2:13] (Act No. 25 of 2004) (15) does not emphasise the need for an educational qualification but emphasis is on following due processes when filing  nomination papers as stated in the Act. The Constitution also specifies that anyone who has been convicted  of a crime cannot contest for a public office.