The importance of tertiary education in South Africa's political landscape

Tertiary educational qualifications, as well as the opportunity to learn new skills and develop knowledge expertise, are central to providing value to any individual and society. South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) has also recognised education as a key avenue to eliminate poverty, minimise inequality, and foster a capable and prosperous society.

In addition, Chapter 9 specifically indicates the educational goals for our national educational system from Grade R to the completion of school and higher education.

With this perspective, it is rather interesting to note that a number of our political leaders did not see the need to pursue educational qualifications or even complete their schooling curriculum after their employment as leaders, politicians, and influencers in society.

Former President Jacob Zuma did not attain any formal qualification and did not attend secondary school either, but his daughter, Bridget Zuma, attained her second qualification in accounting from Durban University of Technology.

Ms Nokuzola Gladys (Sisisi) Tolashe was appointed Minister of Social Development on July 3, 2024, and it has been reported that she has not taken the initiative to further her education or pursue a qualification.

In this instance, it is believed that she has not even completed Grade 12. Last year, BusinessTech requested a comment or feedback regarding this debacle, but their queries were ignored.

The fact that there is no knowledge of her pursuing the completion of school or another qualification is questionable, considering that 24 of our 29 ministers of the GNU all have tertiary educational qualifications, which vary from bachelor's degrees to PhDs.

At present, there are only three ministers in the cabinet who do not have a post-Grade 12 qualification: Agriculture’s John Steenhuisen, Public Works and Infrastructure’s Dean Macpherson, and Sports, Arts and Culture’s Gayton McKenzie.

The lack of cohesiveness and continual internal politics within the cabinet also contributes to the naming and shaming of ministers who lack the appropriate skills and educational qualifications.

At present, Minister Tolashe is being called out for her unsolicited spending on an international trip to New York, and her educational qualifications are at the fore, which indirectly serves to undermine her as a valuable minister with considerable influence in South Africa.

On the other hand, we have politicians who hold qualifications not aligned with their portfolios within the cabinet. The Minister of Basic Education, Gwarube, for instance, graduated from Rhodes University in 2024 with a degree in law, politics, and philosophy, but has no relevant qualification in education.

This is alarming, considering one requires relevant subject expertise to govern and understand the functionality of education in South Africa. Perhaps the value of her qualification from Rhodes University has given her insight into university student life in South Africa and the challenges that accompany being a student.

The value of a tertiary educational qualification extends to economic, personal, and social benefits. Graduates have reported higher levels of personal happiness as well as higher ratios of job satisfaction. The economic value lies in one’s earning capacity post-qualification.

Graduates do earn more globally and are less likely to remain unemployed throughout their lives. It has been reported that citizens living within one of 38 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries with tertiary educational qualifications earn 56% more than those who do not have qualifications.

The list of 38 countries excludes South Africa and other African countries but includes countries from the global North and South, such as Belgium, Australia, Finland, Colombia, Chile, Canada, Japan, the USA, Turkey, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Germany, among others.

The financial advantages are numerous and, if calculated accurately, can translate to hundreds of thousands of dollars over a graduate's lifetime. Beyond the financial gains, a tertiary educational qualification fosters significant personal growth, and the intellectual development affords one the opportunity to join the rapidly evolving knowledge economy.

More importantly, graduates have the skills to think critically, solve complex problems, understand a variety of worldviews and their complexities, as well as develop skills to communicate effectively. The qualifications allow individuals to contribute effectively to the economy and equip them with specialised skills and knowledge required for high-skilled jobs in fields like technology, healthcare, and engineering.

The benefits of a highly educated workforce are paramount and a prerequisite to meeting global standards, achieving high productivity levels, and withstanding global competition. The lack of educational qualifications has been associated with the inability of individuals to adhere to the rules of good governance.

Some research indicates that politicians with higher educational backgrounds, especially in subject areas such as economics, may be more effective at implementing market-liberal reforms and developing economic growth, as well as understanding various socio-economic contexts.

Research also supports the fact that there is a correlation between politicians with no university education and increasing public deficits, coupled with a lack of good governance and civic integrity.

Social mobility is a key benefit of holding tertiary educational qualifications. It gives one the platform to network with professionals and leaders who can mentor and aid individuals who are impactful in career development.

However, an educational qualification is not a guarantee of competence, nor does it ensure one becomes a good leader.

Many ministers, for instance, who have relevant tertiary educational qualifications lack the personal ethic to follow cabinet regulations and adhere to good governance.

South Africa has witnessed this, as there have been numerous ministers linked to multiple cases of fraud, embezzlement, and other forms of tender corruption.

However, a priority within our educational system should be to cultivate and develop personalities that have personal integrity and civic responsibility in South Africa.

*The opinions expressed in this article does not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper.

DAILY NEWS