Of political leaders and their standard of education
Botswana is not developed because since its independence in 1966, it was led by politicians, the majority of whom did not possess the necessary academic qualifications. This is according to University of Botswana (UB) academic, Dr. Adam Mfundisi.
“We are where we are partially because of mediocre politicians that have been at the helm of the socio-economic and political development.
“The 21st century is beset with dynamic and complex pressures and uncertainties on organisations and institutions which are forced to undergo changes to adapt to an ever-changing environment, to survive and maintain their relevance,” Dr. Mfundisi oposited in an interview with Botswana Guardian.
He added that the issue of the introduction of minimum qualifications for political officeholders cannot be overemphasised in the era of globalisation.
Dr. Mfundisi added that because politicians have enormous responsibilities including the successful engineering and leading change in the country, there is a need for minimum academic qualifications for people holding political office. This includes both Councillors and Members of Parliament.
“We could in the process get rid of an undemocratic policy of parachuting politicians who have not been elected to office through the democratic process.
“The so-called Specially Elected Councillors and Members of Parliament (MPs) are a serious cost to the public purse. Nonetheless, there are perceived and real pros and cons in the introduction of minimum qualifications for political office,” he argued.
According to the UB don, there is an unfortunate argument that politics does not require academic and professional qualifications in a democratic space.
He went on to note that academic and professional qualifications are viewed as necessary but not sufficient conditions for effective leadership.
The argument is that mandatory education is a problem because leadership skills are not derived from educational attainment rather patriotism, communication skills, and emotional intelligence.
In his view, academic qualification is less of a determining factor in effective political performance. Furthermore, Dr. Mfundisi added that some would posit that the proposal to introduce this change would go against democratic principles of equity and equality enshrined in the Botswana Constitution.
“In a country that has a low literacy rate, the majority of citizens would be disfranchised from holding political office. This will eventually lead to political apathy because the majority will perceive the political system as discriminatory and therefore disengage from political participation to the detriment of our nascent democracy.
“All in all, the argument is that political knowledge rather than academic qualification is a significant factor," Dr. Mfundisi said.
On the flip side, Dr. Mfundisi believes that minimum qualification for politicians matters in this dynamic and complex world and Botswana is no exception. He adds that politicians, at both local and national level, must possess certain minimum qualities to be effective representatives of the people.
"They preside over public policy issues that have a bearing on the social, economic, political, and environmental development of Botswana. Their academic and professional competencies must be above their voters to be able to understand problems and proffer sustainable solutions,” Dr. Mfundisi said.
He argued that it is not enough to come with wish lists to Council and Parliament without a proper examination of the feasibility and viability of such proposals.
He added that politicians at both levels work with bureaucrats who are highly educated and experienced. Therefore, to be able to have effective oversight, politicians must, in the same vein possess adequate knowledge and skill to execute their mandate on behalf of the masses.
He noted that because politicians preside over budgetary processes that require academic and professional prowess to deliberate effectively on them, “Intelligence and education are a must in public policy matters. “These are powerful weapons in the era of immense changes in the country. Botswana is afflicted by among others, rampant poverty, unemployment, inequality, crime, diseases, and environmental calamities that require educated and professional political representatives.”
In his view, the representatives of the people must be the catalysts of the socio-economic, political and environmental transformation. Knowledge is power, noted the academic.
“Lastly, effective representatives enhance the trust and confidence of the people. This eventually promotes democratic participation and consolidation. We must prevent the rot in our political system by infusing academic and professional qualifications to political office.
“Political parties, individually and collectively, must transform their organisations and institutions to usher in quality politicians. Inner-party meritocracy must start with political parties,” Dr. Mfundisi suggested.
Even without policy reforms, according to him, political parties can transform themselves and promote quality representatives. For Councillors, a Form 5 qualification is appropriate and desirable to be able to understand local and national issues.
Even if education may not be a decisive factor in leadership, it is a powerful weapon for social, economic and political progress.
Dr. Mfundisi posited that today's world requires a certain level of understanding and comprehension because we are living in a dynamic and complex environment. Further, according to him, education is necessary for political etiquette.
In his view, commitment, wisdom, confidence, and leadership are enhanced significantly by academic and professional qualifications.
“For MPs, a minimum qualification should be a Degree because the role of legislators in the 21st century is dynamic and complex. They deal with domestic and national issues which are sophisticated and therefore requires a higher educational qualification.
“In Kenya, among other countries, there is a minimum qualification for MPs and it has worked for the country. Oversight function requires not only commitment, wisdom, leadership but also academic and professional qualities,” he insisted.