Letters

There is a perception in certain cross-cultural circles that Jacob Zuma is stupid. Stupid in the sense of being uneducated. How can someone with no formal academic qualifications be entrusted with the leadership of our country, the Zuma-is-a-zombi factions argue. They also use his hand washing exercise as apparent typical proof of how stupid the man is.

We firstly need to rid ourselves of the abhorrent philosophy of equating knowledge with academic qualifications. There are many highly successful individuals in SA who graduated from the university of life, and Zuma is one of them.

He is a highly intelligent individual capable of holding his ground with the academically qualified.

He possesses unparalleled brokering and mediating skills. To simply brand him unintelligent because of his Mshini wami antics is unfair and stupid.

Andre Potgieter
Woodstock

With acknowledgements to Andre Potgieter and Business Day.