Democratic Alliance groot bek John Steenhuisen on Monday received a roasting on social media after it was revealed that he only has a matric qualification.
According to a Sunday Times report, Steenhuisen could now lose his position as chief whip if a proposal that only a Member of Parliament with a university degree be considered for the position is adopted by the DA’s KwaZulu-Natal caucus to the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers.
Steenhuizen started trending when EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi tweeted: “Madoda, DA Chief Whip @jsteenhuisen doesn’t have a post-matric qualification? If it were a black leader, this article would have even published his Matric results. So as to tarnish his standing as a chief whip for a serious law making institution like parliament #whiteprivilege.[sic]”
Twitter users complained they were being blocked by Steenhuisen when they tried to ask him about his qualifications:
@ali_naka said: “I asked him if he has a matric certificate (Yes/No) wasn’t judging and he blocked me. So much for being a democrat @Our_DA[sic]”
Steenhuisen hit back at the EFF, drawing attention to their alleged benefiting from the VBS Mutual Bank looting.
He tweeted: “For all your degrees and qualifications you’re still a bunch of VBS looters and thugs I’m sure those who have suffered as a result of your party’s greed and thuggery have taken cold comfort knowing you had a degree while you betrayed them.”
DA leader Mmusi Maimane was slammed when he tried to speak up for Steenhuisen and accused the newspaper of misrepresenting their story to the party.
He said: “I have worked with a great legislator, a chief whip and a friend. He is the finest Chief whip of the opposition in Parli. A constitutionalist and a fierce defender of freedom. He will continue to serve our party and the people of South Africa @jsteenhuisen.”
But many gave Maimane flak.
@Tforce6100 tweeted: “The DA was all over the place dragging (former SABC head) Hlaudi (Motsoeneng) over his lack of education, but they’re now telling us that education is not that important, all in defense of white privilege. This is an insult to our intelligence![sic]”