COMRADE Z. PALLO JORDAN

11 August 2014

The Office of the African National Congress Chief Whip in Parliament has noted recent report regarding the academic qualifications of revered ANC veteran and Member of Parliament, Comrade Z. Pallo Jordan. We reaffirm our unshakable respect, admiration and confidence in him as one of the movement's most treasured assets with a unique and unparalleled knowledge and experience on a wide range of social, economic and political matters.

He is one of the movement's greatest products, a public intellectual par excellence and a consummate historian. While academic achievements are important, they can never truly define one's wisdom, intelligence or intellectual depth. With or without academic qualifications, Comrade Jordan to us remains a source of great pride not only as an intellectual giant but for the immense contribution and sacrifices he has made and continues to make for our nation and its young democracy.

We reject as nothing but a mere publicity gimmick any intention to have the matter entertained by Parliament, as there has not been any violation of parliamentary ethics code or misrepresentation to the institution. Academic qualifications are not amongst Constitutional requirements to qualify for membership of Parliament. In this regard, the matter as it stands has nothing to do with Parliament.

Statement issued by the Office of the ANC Chief Whip, August 11 2014

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