Dr. Metji Makgoba, a political analyst from the University of Limpopo, has strongly criticized fellow analyst Prince Mashele for his remarks about black leaders without formal education. The controversy erupted after Mashele referred to uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Member of Parliament, Gezani Kobane—widely known as Papa Penny—as an “idiot” who should not hold a parliamentary position due to his lack of a university degree.

Mashele argued that MPs, as policymakers, should have formal education to qualify for legislative roles. However, his comments have sparked significant backlash, with many accusing him of elitism and disregarding the contributions of grassroots leaders. Critics argue that such views undermine the lived experiences of individuals who rise through community leadership rather than traditional academic paths.

Dr. Makgoba condemned Mashele’s perspective, stating that true black intellectualism is rooted in respect and ethics towards fellow black individuals. According to Makgoba, Mashele’s stance reflects a narrow and exclusionary view of intelligence and leadership. He argued that prioritizing formal education above all else dismisses the value of indigenous knowledge, lived experiences, and community-driven leadership.

Makgoba further emphasized that intelligence is multifaceted and should not be solely measured by university degrees. He warned that equating leadership potential with formal education reinforces harmful stereotypes that undermine black communities. Leadership, he explained, is not just about academic qualifications but also about understanding, serving, and effectively representing the people.