11 Years Later: How Pallo Jordan Resigned with Honour After Fake PhD Scandal
11 Years Later: How Pallo Jordan Resigned with Honour After Fake PhD Scandal
By Noko Mabofa Maleka | Insight Jozi News
Journalist | Radio Presenter | Digital Media Strategist
In an era where most politicians dodge accountability, Pallo Jordan’s 2014 resignation from South Africa’s Parliament remains a rare act of political maturity and personal integrity. After it was discovered that he had falsely claimed to hold a PhD, Jordan stepped down without resistance, apologizing to the ANC and the nation. Eleven years later, South Africans still debate his legacy — but many agree: his graceful exit and public admission of guilt were revolutionary in themselves.
The Scandal: A False PhD and a Historic Admission
In August 2014, the Sunday Times exposed that Dr. Pallo Jordan, as he had long been called, held no academic degrees from institutions like the University of Wisconsin–Madison or the London School of Economics, which he had previously claimed.
Instead of deflecting or denying, Jordan resigned as an ANC Member of Parliament and offered to relinquish his seat on the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC). His statement read in part:
“I have decided to resign from Parliament. I deeply regret the embarrassment this has caused to the ANC and to the South African public.”
— Pallo Jordan, July 29, 2014 (Source: Mail & Guardian)
Jordan’s Ministry Role Before Resignation
Before his resignation, Pallo Jordan served as Minister of Arts and Culture (2004–2009) under President Thabo Mbeki and later Kgalema Motlanthe. He was known as a thoughtful intellectual and liberation activist, often regarded as the ANC’s "philosopher king."
Vanity, Not Greed: The Reason He Lied
Jordan later described the scandal as a result of "personal vanity", not financial gain. In a News24 interview, he explained that the title “Dr” gave him credibility and opened doors. But when confronted, he didn't fight the truth:
“I am not offering excuses. I should not have allowed it to happen. I take full responsibility.”
— Pallo Jordan, 2014 (Source: News24)
Why Pallo Jordan Deserves Praise
While many politicians cling to power despite scandal, Jordan chose integrity. His actions set a powerful example:
- He resigned before being forced out.
- He apologized publicly.
- He protected the ANC’s reputation, despite personal humiliation.
- He accepted the consequences without dragging anyone else down.
Even opposition politicians like John Steenhuisen noted that Jordan's resignation was “in the best interests of Parliament, his party, and himself.” (Source: PoliticsWeb)
11 Years Later: What We Can Learn
South Africans continue to face political scandals involving embezzlement, abuse of power, and non-delivery — yet few resign or admit guilt.
Pallo Jordan’s quiet exit reminds us that true leadership means taking accountability, even when it hurts. In 2025, we can look back and ask:
Where are today’s leaders like Jordan?
Pallo Jordan made a grave mistake, but his response — unlike most political figures — was honest, swift, and humble. In a time of excuses and commissions, he stood alone in saying, “I was wrong.”
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- Pallo Jordan
- ANC News
- South African Politics
- Fake Qualifications Scandal
- Ramaphosa Era Reflections
- Political Integrity
- Resignations in Government
- Parliament of South Africa
- Arts and Culture Ministry
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By Noko Mabofa Maleka – Insight Jozi News
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