IF WE take seriously statements by Gwede Mantashe, the ANC secretary-general, citizens would not criticise the country's leadership unless they could prove that they had been successful - in terms of the ANC's definition - in their careers.

The attitude, when it suits Mantashe, is that the ANC is a private organisation that does not need to account to anyone for its leadership troubles.

Again, when it suits him, the ANC is a leader of society. It seems the ANC wants to be leader of a docile society that consists of citizens who don't speak even when they are being led into a morass.

In his chairman's report in Nedbank's 2011 Annual Report to shareholders, Reuel Khoza had lashed out at what he termed a "strange breed of leaders" determined to undermine the rule of law and override the constitution.

The country's political leadership's "moral quotient is degenerating and we are fast losing checks and balances that are necessary to prevent a recurrence of the past".

Mantashe responded by personally attacking Khoza, saying the top businessman had failed to sell Nedbank.

"What kind of a leader is that who allows deals to fall through under his watch and still criticises political leadership? Khoza is venturing into something he does not know."

Really? Mantashe either does not know Khoza or is deliberately ignoring his credentials, or he is shocked that black business leaders also have the brains to speak out against wrongs.

But that's beside the point. The reality of the matter, to borrow a phrase from Mantashe, is that we do not need to have particular credentials to criticise our political leadership.

In launching his unnecessary tirade on Khoza, Mantashe ignores the fact that Khoza has for years, through his speeches and books, advocated for sound leadership.

Didn't the ANC's Polokwane conference also demand leaders of good moral standing?

Probably working under pressure trying to contain the fallout at Luthuli House, Mantashe also opened his mouth without checking the facts.

Had he read the whole report, he would have figured out that Nedbank was instilling adherence to good corporate governance. Khoza does not want to impose that which does not apply to his own company.

Mantashe would also have come across proposals to ensure that the huge pool of jobless graduates find jobs. Khoza suggested that some be deployed to municipalities. Business could sponsor this. Is this not what the government wants?

Now, someone must shut up.