When allegations emerged that Jacob Zuma had been cuckolded cyberspace twittered. A few people sniggered. And more than a few people smiled self-righteously. But it wasn't a scandal. Not really.

The fact that Zuma's second wife, Nompumelelo Ntuli-Zuma, has been found guilty by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration of unfairly dismissing her domestic worker... well... now that is a scandal.

It is also the perfect counter argument for anyone seeking to discredit Zuma's claim to the right to practice polygamy.

Here's why: as one of Zuma's wives, MaNtuli occupies an official public position ? a position which cost the taxpayer over R15-million last year. The money is apparently spent on supporting the wives in projects related to government work. According to the Presidency, MaNtuli helps orphans and vulnerable children. But more on that later.

The First Ladies are also an extension of the president's public persona. They are expected to behave in a manner that furthers, rather than hinders, the country's cause. If they fail to do so, it is a poor reflection not only on themselves, but also on the president.

Now, on to the matter of polygamy.

Polygyny (this particular form of polygamy) is a patriarchal tradition and, as such, Zuma is seen as the head ? or, some would argue, owner ? of the household. Across the world, the practice of polygamy has traditionally been about status and power ? only those who can afford to marry and maintain many wives can do so.

With the taxpayers' coffers at his disposal, Zuma can certainly afford it, but the fact that one of his wives failed to live up to the contract she had with Sbongile Doris Ngobese and then unfairly dismissed her, suggests that he may not have a firm grip on the management of his household. Or, even worse, that he does not condemn such behaviour.

If Zuma cannot keep his house in order, how can we trust him to do so with the country?

That is, of course, a rhetorical question. It goes without saying that we can't. And in light of recent revelations about certain high-profile members of Zuma's government, it would seem that he runs the country in much the same manner as he runs his household. Either he doesn't know what is going on, or he simply doesn't care.

For the record, the court has ordered MaNtuli to back-pay Ngobese R16 000 for eight months of work. That's R2000 a month. Assuming she was contracted to work the regular 40 hours a week, that means she was being paid R12.50 an hour.

Sure, it's above the pitiful minimum wage, but considering how much was spent on the spousal office last year ? hell, considering how much the president earns ? it is a disgrace.

The despicable manner in which MaNtuli has treated this woman ? incidentally, she didn't even bother to pitch up for the hearing ? suggests that she is certainly not the right person to campaign for the rights of vulnerable and orphaned children. It should also make us question whether or not she is fit to represent the country on official state visits.

And what of our president? A man of and for the people.

He would do well to remember his roots ? his mother too was a domestic worker.