Respect is a two-way street

My three-yearold knows everything – or he thinks he does. He has no problem sharing his opinions on how things should be. While it makes me proud that he’s so confident, it is always balanced with respect for his elders.

Respect for those older than us is a social rule that goes back ages. It is a crucial practice to keep society united and respectful.

But what happens when those who should be given respect abuse or misuse it?

It’s a question we had to mull over this week when former speaker of the National Assembly Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula handed herself over to police on corruption and money laundering charges.

She fought tooth and nail to prevent the embarrassment of an arrest and having to stand in the dock.

Here was someone who claimed to be the third-most influential politician in the land and a former correctional services minister sitting on an accused’s bench.

Appeals were lost and when she finally appeared in court, she said her arrest was politically motivated and meant to embarrass her.

She also spoke of the horrific conditions in prison, which she admitted came from systematic failures that ultimately lie at the feet of the government she was a part of since democracy.

While younger politicians were pushing for a seat at the table, she was moved around parliament and Cabinet.

For 30 years she was old enough to have power, now she was suddenly too old for accountability.

Prosecutors were right to take into account her age and health in her bail hearing, but the reality outside the courtroom is one where the aged in power often neglect not only those as senior as them, but everyone else.

Human rights and dignity should be extended to all South Africans, not just politicians when they’re allegedly caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

Respect your elders we are told, and teach our children. But when will they finally start respecting us?