Revisiting the principle of botho

At one point when speaking as a political opponent, the late Gomolemo Motswaledi pointedly argued that it is difficult for him to speak freely against Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi because he is afraid of being labelled  disrespectful to an elder. He further said, “Botho bo siame mme fa gongwe bo diela nako”(though respect/courtesy is a good thing, it is sometimes a waste of time).

In Botswana, there is a common old adage that  says “Susu ilela suswana gore suswana e go ilele” (elders must respect the young so that the young respect them back).