In France, Francois Hollande began his term as president by cutting ministerial salaries by 30%. This was an act of leadership.

It showed the people that the government was sympathetic to the hardships many people were experiencing and was prepared to make sacrifices, just like everyone else. Nelson Mandela, too, cut his salary when he became president. Both these leaders led by example. Today's leaders are bad role models.

In both his private and public life, President Jacob Zuma has failed to make the grade. Many of his ministries have also failed because they have not had the leadership to drive them.

Perhaps the essence of the saga is respect. Zuma demands respect yet he does not engender it by his actions.

Conversely, by their actions, Zuma and many other politicians lack the moral fibre, honour and respect of many people. We rallied behind Mandela because he showed moral fibre and honour.