Tradition still has its place

I don't think it's fair that the person with the most money or the most learned in the family gets to be the spokesperson and decision-maker because of their financial and educational status, instead of earning that position by gender and age.

- Jabulile Mbatha

This view I hold may be flawed but it comes from growing up in a cultural and traditional family.

The teachings were tied with patriarchal practices, meaning the head of the house is a male and age played a significant role because in traditional ceremonies, the oldest man in the family holds the most power.

Sometimes even his peers wouldn't call him by name and to some he is only ever known as big brother. His name was not ever known.

Now, because of this upbringing, I can't help but question why some families give authority to someone who isn't the supposed "head of the house" by age and gender.

This I have seen in my experience as a journalist when we are the first to arrive to a bereaved family to cover the story and a spokesperson of the family addresses the media.