Who can forget EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi calling out Maite Nkoana-Mashabane with his impassioned "She is sleeping in Parliament"?

This was not the first time an official was caught snoozing on the job, and there have been several others including Nathi Mthethwa and Gwede Mantashe, and then president Jacob Zuma sleeping during a budget presentation by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.

And certainly it is not unique to South Africa.

Here in KwaZulu-Natal it appears our Members of the Provincial Legislature are taking their cue from their national counterparts, with politicians on both sides of the aisle snapped catnapping.

One might be tempted to chuckle at the pictures of MPLs asleep in the Legislature, but in truth this is no laughing matter.

Their behaviour displays a complete lack of respect for those who voted them into office and whose taxes keep them in mink and Mercedes.

ANC spokesperson Mafika Mndebele sleeping while Finance MEC Francois Rodgers delivered his budget adjustment earlier this week.Picture: X

If they can sleep at a function under full public scrutiny, what attention do we expect them to pay their jobs in the privacy of their offices? And what example does this set for their subordinates?

But this culture of disrespect goes beyond sleeping on the job, extending to wasteful spending by those in authority only to satisfy their vanities, as evidenced by the KwaDukuza mayor and his deputy frivolously splashing out on hired luxury vehicles.

They don't understand the wrongfulness of such profligacy at the expense of the ratepayer, or they simply don't care.

Where they should be seized with the many issues affecting the daily lives of KwaDukuza residents, and ensuring that essential services are delivered, they are instead concerned with looking good arriving at functions.

No wonder the state of our municipalities and country when our politicians have such a warped understanding of what their priorities should be.

Jacob Zuma napping in parliament. Picture: X