Candice Nolan
CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA
CASE NO: 2024/007 – CHIVALRY (DECEASED) VS. MODERN SOCIETY
Presiding Justices: The Honourable Chief Justice Mthembu and Justices of the Constitutional Court
Claimant: The Estate of Chivalry, represented by Traditional Values SA
Respondent: Modern Society, represented by The Progressive Social Compact
If Chivalry is Dead then Who Killed Chivalry
SUMMARY OF CLAIM
The Estate of Chivalry has filed a civil claim against Modern Society, alleging wrongful death, negligence, and breach of constitutional values. The claimant argues that Chivalry, once a well-regarded and respected social principle, has been unlawfully extinguished by societal negligence, economic pressures, and shifting cultural norms.
The claimant asserts that Chivalry was not merely a form of outdated gendered politeness but a social contract of mutual respect, kindness, and ubuntu—values that are constitutionally protected under South Africa’s commitment to dignity and equality.
The defence, however, argues that Chivalry is neither dead nor unlawfully removed but has instead been transformed into a more equitable and inclusive principle of human interaction.
HEARING PROCEEDINGS
CHIEF JUSTICE MTHEMBU:
“The Constitutional Court is now in session. The Court will hear arguments in the matter of Chivalry (Deceased) versus Modern Society. The claimant may proceed.”
CLAIMANT’S ARGUMENT: THE UNLAWFUL DEATH OF CHIVALRY
ADVOCATE NKOSI (for the Estate of Chivalry):
*”My Lady and My Lords, we stand before you today to seek justice for the untimely demise of Chivalry a fundamental pillar of South African society.
Historically, Chivalry was a safeguard of common courtesy—men offering their seats to the elderly, holding doors open for others, treating each other with respect and dignity. Today, we see a country where social politeness is on the decline, where ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ are becoming relics, and where an act of kindness is met with suspicion rather than gratitude.
We argue that Chivalry was neglected by Modern Society in the following ways:**
Negligence through Social Apathy – People have become too distracted, too self-absorbed, too ‘busy’ to engage in simple gestures of kindness. Ubuntu is vanishing, replaced by individualism.
Wrongful Death due to Economic Pressures – The rising cost of living has forced people into ‘survival mode’, reducing their capacity for patience, politeness, or generosity.
Breach of Constitutional Values – The principles of ubuntu and human dignity, protected under the Bill of Rights (Section 10), require that we treat one another with respect. The absence of Chivalry is a violation of these constitutional values.
“We submit that Chivalry did not die a natural death—it was killed by Modern Society’s negligence. We seek damages in the form of a national social awareness programme to revive common courtesy and a ruling that affirms Chivalry as a protected value under South African law.”
CHIEF JUSTICE MTHEMBU:
“The Court will now hear from the Respondent.”
RESPONDENT’S DEFENCE: CHIVALRY HAS NOT DIED—IT HAS EVOLVED
ADVOCATE MOLEFE (for Modern Society):
*”My Lady and My Lords, with all due respect, this claim is based on an outdated and one-sided understanding of human interaction. Chivalry is not dead—it has simply evolved.
The claimant fails to acknowledge that traditional chivalry, while noble in intention, was deeply rooted in outdated social norms that did not always align with the principles of gender equality and modern human rights.
We argue the following:**
Chivalry has been replaced by Mutual Respect – The modern South African society does not need a chivalrous protector; it needs people who treat each other as equals. Holding the door open for a woman is a kind gesture—but expecting a round of applause for it is archaic.
Economic Pressures Are Real, but Kindness Persists – Yes, financial struggles have changed social behaviours, but kindness has not vanished—it has merely taken on different forms. Mutual aid groups, community WhatsApp support networks, and social justice initiatives demonstrate a new form of ubuntu.
Constitutional Alignment with Equality (Section 9 of the Bill of Rights) – South Africa’s democracy is founded on the principle of equality. The old forms of chivalry, which often placed men as ‘protectors’ and women as ‘protected’, do not align with the Constitution’s vision of gender equality and fairness.
“Chivalry is not deceased, My Lady and My Lords. It is merely unrecognisable to those who refuse to see it in its modern form. We request that this claim be dismissed with costs, as it lacks legal merit.”
CHIEF JUSTICE MTHEMBU:
“The Court will now call witnesses.”
WITNESSES FOR THE CLAIMANT (CHIVALRY’S FAMILY & FRIENDS)
WITNESS 1: Mr. Mavuso, Elder of the Community
“Back in the day, we taught our children respect. We greeted our neighbours, we made way for the elderly, we showed kindness without hesitation. Now? The youth are glued to their phones, and ubuntu is disappearing. We have lost something sacred.”
WITNESS 2: The Ghost of Chivalry (Metaphorically Represented by a Social Historian)
“Chivalry was about more than just gendered politeness—it was about human decency. We did not just hold doors open for women, we held them open for everyone. We assisted those in need. That spirit is fading, and South Africa must work to bring it back.”
WITNESSES FOR THE DEFENCE (MODERN SOCIETY)
WITNESS 3: A Young Professional
“Respect exists in different ways now. We campaign for social justice, we check in on friends’ mental health, we support each other in online communities. Kindness is still here—it’s just not always visible in the same old-fashioned ways.”
WITNESS 4: A Feminist Advocate
“Traditional chivalry often reinforced gender stereotypes. Today, we prioritise equality and mutual respect. No woman should feel that accepting a door being held open means she owes a man something in return. True kindness is unconditional.”
JUDGEMENT
After lengthy deliberations, Chief Justice Mthembu delivers the verdict:
“The Court finds that while traditional Chivalry may no longer exist in its previous form, it has not died. Rather, it has been transformed to align with modern constitutional values of equality, dignity, and mutual respect.”
“The claim is dismissed. However, the Court acknowledges that a cultural shift towards everyday kindness and ubuntu is necessary and encourages national awareness on the importance of respect and courtesy in all its forms.”
“The Respondent is ordered to initiate a public campaign promoting social respect, underpinned by the South African principles of ubuntu, dignity, and human rights.”
COURT ADJOURNED.
FINAL QUESTION: DO YOU BELIEVE CHIVALRY IS DEAD?
Drop your thoughts in the comments! 
#ChivalryOnTrial #Ubuntu #SouthAfricanJustice #MindYourManners
