Political fame costs family time
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday May 25, 2026 06:00
Initially, families celebrate when their loved ones rise through political ranks, win elections or secure influential positions.
However, as political responsibilities increase, family time gradually disappears.
Long meetings, community engagements, campaigns and national duties often consume most of the politician’s time, leaving little room for meaningful interaction with loved ones.
Consequently, many politicians end up spending more time serving the public than being present for their own families. While citizens may praise and celebrate them in public spaces, their children and spouses are often left longing for attention and companionship at home.
In many cases, birthdays, school events, anniversaries and other important family moments are missed because duty calls elsewhere.
Furthermore, political life comes with constant pressure and endless commitments. A politician is expected to attend rallies, solve community problems, travel frequently and remain visible to supporters. As a result, balancing leadership responsibilities and family life becomes increasingly difficult.
Even when politicians return home, exhaustion and stress sometimes prevent them from fully connecting with their families. Sadly, the true emotional cost of political success is usually realised much later in life. By the time a political term ends, some leaders are already ageing and begin reflecting on the years they sacrificed for public service.
It is during that period that many discover they missed watching their children grow, failed to create lasting family memories and lost valuable quality time with loved ones.
Moreover, the pain often becomes more visible when death occurs. During funerals, emotional family members frequently speak about the absence created by political commitments despite the love they had for the deceased.
Regret, loneliness and unanswered emotions sometimes overshadow the achievements and titles accumulated throughout a political career.
Although politics remains an important pillar of democracy and national development, it also demands balance. Political leaders may serve communities passionately, but families equally need their presence, love and attention.
Without striking that balance, success in politics can unintentionally create emotional distance at home.
Recently, at the funeral of former president Festus Mogae, President Duma Boko said, “Behind such a great man is a family that sacrifices to enable him. He was able to pour himself out in our service; to give, give, and give, because of those who supported him. He stood firm and strong because his family bore with him the malice and scornful derision of his detractors.”
“There is no greater support than the support of family; for the unseen support; for the unheard counsel; for the tender love and care they gave him. Privately. Away from prying eyes. For the sacrifices they made.”
He said the time they could have spent with him, but did not. He, however, said the memories that could have been made, but were not. The President said the tears that were shed were never wiped away.
“The hardships and hurdles that were faced in loneliness. The children who needed their father, who at times was not there. The wife who needed her husband, who at times was leading a country instead of their household,” he said.
Boko said the country cannot afford to recompense them for depriving them of the comfort and love to which they were entitled.
“However, the country is eternally in your debt for sharing such an uncommon man with all of us. We honour his legend. We acknowledge you with gratitude. He was who he was because you loved him,” he said.
He said the country is what it is because he loves them. “We return to you, the love you and he gave us a million-fold. Love, the most supreme of virtues, binds us all together in perfect unity,” he revealed.