Famous fathers in the eyes of their kids
Priceless lessons about work ethic and self-reliance
EVER wondered what it is like to be the son or daughter of a minister or one of those top politicians?
As South Africans celebrate Father’s Day today, Independent Media spoke to the daughters of two prominent politicians on their relationship with their dads.
Lethabo Motsoaledi, the daughter of Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, recalls some of her encounters with her father, whom she describes as a demanding and uncompromising man. “My dad is a very stern and honest man,” says the 23-year-old, also describing him as “strict in a funny way”.
“When I was in my matric, towards the end of the final exams, I asked him ‘dad, will I get a car if I do well’.
“He said ‘you can’t expect me to reward a fish for swimming’. He’s always got a strict demeanour even on light-heartened situations.”
She adds: “He is very funny in a strict way and I think it is because his humour is so dry.”
Being a child of a minister can bring added pressure, but Lethabo commends his father for raising them in a normal way. The only pressure is to ensure my success is genuinely mine, and for me not live under his shadow,” she says.
She admits that her view of her father was initially naive, especially when she was still young.
“I think my older sister and I only realised this in our teens that my dad is not as strict as we thought he was.
“It is just unfortunate for my little siblings, because they are still quite scared of him,” says the 23-year-old entrepreneur.
Lethabo is grateful to her father for raising her and siblings in such a way that they became self reliant and independent. As the health minister, Motsoaledi occupies what is arguably the toughest portfolio in government and Lethabo does acknowledge that this means he’s almost always away from his family. So what is the minister like at home.
“When he comes home, you realise that he has a routine. He just wants to cook his special meal and then watch TV. With all of us wanting his attention, it is only fair for us to fit whatever he wants to do into our schedule.
“For instance, I know that when my dad goes to read, my little sister will also grab a book and sit with him and also read. That is quality time.
“We have compulsory events that we have to go to.
“Like spending every New Year with him, he gets very upset when we don’t. I think one thing he did really well was instil the value of spending time with family.”
Lethabo does send messages of love and appreciation to her father for all the things he has done to her and the rest of the family.
“And a lot of my hard work and ambition is inspired by him, and I appreciate his character,” she said.
Tshepiso Phosa, the daughter of former ANC treasurer and Mpumalanga Premier Mathews Phosa, says she only realised her father’s true stature when she was at university.
Phosa is also a presidential hopeful to succeed President Jacob Zuma at the party’s elective conference in December.
“We knew what he did, yes, but never realised the calibre it reached. And I used to struggle a lot with him being so busy when I was a child. I never used to understand,” says the 26-year-old, who’s also an entrepreneur.
“We were raised in a humble home. We grew up in Nelspruit, and with that my mom tried to give us a very normal life. The more we understood what he did, the more we appreciated him.
“I then realised that South Africa needed him also and therefore was happy to share him with the country.”
She describes her relationship with her dad as “always very close”, and that a lot of her character was influenced by him.
“He was very strict with us, especially about education. He always made sure that we worked hard before getting anything, and that taught us valuable lessons.
“I’ve learnt to never give up, to always stay focused and never allow anyone to tell me otherwise.”
The 23-year-old also attributes her work ethic to him, especially as a businesswoman. Tshepiso runs a filling station and big daddy has the habit of calling in to keep a sharp eye on what things are running like.
“When we are at work, we all know it’s time to be serious. But when we get home, he is a normal father. We can ask for advice from him, we go out for lunch and do other normal things together.
The Phosas always make it a point of sharing breakfast and lunch together.
“I also exercise with my father. Even though I sometimes think he overdoes it and makes us look bad, that is the moment I know we can spend together,” she said.