When Political Leadership Fails

May 30, 2026 – Lusaka

Guest Article

There are many reasons why leaders fail in public office.

For this article, I will mention only a few.

Firstly, leaders fail when they isolate themselves and listen only to a small circle of people.

A leader cannot succeed if the majority of the people feel disconnected from them.

Leadership requires engagement, accessibility, and an understanding of the realities faced by ordinary citizens.

Secondly, failure occurs when leaders adopt an autocratic, authoritarian style; people are often treated like machines rather than human beings.

Yet people have feelings, emotions, and a desire to be treated with genuine respect and compassion.

They want leaders who can guide them and create a healthy environment for everyone.

Citizens want equality, fairness, and leadership that unites rather than divides.

They do not want leaders who create discord or engage in “IMINGALATO” against others.

Trickery and spin reduces leadership credibility.

While autocracy may work in certain sectors of society, it does not work well in the political arena.

Authoritarian rule is not well-suited to the realities of the 21st century.

Leadership through intimidation is no longer acceptable in modern democratic societies.

Thirdly, leadership fails when campaign promises are abandoned, and leaders become more focused on retaining power at all costs.

This becomes a serious problem for the people.

One of the primary expectations citizens have of leadership is the creation of a stable society where people can find employment, start businesses, and thrive economically.

Creating an environment that supports economic growth that translates into meaningful opportunities for all is key to leadership success.

The needs of the people are simple: food, shelter, clothing, transport, and education for their children.

Even during difficult economic times, citizens should still have access to necessities and opportunities to improve their lives.

Governments should implement policies that encourage local entrepreneurship, create jobs at the grassroots level, and stimulate economic growth.

Opportunities should not benefit only a select few while the majority of the population live in poverty and squalor.

I remember Julius Malema saying that he got into politics because each time he looked at how white people lived, he wanted the same for his people.

Equally, everyone wants the same thing: to live a dignified life.

At the end of the day, most people want to provide for themselves and their families.

However, when leaders ignore the plight of people experiencing poverty, society faces a serious crisis.

It becomes difficult to appreciate leaders who appear indifferent to the welfare of the very people who elected them.

Families go to bed hungry, unemployment continues to rise, and many citizens struggle to access meaningful opportunities, while leaders remain disconnected from these realities.

Local entrepreneurs and business owners fight to survive, yet government support is often insufficient to ensure the growth and sustainability of local businesses that could strengthen the economy.

It is equally troubling when leaders claim that the economy is performing well while the majority of citizens are barely surviving.

Even those who are employed often remain only a step away from poverty.

Poverty, unemployment, and the lack of necessities should never be normalised or accepted as inevitable conditions of life.Our people need more from their leaders.

When leadership fails, citizens naturally begin to voice their concerns, share ideas, and propose alternatives.

This is because people are searching for solutions and accountability.

In the final analysis, leaders must avoid becoming sheltered from the realities of ordinary people.

They must listen, solve problems, and make decisions that benefit the majority rather than a privileged minority.

Leaders should create environments that empower local communities, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and create employment opportunities, thereby reducing unemployment and improving society.

When leaders fulfil their campaign promises and govern with integrity, fairness, and compassion, harmony prevails.

The Author: Charity Katotowe
PhD Candidate
South Africa
May, 2026