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Articles by Mohloai Mpesi
Lesotho: Proposed PR Seats Model Rejected
THE Private Member's Bill, seeking to amend the National Assembly Electoral Act by abolishing party lists and requiring the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to allocate Proportional Representation (PR) seats based on the "performance" of individual losing constituency candidates, has been rejected. The Democratic Congress (DC) and the Basotho Action Party (BAP) argue that the Bill is set to favour only the elite who can afford expensive campaigns, while marginalising small politicians.
Lesotho: IEC Cracks Whip On Rogue Parties
...as five more parties get struck off the roll THE Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has deregistered five more political parties for failing to comply with the National Assembly Electoral Act of 2011. This latest purge follows the delisting of four parties last week, bringing the total number of political organisations removed from the roll this year to 12. Lesotho now remains with 38 registered parties from the 65 which were registered in 2022.
Lesotho: Opposition Berates Govt Over DPM's M1 Million Trip
...says it is unlawful to pay for trip from the contingency fund OPPOSITION parties have come down heavily on what they say is the government's reckless decision to draw over M1 million from the contingency fund to finance Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Nthomeng Majara's trip to Brazil. The opposition argues that using the contingency fund for international travel is unlawful and unconstitutional, insisting that the matter should be challenged in court.
Lesotho: Experts Warn On Impact of Declining Accountability, Good Governance
Governance experts have raised the alarm over the growing erosion of accountability and good governance under the current Revolution for Prosperity (RFP)-led coalition government. Their concerns follow a series of recent developments that, according to observers, expose a disturbing pattern of political interference, abuse of power, and lack of commitment to fighting corruption within Prime Minister Sam Matekane's administration.
Lesotho: Fresh Ha Belo Headache
...as High Court nullifies govt's decision to fire Phaks JV from M170 million project ...putting in limbo decision to appoint new company to take over project THE government finds itself in a bind after the High Court nullified its decision to terminate a M170 million contract with Phaks Joint Venture (Phaks JV), the company initially contracted to construct the long delayed Ha Belo electricity substation.
Lesotho: Financial Constraints Hamper Parly Operations
...hinder localisation of SADC model laws LESOTHO's Parliament is unable to designate a focal person to monitor the domestication of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Model Laws due to financial constraints and a lack of full institutional autonomy. This was revealed during a benchmarking visit to the Parliament of Lesotho by the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) Regional Parliamentary Model Laws Oversight Committee yesterday at the National Assembly.
Lesotho: LNDC's Internal Auditor Unqualified - - PAC
. . . says she was rewarded for "cleaning up" adverse audit report . . . allegedly shares family ties with board chairperson THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has accused the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) of hiring an unqualified Chief Internal Auditor as payback for allegedly "cleaning up" an adverse 2021/2022 audit report.
Lesotho: Ha Belo Power Project Costs Spiral to M170 Million
...as Phaks JV is booted out ...And SA contractor roped in THE construction of the corruption riddled Ha Belo electricity substation in Butha-Buthe, initially budgeted at M86.6 million, is now expected to cost more than M170 million upon completion, effectively doubling the original project cost. It has emerged that the Ministry of Energy has directly engaged South African electrical engineering firm Actom (Pty) Ltd, which will be paid M49,720,215.42 to complete the remaining works.
Lesotho Becoming a Rogue State - Opposition
Opposition parties have accused the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP)-led coalition government of turning Lesotho into a rogue state by repeatedly undermining the Constitution and defying a critical court order for the reinstatement of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Lesotho: Parly Tightens Screws On Govt Borrowing
LEADER of Opposition in Parliament, Mathibeli Mokhothu, has called for all state loans to be approved by Parliament to rein in the massive public debt the country frequently wrestles with. The Democratic Congress (DC) leader made this call during debate on the Public Debt Management Bill, 2024, which seeks to regulate government borrowing. The National Assembly is moving to tighten the country's borrowing to prevent parastatals from running unchecked borrowing.
Lesotho: Lipholo Disrespected Royal Family - Police
THE Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM) leader, Dr Tšepo Lipholo, is facing charges of incitement, provocation of peace, and contempt for allegedly disrespecting the Royal Family. According to Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) Deputy Spokesperson, Inspector 'Mareabetsoe Mofoka, Dr Lipholo is accused of making inflammatory and disrespectful remarks about the Royal Family on various public platforms.
Lesotho: 'Corruption Has Worsened Under Matekane' - Mokhothu
Opposition leader Mathibeli Mokhothu has strongly criticized Prime Minister Sam Matekane's administration for its inability to tackle the country's soaring unemployment rate and persistent corruption. The official opposition leader claims that corruption has worsened under Mr Matekane with the cabinet reduced to a "tender committee" that awards projects to ministers and their cronies.
Lesotho: 'Ministers Not Corrupt' - Matekane
...challenges anyone with evidence to present it so he can fire them PRIME Minister, Sam Matekane, has dared anyone with tangible evidence of corruption against his ministers to come forward so that he can immediately fire them and get them prosecuted. Speaking at a press conference this week, Mr Matekane dismissed allegations of corruption within his cabinet as "baseless rumours". He insisted that had credible evidence been presented to him, he would not have hesitated to take action.
Lesotho: Gvt to Lower Taxes, Retirement Age to Boost Youth Employment
PRIME Minister Sam Matekane has announced a series of bold initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment in Lesotho, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for young people. Among the measures, the government plans to lower taxes and reduce the retirement age in public service to 50 years. This move, according to Mr Matekane, is designed to open up positions in the public sector for younger job seekers.
Lesotho: Opposition Leaders Unite Against Matekane
LEADERS of opposition parties represented in parliament have come out guns blazing, accusing Prime Minister Sam Matekane of running a corrupt government that was failing the nation. The leaders were particularly angered by the Prime Minister's statement this week in which he defended his ministers against allegations of corruption. He dismissed the charges against his ministers as mere "rumours" and challenged anyone with evidence of corruption to come forward.
Lesotho: M50m More Needed for Ha Belo Electrification
...as World Bank demands accountability PRIME Minister, Sam Matekane, has revealed that the protracted electrification of the Ha Belo Industrial Project requires an additional M50 million to be completed. Initially valued at M86.6 million, project costs had since escalated to M136 million. And now an additional M50 million is needed.
Lesotho: Tau Defends Business Dealings With State-Owned LEC
Refutes 'claims' his Cell Power owes LEC over M1 million Blames discrepancy on LEC's "flawed systems" LIMPHO Tau, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, has defended his business dealings with the state-owned Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC), despite a potential conflict of interest. This comes after it was revealed during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) grilling of the LEC, that Mr Tau's firm, Cell Power, owes the LEC M1.1 million.
Lesotho: Senate Accused of Holding National Reforms Process Hostage
The upper house of Parliament, the Senate, has been accused of stalling the completion of the long delayed national reforms process. This is because it has failed to approve the proposed 10th and 11th Amendment to the Constitution Bills until they incorporate proposals from Senators. The Senate is said to be refusing to approve these Bills because they want them to include, among other things, a provision creating a new position of Paramount Chief and to expand the Senate itself.
Lesotho: Parliamentary Committee Reveals Corruption at M12 Billion Pension Fund
...Names corrupt trustees who have received kickbacks --Calls for their expulsion from Board of Trustees --Slates Akani and Mergence's Semoli Mokhanoi for impropriety The massive corruption at Lesotho's M12 billion Pension Fund has been laid bare in a report by the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Some of the Fund's trustees, according to the report, have accepted kickbacks from service providers competing for contracts from the Fund.
Lesotho: Tariff Negotiations Still On' - Shelile
Lesotho will engage in virtual negotiations with the United States next week to seek a reversal of the 50 percent reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration last month. This after the country was initially snubbed by US Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, who did not attend a scheduled meeting with Lesotho's delegation in Pretoria, on 24 April 2025.
Lesotho: Govt Slams Mofomobe
--After he penned letter to US Secretary of State Rubio The government is angry with Basotho National Party (BNP) leader, Machesetsa Mofomobe, after he wrote to the United States government claiming Prime Minister Sam Matekane's coalition was lying that it was making it easy for American companies to do business in Lesotho. In a letter dated 22 April 2025, addressed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Mr Mofomobe questioned Lesotho's transparency and credibility.
Lesotho: Govt to Meet U.S. Trade Officials Next Week
---Over tariffs threatening textile sector THE government will meet with the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Ambassador Jamieson Greer, and his team next week to address the recent 50 percent tariff hike on Lesotho exports to the US. This meeting, scheduled for April 24th in South Africa, will be an opportunity for Lesotho to convince the US to reduce the steep tariffs.
Lesotho: MPs Oppose New Police Retirement Age Proposal
MEMBERS of Parliament have expressed strong opposition to a proposed legal amendment that seeks to raise the retirement age for police officers from 55 to 60 years. Some say the proposed Lesotho Mounted Police Service (Administration) (Amendment) Regulation 2025, which seeks to effect the change, will scupper upward mobility for young people while others say the government needs to fully explain why it believes the change is necessary.
Lesotho: DCEO Battles to Counter Illicit Money Flows
...As Lesotho debt distress rises The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) is struggling to curb the rampant illicit financial flows (IFFs) due to weak and compromised systems. DCEO's Chief Anti-Corruption Prosecutor, Advocate Mponeng Ranthithi, told the Lesotho Times this week that the Directorate was battling to tackle growing illicit financial flows effectively.
Lesotho: Airport Tender Hits Another Snag
Another attempt to secure the M108.5 million allocation for the controversial Moshoeshoe I International Airport refurbishment project failed in the National Assembly this week. Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) leader and current coalition government partner, Mothetjoa Metsing, sought to revive the push for the embattled airport's budget.
Lesotho: MPs Call for Drastic Curbing of International Trips
FUNDS saved from international travel reductions should be redirected towards combating youth unemployment through job creation, internships, vocational training, mentorship programs, and entrepreneurship support. This was proposed by Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Matala Constituency, Tšeliso Moroke, during a heated debate on the 2025/2026 national budget in the National Assembly on Monday.
Lesotho: Ombudsman Orders LDF, LMPS to Probe Torture Incidents
OMBUDSMAN, Advocate Tlotliso Polaki, has ordered internal investigations into rogue members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) and Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) accused of torturing and violating the rights of civilians during anti-crime operations. Adv Polaki has instructed that the investigations be completed and a report issued within six months.
Lesotho: Mahlala Forms New Party
Businessman Bothata Mahlala has confirmed he is in the process of forming a new political party after initially denying that he would do so. Mr Mahlala, who had in previous interviews vowed to remain a loyal member of the Democratic Congress (DC), said he had decided to quit and form his party because the DC was no longer a viable vehicle through which to achieve his vision for the country. The businessman and philanthropist had been the DC's public relations officer.
Lesotho: Public Works Budget in Limbo
....as committee demands evidence of withdrawal of court case THE Portfolio Committee on Natural Resources has directed the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to provide evidence that a court case it filed against the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has been withdrawn. The committee wants to see that evidence first before it proceeds with debating the ministry's M3.2 billion budget allocation.
Lesotho: Mofomobe Attacks NSS Over Shooting
...claims agency wants to destroy evidence Basotho National Party (BNP) leader, Machesetsa Mofomobe, has accused the National Security Service (NSS) of attempting to derail investigations into his shooting incident. Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP Centre in Maseru this week, Mr Mofomobe alleged that the spy agency was interfering with police investigations into his shooting, which occurred last month.
Lesotho: Molelle Stripped of Bodyguards
The embattled Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) Director General, Knorx Molelle, has been stripped of his bodyguards. Advocate Molelle, who had been on leave since 13 January 2025, returned to work this Monday without his security detail. DCEO spokesperson, 'Matlhokomelo Senoko, confirmed yesterday that Adv Molelle was no longer accompanied by his usual bodyguards.
Lesotho: Govt Official Suspended Over Lipholo Visa to U.S.
--While in the US, Lipholo "lobbied" the UN to help Lesotho reclaim land "stolen" by SA As legislator, Tṧepo Lipholo, continues to lead his one man crusade to reclaim land he claims was stolen from Basotho by South Africa, an official who enabled him to travel to the United States to push his campaign has been suspended.
Lesotho: Water Shortages Plague Mafeteng
WHILE the rest of the kingdom rejoiced during this festive season, it was not the case in Mafeteng district which faced a critical shortage of water throughout the festive period. A local law firm is now threatening legal action against the Water and Sewage Company (WASCO) for "denying" local Mafeteng communities access to this vital resource. A rights group has also jumped onto the bandwagon in solidarity.
Lesotho: Minister Defers ID Bill
THE National Identity Card (Amendment) Bill 2024, which aims to halt the expiration of identity cards, did not proceed to its second reading in the National Assembly earlier this week.
Lesotho: Health Officials Allegedly Fuel Backstreet Abortion Crisis
THE Lesotho Nursing Council (LNC) has raised alarm over a concerning rise in illegal abortions, some of which have resulted in deaths. This comes after reports emerged last week that certain health professionals, particularly nurses, are performing backstreet abortions outside their official workplaces, with some reportedly conducting procedures at their privately owned pharmacies.
Lesotho: Ministries Told to Accept SA Banknotes
Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) has issued a stern warning to government ministries, advising them to accept payments made with South African banknotes. This comes after reports that ministries have been rejecting payments in Rands, citing concerns over counterfeit notes or illegal money. The CBL said such practices could have serious repercussions on Lesotho's economy and its international trade relations.
Lesotho: Main Opposition Party Accuses National Security Service of Interference
THE main opposition Democratic Congress (DC) has alleged that the National Security Service (NSS) is threatening its upcoming youth league elective indaba. The DC youth league elective conference is slated for tomorrow till Sunday at the Moshoeshoe II High School Hall in Matsieng. The conference is mandated to elect a new DC national youth committee as prescribed by the party's constitution.
Lesotho: MPs Consciences Will Determine Reforms' Fate - Tau
THE fate of Lesotho's reforms hinges on the consciences of individual legislators across the political divide and their will to serve their country. This is according to Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Limpho Tau, who further asserts, that it is the responsibility of every legislator "to act with responsibility" when voting for Omnibus Bill clauses that require two-thirds majorities to pass.
Lesotho Welcomes Chinese New Ambassador
...discloses that China-Africa trade has reached historic USD$282 billion THE prestigious Avani Maseru Hotel was a hub of elegance and excitement on Tuesday evening as dignitaries gathered in their finest attire to welcome the newly appointed Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Lesotho, Yang Xiaokum.
Lesotho: Sekonyela Defends Matekane, Matobakele
GOVERNMENT spokesperson, Thabo Sekonyela, has fiercely defended the government and the army, against accusations that they are fomenting human right violations in Lesotho. This after some of Lesotho's civic groups accused Prime Minister Sam Matekane and deputy army boss, Major-General Matela Matobakele, of seeking to violate human rights in the name of combating crime and protecting the rule of law.
Lesotho: Oversight Institutions Lament Underfunding
...say lack of resources crippling their operations ... plead for full autonomy to be more effective LESOTHO's oversight institutions have lamented their underfunding by the state, which they say hampers their offices from efficiently executing their mandates.
Lesotho: 'Govt Threatening the IEC's Autonomy' - Maqutu
THE Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)'s Director of Elections, Mpaiphele Maqutu, says the government's attempts to move the National Security Service (NSS) into the same building the electoral body occupies is a vainglorious infringement of its autonomy.
Lesotho: Matekane Speaks On Famo Violence
after his gvt bans the Famo groups brands them as terrorists as the groups vow to fight ban THE infamous Famo gangs - accused of being the kingpins behind ubiquitous violent murders - have vowed to challenge recently gazetted regulations banning them. This as Prime Minister, Sam Matekane, declared war on the Famo groups after branding them as "terrorists".
Lesotho: Army Boss Calls for State of Emergency to Clamp Down On Killers
DEPUTY army commander, Major General Matela Matobakele, has called upon the legislature to consider imposing a three-month state of emergency to empower the army to sweep across the country and curb rampant murders gripping the nation. This the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) would achieve partly by launching swooping search and seizure raids to seize illegal firearms that are being used in the skyrocketing murder rates and rounding up known killers in the process.
Lesotho: Opposition Leaders Vow to Narrow Ideological Differences
OPPOSITION leader, Mathibeli Mokhothu, and Basotho National Party (BNP) leader Machesetsa Mofomobe, say they want to bridge longstanding ideological differences between congress and national political parties in Lesotho. Speaking at Pitso Ground in Maseru this week ahead of a soccer tournament organised by the two parties to commemorate Moshoeshoe day, the two leaders, said their aim was to unite the Basotho nation.
Lesotho: Top Cop Arrested
A SENIOR police officer has been arrested after he was caught red handed accepting a bribe from a criminal suspect. The Lesotho Times understands the cop holds the rank of Senior Inspector and is part of the senior command at Maputsoe Police Station. His name is known to this publication but has been withheld until his court appearance.
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