Mohalenyane Phakela

TGEE Modelling Agency is set to host a training seminar for experienced and budding beauty queens meant to enlighten them on the operations of the industry.

According to the agency’s owner, Thato “Gee” Fonya, the aim of the seminar was also to equip the models with the skills needed to make a living from the sector.  He said the closing date for applications would be 16 March 2016 with the workshop to be held the following Saturday.

“Our intention is to take the modeling industry to the next level since it is still in its formative stages,” said Fonya.

“For starters, we have so many pageants in the country but the organisers don’t equip the contestants with the skills they need to succeed, but rather focus on the routines selected for that particular pageant.

“This approach has created problems, especially if they contestants are selected to represent the country internationally where they fail to match the standards of their competitors.”

He said it was not apparent to most people in the sector that there are various categories of modeling.

“The participants will be trained in four areas:; commercial or catalog modeling, fashion or runway modeling, promotional modeling and character modeling,” Fonya said adding that the venue would be determined by the number of people who will register.

He said modeling was not limited to fashion shows or beauty pageants. “Modelling does not only mean skinny tall girls, but also chubby ladies (plus size models) and men as well,” said Fonya.

“Fashion shows and billboards use certain types of models based on the product being marketed, while campaigns directed at specific communities make use of models that can effectively pass the message.

“Our facilitators will teach the entrants to differentiate between the categories and what type of modeling each category needs.”

He said the sessions would be facilitated by Rorisang Motlomelo who won such titles as Miss Vodacom PC 2009 and Miss Lesotho 2010 as well as being Miss Africa second princess in 2012. The facilitators also include Molulela Monyake who is the reigning Miss Tourism Lesotho and Liotloa Tšehlo who is knowledgeable about the fashion industry and branding. Bakoena Mokoena, Bataung Kharasi and Thabo Masiu will cater for aspiring male models.

“We intend to create a community of professional models with our agency being a link point between the model and clients since we would know which model best suits a certain campaign,” Fonya said.

Mohalenyane Phakela

SOUTH Africa-based actor Matli Mohapeloa has partnered with Metro FM presenter, Mo Flava, in organising an Easter bash slated for Maseru Mall-based Ba.One restaurant on 26 March 2016.

Mohapeloa’s Empot Events and Mo Flava’s Alight Media were also behind the M.A.D (Mad About December) held at the same event last year. Mohapeloa, who also used to host the annual Ke December Boss party, has featured in a number of high profile programmes such as Scandal, Rhythm City, Zabalaza and the sitcom Nomzamo among others.

In an interview with the Weekender from his Johannesburg base, Mohapeloa said the event, dubbed Mad About Easter, was spurred by the success of the December event.

“I brainstormed with Mo Flava last year on a fresh event we could organise since he is also from Lesotho although he is now based in Soweto. That was when we came up with the M.A.D concept,” he said.

“M.A.D was supposed to be a December thing, but due to the positive response we received last December, we though it was befitting if we had instalments for every season throughout the year starting with M.A.E (Mad about Easter) which will also be followed by winter and spring editions.

“It will be a night of good music and live performances from popular disc spinners, performers and celebrity guests.”

Among the South African acts lined up for the event include Naak Musiq, Kabomo, DJs Mo Flava, Guru MC for the night Matli Mohapeloa with guest appearances from actor Nkopane Mohola from the Msanzi Magic drama series, Ya Lla, and Khanya Mkangisa from SABC3’s Isidingo. From Lesotho will be Mr Maps and 357 FM DJs.

Mohapeloa said the SABC1 variety show, Selimathunzi, was expected to cover the event.

On his part, Mo Flava told this paper that he was smitten by Lesotho’s revellers who “love to party”.

“My team and I are always on the lookout for places to perform. The aim is to bring artists and deejays closer to ensure a memorable show,” he said.

“I have family in Lesotho so it has always been close to my heart. Apart from that, Basotho really know how to party. Basotho should look forward to more M.A.D events.”

Meanwhile, Mr Maps, also told the Weekender he was eagerly anticipating sharing the stage with the South African acts.

“I always enjoy performing alongside seasoned artists as it also helps me up my game because learning and improvement are a continuous process,” he said.

Mikia Kalati

Lesotho is sending 10 athletes to the South African athletics series which gets underway this Saturday in Bloemfontein and ends next month.

According to Lesotho Amateur Athletics Association (LAAA) spokesperson Sejanamane Maphathe, the series is meant to help as many local athletes as possible qualify for the Olympic Games set for Brazil later this year.

Maphathe said the association would use every platform available for Lesotho athletes to meet the qualifying standards for the showcase event which takes place every four years.

Sprinter Mosito Lehata and marathon runners Tšepo Ramonene and Lebenya Nkoka are the only Lesotho athletes who have already qualified for the Rio Games, but the LAAA is desperate to increase the size of their team.

“We have an invitation from the South African athletics association to bring our athletes to their series, which will be qualifier for the Olympics,” Maphathe said.

“We have welcomed that opportunity with both hands and will be taking different athletes especially from track-and-field events as well as the relays, to different competitions to increase our team for the Olympics.

“Like I have said, only three athletes have qualified for the Olympics, so we will use this competition that gets underway this weekend and ends in April, to increase the number.”

Maphathe also noted the association has a group of young athletes who have shown potential to develop into world-beaters.

“We have youngsters such as Mokulubete Makatisi, Seutloali Khohloane and Tšepang Sello who have made good progress in their development as athletes, which is why we are helping them meet Olympic qualifying standards,” said Maphathe.

He also said they were banking on triple-jumper Lerato Sechele, to qualify for the Olympics. Sechele is on a scholarship in Senegal and won a gold medal at the 2011 Southern African Youth Championship held in Namibia.

“It is really important for us to have a bigger team that will be going to Brazil so hopefully, our athletes will do well in this upcoming event and qualify.

“There is also recently-crowned cross-country champion, Nkhasi Nkhasi, who is already studying in South Africa and will also run in a number of competitions in trying to book a ticket to Brazil.

“She has been very impressive and we have also been getting good feedback from her coach,” he said.

Mikia Kalati

Once upon a time, there was a formidable football club called Linare.

Linare are based in Hlotse district and have produced some of the best footballers to have ever graced the local game.

Yet the team is now a pale shadow of that indomitable side of yesteryear and as we speak, are still chasing their first win since the second round of the 2015/16 season got underway in January this year.

With eight matches to play before their league campaign comes to a close, Linare find themselves ninth on the 14-team premiership table—a sad fall from grace for a team which used to be counted among the great sides of Lesotho football.

While it is always easy to blame coaches and players when a team is struggling, I don’t think this should be the case with Linare. This is because their top players have been leaving the team over recent years due to lack of ambition by the management.

I actually feel the team is a bit stable under Motlatsi Shale who took over the coaching reins in January this year.

But still, Linare are not at the same level with LCS, Lioli and Bantu when it comes to the quality of their players. And neither do they compare with these three sides when it comes to the way the club is administered, which makes the coach’s job that much harder.

This is a side that has produced great players such as Emmanuel ‘Garrincha’ Phamotse, Thulo ‘Magic Touch’ Leboela and in recent years, the likes of Kabelo Mosothoane and Mabuti Potloane.

‘Magic Touch’ and ‘Garincha’ were as good as any player of their generation, hence those sweet nicknames.

Luckily for Leboela, his talent did not go unnoticed as he went on to join South African outfit Blackpool in the 1980s where he played alongside great players such as the late John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu and Fani Madida.

Like I said, it is a shame a team with such a rich history has now become a laughing stock in the premier league and if things do not change fast, they will end up disintegrating just like what happened to Arsenal and Mazenod.

The fact that Linare have now gone over three decades without winning a league title says a lot about this side’s decline over the years.

This is why I feel Leribe residents, and those who played for this team, should do something to save Linare from collapse.

The most urgent thing this team needs is financial muscle for it to compete for top players with the other big guns who have managed to attract corporate sponsorship.

I strongly feel the people of Leribe have not been united in helping Linare overcome the demons that have seen the team go for so many years without a major trophy, with their last league title coming way back in 1980.

The same lack of support goes for other Leribe district teams, Nyenye Rovers and Mphatlalatsane, that have been going up and down the premier league and A division.

The struggles of both Nyenye and Mphatlalatsane also point to lack of quality players as well as poor administration.

As for Nyenye Rovers, the team’s first division franchise has now been sold to Limkokwing University, while Mphatlalatsane look to be on their way back to the lower division from the premier league after surviving the axe last season.

The St Monica’s based side are bottom of the Vodacom Premier League table with just 12 points in 19 games. They only have seven matches to save their topflight league status, which is a tall order whichever way one looks at it.

My point here is there is no need to have so many teams in one district when all of them continue to struggle.

I hope for the sake of Leribe district that all the people who have served this game before will come together and make Linare a force to reckon with once again.

Leribe also happens to be where recently-elected Sports Commission president, Khiba Mohoanyane, comes from and he is also the vice-president of the Lesotho Football Association.

My prayer is that he should do something about football in Leribe because if he does not, I can only foresee doom in that district, as far as the game is concerned.

The truth of the matter is our football is more enjoyable when Matlama, Bantu, Linare, Lioli and all the top guns are at their best and there is no outright winner before the season is not even halfway through.

This was the case during the 2013/14 season when Linare were in the league title race, but in the end, finished third on the table behind Bantu and Lioli respectively, while they also reached the final of the LNIG Top8, only to lose the trophy to Tse Nala.

Not only did the performance of Linare during that season make the people of Hlotse fall in love with their team again, the players were also catching the attention of Likuena coachs with the likes of Potloane, Dyke Tšiu, Tšiu Moorosi and Kopano Motaung becoming regulars.

That season, Potloane was crowned Vodacom Premier League Player of the Season, but unfortunately, he has since joined Matlama while Tšiu, Moorosi and Motaung have also quit the club.

Mikia Kalati

Interim national team coach, Moses Maliehe, yesterday announced a new-look squad to face the Seychelles in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled for 25 and 29 March.

Lioli’s Basia Makepe, Jerry Kamela and Tšoanelo Koetle alongside Bantu’s Hlompho Kalake and the Matlama duo of Jane Thabantšo and Kefuoe Mahula are the only surviving members of the team that last played a competitive match for the national side under former coach, Seephephe Matete, who was sacked in October last year.

Lesotho have already lost their two opening qualifiers away to Ethiopia and at home to group-leaders, Algeria.

However, Maliehe says he has not given up on qualifying for the tournament and believes his side could still make it as one of the best runners-up, provided they do well in their remaining games.

Explaining his selection, Maliehe said he had mostly picked players he worked with when he was national under-20 team coach because of “continuity”.

“These boys deserve a chance to continue where they have left off in the junior national team. Most of them have already played at senior team level and I’m giving them a chance to show what they can do playing at the highest level on a regular basis,” Maliehe said.

“What is important is for them to exhibit the same hunger that they have shown at club level because we have to do well in the upcoming two matches to have a realistic chance of qualifying for the tournament.”

The Likuena mentor also said he made late changes to the squad due to injuries, with Nkesi Rankhasa of Matlama replacing Mkhwanazi Motlomelo of Sundawana while Tumelo Khutlang took the place of Thabo Seakhoa of LCS.

Maliehe has also recalled America-based Jane ‘Sunny’ Tšotleho. The 24-year-old last played for the national team at the regional Cosafa tournament held in South Africa in July last year.

“We have been working with this group since December last year. We held a weeklong training camp to assess them so we are satisfied with the selection,” said Maliehe.

“The ball is in their court to show the country what they can do because some of them have always been knocking on the door, but not succeeding to make the final cut.

“Unfortunately for Seakhoa and Motlomelo, they were left out because of injuries.”

According to Maliehe, the players go into full camp on Monday next week.

“We will start full camp on Monday with Tšotleho the last player to arrive due to the fact that he plays in the US and his team has agreed to release him at a later stage of our camp,” he said.

Lioli dominate the squad with eight players while Matlama and Bantu have three and two respectively.

Full squad

Goalkeepers: Daniel Jousse (LCS), Liteboho Mokhehle (Lioli)

Defenders: Kopano Tseka, Basia Makepe, Bokang Sello, Mafa Moremoholo (all Lioli), Nkesi Rankhasa (Matlama), Spiriting Malefane (Bantu).

Midfielders: Jerry Kamela, Tšoanelo Koetle (both Lioli), Hlompho Kalake (Bantu), Kefuoe Mahula, Jane Thabantšo (both Matlama)

Strikers: Motlalepula Chabeli, Thabiso Brown (both Kick4Life), Lehlomela Ramabele (Likhopo), Tumelo Khutlang (Lioli)

Moorosi Tsiane

Bantu president Leuta John Leuta says Sunday’s bust-up between star midfielder Nzenze Nkulu and technical director Lehlohonolo Seema was “nothing personal” but a disagreement that happens “in the heat of the moment”.

Nkulu and Seema had a heated exchange during the weekend match against Likhopo at Setsoto Stadium after the Congolese playmaker, who was one of the substitutes, was about to be introduced into the match. However, the midfielder was eventually not sent in following the argument, which Leuta played down but still condemned as unacceptable. Bantu won the match 1-0.

“Yes, something like that happened and it is not good at all because both the player and Seema are professionals. They should have acted as such and that behaviour was uncalled for,” Leuta said this week.

“What happened is Nzenze was supposed to come in because Likhopo were putting too much pressure on us. But when he was supposed to go onto the pitch, it was only then that he started looking for his shin-pads. He was also taking his time as if he didn’t want to play. That’s what made all of us furious, not only Seema, because we have been talking to these players about such behavior and telling them that they should be ready to come into the match at short notice.”

Leuta said he had talked with Seema who had since apologised for the incident while the technical team also had a chat with Nkulu.

“Seema was right to be furious but he went about it the wrong way. I spoke with him and told him he could have addressed the issue in a more mature way than that and he apologised. The technical team also spoke with Nzenze because that is not how we are expecting our players to behave. The most annoying thing is we have discussed such issues with our players before. When they are there on the bench, they must always be ready because they also form part of the team that is on the pitch,” he said.

“This is why we have been losing some of our matches because our players don’t behave the way they are expected to conduct themselves. We are trying to be professional here; I know it is going to take time for them to adjust but we will get there.”

Leuta said Nkulu was a very valuable member of Bantu.

“Let me tell you, Nzenze is one of Seema’s favourite players and I think that is why he even overreacted to that behavior because at that time, the team was under pressure and we really needed him. But there he was, behaving as if he did not want to play, hence Seema’s reaction,” said Leuta.

According to Leuta, every Bantu player is treated the same.

“We see all our players as equal and none of them will get special treatment. That is why we needed to make an example on Sunday. We had to go with the players who were willing to play,”Leuta said.

Asked if it was true that there was factional fighting at Bantu among the management and players, Leuta said this was not the case.

“There are no two camps here. These are just lies being spread by some of our former coaches who just want to tarnish our image as a club,” he said.

Attempts to get Nkulu’s comment and Seema’s side of the story were unsuccessful.

’Marafaele Mohloboli

Police are investigating the cause of a horrific car-crash that claimed the lives of six passengers on Tuesday morning in Mafeteng.

According to police spokesperson Clifford Molefe, the six died on the scene of the horror crash.

“A Regius vehicle is meant to carry seven passengers but this one had 19 on board. A tyre burst and the vehicle overturned, killing the six passengers instantly,” said Senior Inspector Molefe.

The vehicle was ferrying passengers from Mohale’s Hoek to Mafeteng and according to Senior Inspector Molefe, three adults and three children aged five, seven and twelve, perished in the crash.

“Two boys, a girl and three adults died on the spot. Six passengers were admitted at Mafeteng Hospital, four at Queen ’Mamohato Memorial Hospital with very serious injuries while one was transferred to Bloemfontein in a very critical condition,” he said.

Senior Inspector Molefe said police had already started mounting roadblocks in a bid to ensure an accident-free Easter holiday. The holiday is set for 25-28 March.

“We are going to strengthen police patrols and do more stop-and-search operations for weapons and other illegal substances.”

He appealed to motorists to respect fellow road-users and avoid using drugs as well as drinking and driving.

“People should not drink and drive and they should also rest before embarking on long journeys. They should also avoid using energy-boosting drinks.”

Billy Ntaote

All Basotho Convention (ABC) deputy leader Tlali Khasu has urged the government to consider suspending the recruitment of new security staff and channel the funds towards “rigorously pursuing security reforms”.

Mr Khasu made the suggestion while referring to the M6,9 million budgeted for both vacant and new posts by the Ministry of Defence and National Security in the 2016/17 financial year.

The budget was passed on Tuesday in the National Assembly, but Mr Khasu argued the money could be spent on “integration and reconciliation” in the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF).

“We need to look at other means of sourcing funds and suspending filling vacant and new posts in the security sector would go a long way towards saving resources for the reforms,” said Mr Khasu yesterday in an interview with the Lesotho Times.

“The government should stop the recruitment of new personnel in the army and National Security Service (NSS). They should also stop filling vacant positions in the two organisations.

“If they stop these processes, they would make some savings on their budget and use the funds for other far more pressing issues or development projects. However, it would be more important if they were to use the funds for the reform process I have already alluded to.”

Mr Khasu said Basotho should never forget LDF members who recently fled the country fearing for their lives, and others in prison facing mutiny charges before the Court Martial. The reforms would ensure their reintegration into the LDF and compensation if necessary, he added.

“As we speak, there are soldiers in dire need of these reforms to take off as their hopes are pinned on this process. Some of these soldiers are in prison accused of mutiny, while others are in exile in South Africa. I know how painful it is to leave one’s own country and be abandoned when you return home.

“When those soldiers return home, we need to have a reintegration and reconciliation programme between them and the LDF. When we returned from exile as LLA (Lesotho Liberation Army) members, we were neglected. We never had any programme to heal old wounds between us and the army, so we should not make the same mistake with these soldiers,” said Mr Khasu.

According to Mr Khasu, the LDF needs as much resources as possible to cater not only for the reforms but also other issues which include “settlement packages” for the exiled soldiers and mutiny suspects.

The packages, he said, would cater for any losses they could have suffered.

“We know the army needs the budget it is requesting and we are not saying they should not get the funds. What I’m just saying is that the amount earmarked for new posts should be redirected towards this reform process as the Minister rightly said his focus would also be on the reforms this financial year,” said Mr Khasu.

He also emphasised there is “dire need” for the reform process to begin as soon as possible and be pursued “aggressively”.

Meanwhile, when presenting the Ministry of Defence and National Security’s budget estimates in parliament on Wednesday last week, Minister Tšeliso Mokhosi said the ministry would be implementing security reforms in both the LDF and National Security Service (NSS) from the 2016/2017 financial year.

Mr Mokhosi said the reforms would include a review of policies, laws and regulations of the LDF and the NSS. He also said the reform process includes the retraining of army and NSS personnel.

The minister said this when seeking his Ministry’s M589,7 million budget to be approved by the National Assembly.

Tsepong Spokesperson Dr Limpho Seeiso

Lekhetho Ntsukunyane

Queen ’Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH) management says it will always act in the best interest of its patients and will not “unnecessarily” refer them to South Africa “because of the financial implications.”

Tšepong, as the hospital is widely known, was in the news at the weekend after it emerged Lesotho owed South Africa M86 million for cancer patients referred to its Free State hospitals by QMMH.

The bill, according to Health Minister Dr ’Molotsi Monyamane, had accumulated since 2014.

Tšepong, which was opened in 2011 as the country’s only referral hospital, refers cancer patients to Pelonomi, Univesitus and National hospitals, with government footing the bill.

The hospital is owned by the government but is run by the Tšepong consortium of five companies, namely Netcare Healthcare Group and Afri’nnai of South Africa, as well as Excel Health, Women Investment and D10 Investments from Lesotho.

According to South Africa’s Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the Lesotho government wanted out of the Tšepong deal which is however, supposed to end in 2026.

Dr Motsoaledi made revelation on Friday last week in Cape Town while appearing before a special committee investigating the cost of private healthcare in the country.

Netcare’s Director of Strategy and Health Policy, Melanie Da Costa, also appeared before the inquiry, and explained how the company was “assisting Basotho by providing quality healthcare at lower costs compared to South Africa”. Netcare is the majority shareholder in the Tšepong consortium.

However, Dr Motsoaledi told the inquiry that contrary to what Netcare had presented, “the contract with Lesotho has plunged the country into financial distress”.

Dr Motsoaledi also said his Lesotho counterpart, Dr Monyamane, was relying on the South African government for assistance to get out of the Tšepong contract.

Dr Monyamane subsequently told the Lesotho Times’ sister publication, the Sunday Express, that he was fully aware of what transpired in Cape Town last week.

“I know about Dr Motsoaledi’s appearance before the inquiry on Friday. I know about his submissions and the M86 million debt. What he said before the inquiry is what we discussed some three weeks ago. I will say the same thing if I could be summoned before the same inquiry,” Dr Monyamane told the Sunday Express.

“We are making plans to pay up the debt and also curb the flow of Basotho cancer patients referred to public hospitals in South Africa. A delegation from the Free State provincial government was here three weeks ago. We agreed on a plan to have a team, from our side, which will regulate the flow of cancer patients being transferred from Tšepong to Pelonomi, Univesitus and National Hospital in the Free State. We further agreed on how we are going to pay up our debt. We are committed to paying up the debt in batches until we have settled it in full.”

Dr Monyamane also told the Sunday Express that it was “reckless” that Tšepong was not being regulated regarding the referrals.

“There is no arrangement to the effect that when Tšepong decides to send patients to South Africa, they should consult with the government first. As we speak, the hospital just decides that on its own. This is why now we find ourselves in such a big debt. It seems Tšepong sends patients to South Africa even for minor issues. Our patients are even attended to by junior doctors there in South Africa, yet we have Basotho specialist doctors who can best attend to the problem.

“As a ministry, we are going to employ as many of them as possible. Some of the doctors will be deployed at Tšepong premises to curb this problem of referrals.

“We are going to rebuild Queen II. It was wrong to close down the hospital (in 2011 and replaced by QMMH) in the first place. I have been instructed by parliament to do all this in the first quarter of the financial year.”

The Ministry of Health was allocated M1.78 billion for the 2016/17 financial year and Dr Monyamane said it was unfair a large chunk of the money would be directed to Tšepong hospital.

“It is very unfair that one-third of the ministry’s budget is directed to Tšepong, yet it is not the only hospital we have in this country. Health issues are so diverse and we cannot only be dealing with Tšepong,” he said.

However, QMMH spokesperson Dr Limpho Seeiso, yesterday explained how the hospitals refers patients to South Africa.

Dr Seeiso said: “There are specific services that are excluded from the Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between Tšepong and the Government of Lesotho. The exclusions were informed by a number of factors, including an assessment of whether patient volumes would support a local treatment programme in Maseru, operational costs, utilisation patterns, and whether the services could be accommodated within Lesotho’s health system expenditure framework.

“The excluded services include all transplants excluding corneal transplants; chemotherapy and radiation therapy (cancer treatment); in-vitro fertilisation and advanced fertility treatments; cosmetic dentistry; chronic (end stage) renal disease treatment; all elective cardiac and great vessels surgery; all joint-replacements other than hip-replacements; and plastic surgery other than basic, essential reconstructive surgery and with medical need.

“The agreement therefore excludes these services from being offered at Tšepong. Since the inception of the project, 54.2 percent of all referrals to South Africa related to clinical services carved out from the PPP agreement, 80 percent of which are patients requiring oncology treatment. When a patient in particular requires chemotherapy and or radiation they are referred to Bloemfontein provincial hospitals as these services are, by design, not available at Tšepong.

“The cost for treatment of cancer patients is not included in the unitary fee paid to Tšepong and is borne directly by the Government. The outstanding fees payable to the provincial hospitals are therefore for services that are directly for the account of the Ministry of Health. Tšepong pays for referrals relating to its contractual responsibility from the unitary fee, at no additional cost to the Government and we are able to confirm that the payments are up to date.”

Dr Seeiso said the reason for referral was based on clinical indications “in the interest of obtaining the best possible treatment for the patient”.

The government, Dr Seeiso said, was only responsible for settling the bill for conditions not included in the PPP agreement “and Tšepong is responsible for all payments relating to other referrals mostly for second opinions or super specialist consultations. The process for referral is well regulated at the hospital”.

She explained referrals were initiated by the attending doctor, approved by the head of the referring department and authorized and counter-signed by the Clinical Manager.

Dr Seeiso also said although junior doctors may act as access-points to enter the system, specialist services are provided by specialists.

“One should also be cognizant that the Bloemfontein facilities are teaching facilities and like all other hospitals, are staffed with different categories of clinical staff,” she said.

“It is indeed the role of the Ministry of Health to provide primary operational oversight on behalf of the Government of Lesotho. It would not be abnormal for the ministry to engage and regulate operations at the hospital. Actually, there are existing committees in the design of the PPP agreement with oversight roles on the operations of the hospital. Referrals are regulated by the agreement.

“Tšepong will always act in the best interest of the patient and will not refer patients unnecessarily because of the financial implications. The referrals were initially managed by the Ministry of Health but Tšepong was asked to take over the responsibility because the ministry did not have the resources to manage the process. It is noteworthy that total referrals to Bloemfontein have reduced by 16 percent since 2012.”

According to Dr Seeiso, patient numbers are based on the disease burden. Cancer alone, she said, accounted for 80 percent of all excluded services referred to Bloemfontein.

“For the period January to December 2012, cancer of the breast and cancer of the cervix accounted for 21.7 percent and 21.3 percent of all cancer referrals to Bloemfontein and this trend is still observed.

“These two cancers are worth mentioning not only because they are the most common but because they are preventable. Early detection can prevent prolonged, debilitating and expensive treatment. It is therefore important to rigorously engage in early detection initiatives through health promotion at national level rather than regulating the treatment of those already afflicted.”

On the issue of the government revising the Tšepong contract, Dr Seeiso said: “Tšepong has not had any engagement with the Ministry of Health on any proposed changes to date but dialogue between the partners will be a good point of departure.”

Dr Seeiso also dismissed allegations that the hospital mainly employed foreign doctors, who are not even specialists, over qualified Basotho medical practitioners.

She said: “There are 85 doctors permanently employed by Tšepong. These exclude 17 medical interns currently training at the hospital. Twenty-six percent (22) of these are specialists duly registered as such by the Lesotho Medical, Dental and Pharmacy Council. This specialist list excludes visiting specialists in ophthalmology, maxilla facial surgery, maxilla facial prosthodontics, ENT surgery and orthopaedic surgery who visit the hospital on predetermined intervals.

“As a matter of fact, the number of specialists has more than doubled since the hospital had to take over the specialists that were based at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital. Attracting newly qualified Basotho medical professionals and those in the diaspora to work in Lesotho has been a priority recruitment intervention of the Ministry of Health for a very long time. The problem is thus not unique to Tšepong.

“Nonetheless, 16 percent of all doctors at the hospital are Basotho. We have two Basotho specialists on site and three Basotho nationals who are studying under sponsorship of Tšepong towards postgraduate degrees in Internal medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Anaesthetics and we are expecting their return to the hospital during 2017. There are also 14 Basotho interns currently training at the hospital and four who completed their internship in December 2015”

Commenting on the “large chunk” of the health sector’s budget being directed to Tšepong, Dr Seeiso said: “The healthcare budget tabled in parliament last week was M1, 776,493,710. The total unitary fee for the year is M458, 561,576, which is only 25.8 percent of the budget. This unitary fee includes the capital cost and finance charges relating to the repayment of the DBSA (Development Bank of Southern Africa) loan as well as the clinical cost of providing services to 310,000 outpatients and 20,000 inpatients per annum.  The inclusion of capital works naturally relieves expenditure in other departments of GoL such as public works.

“Statistics released during the Annual Joint Review confirmed that with 25.8 percent of the Ministry of Health’s budget, the Tšepong health system (Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital and Likotsi, Mabote and Qoaling filter clinics) is responsible for more than 70 percent of all hospital admissions countrywide and 25 percent of all primary care services delivered in Lesotho.”

Meanwhile, Dr Seeiso also commented about the blood shortage in the country which has affected Tšepong operations.

“The shortage of blood is a national problem. The relevant authorities are driving measures to ensure that the blood bank has blood. However, QMMH as a big hospital, has experienced operational problems due to this national shortage and had to cancel planned operations. The hospital has, in instances, also appealed to relatives of patients to donate blood and members of Tšepong staff have also donated blood to save patients,” she said.

Dr Seeiso added high patient volumes remained the biggest challenge facing the hospital.

“The hospital continues to see more patients than expected. This is, in part, due to self-referrals to the hospital as well as some referrals that with adequate support and resources to the district hospitals, could be attended to at district level,” she said.

She added a study performed by a student from Wales found that more than 70 percent of patients bypassed other hospitals to obtain services at Tšepong.

“Many of the district hospitals are no longer performing basic procedures and are sending these patients to QMMH. Statistics released during the Annual Joint Review confirmed that Tšepong was responsible for more than 70 percent of all hospital admissions and 25 percent of all primary care services delivered in Lesotho.

“Patients still don’t understand that we sieve patients in the emergency department according to the severity of their clinical condition and often demand to be seen first for minor ailments. The current nationwide blood shortage is a challenge that negatively affects patient and relatives satisfaction when elective cases are postponed.”

Dr Seeiso indicated the hospital had notable achievements, which Basotho should embrace.

“Any life saved is a notable achievement. The hospital continues to deliver and surpass expectations on set targets. With improved skill and access to technology, the in-patient mortality rate has reduced by 57.5 percent from 12 percent at Queen Elizabeth II to 5.1 percent while Paediatric pneumonia death rates have reduced by 76.4 percent from 34 percent at Queen Elizabeth II to 8.1 percent. Most importantly, we have also seen the survival of very low birth-weight babies who have previously never survived in Lesotho.

“Twenty five percent of all the admissions to the Emergency Department require resuscitation and 97 percent of these patients have been resuscitated successfully. Going back to referrals to Bloemfontein, the hospital has since February 2015, performed 28 hip and eight knee-replacement procedures and has eradicated the waiting list of people who have waited for years to get these replacements in South Africa.

“This is done through engaging orthopaedic surgeons from the University of Cape Town to visit the country quarterly and engage in weekend long surgical camps to attend to these patients. We have successfully completed an integrated emergency response exercise involving other emergency service providers in Lesotho demonstrating the hospital’s capability to respond to mass casualties. Tšepong is committed to improving our services and the health outcomes for all our patients. Tšepong and the staff here can however, not do this alone, in a hostile environment. It should be the responsibility of all of us to care for our health, to prevent illness and disease through continuous education and leading a healthy lifestyle.”

Bereng Mpaki

WORLD Trade Organisation Director-General Roberto Azevêdo says Lesotho should foster the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises to ensure sustainable economic development.

Mr Azevêdo made the remarks during a two-day visit to Lesotho this week to discuss the implementation of recent WTO agreements and assess the areas the intergovernmental agency could support in terms of growth and development.

He described the visit, which ended yesterday, as productive and fruitful after meeting Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing, Trade and Industry Minister Joshua Setipa and his representative of Foreign Affairs Minister among other officials.

“I have been very impressed by my conversations here that were very productive. We shared views about opportunities from the WTO both in terms of trade regulation and technical cooperation,” he said.

“We talked about the role played by the small to medium-sized enterprises in the market, on how we can make them benefit or participate a lot more in trade since they are often the backbone of the economy.”

Mr Azevedo added: “In some developing economies the small to medium-sized enterprises account for about 90 percent of trade. That is very huge, and if they are left out of trade then we are missing out on a big opportunity in the world market.

“So we need to find a way to make the sector play a meaningful role in trade.”

He also noted that Lesotho needed to diversify its products and markets.

“We also talked about the need to find ways of helping Lesotho diversify its products and markets,” said Mr Azevedo.

“The main goal of the WTO is to help countries to make trade work for them. That is what we are doing in small economies like Lesotho where the domestic market is not big enough to tap into the global opportunities.

Mr Azevedo also visited a commercial farming project called Alosang Enterprise which benefited from the support of a WTO-sponsored initiative, the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF).

EIF is a multi-donor program is a multi-donor programme, which helps least-developed countries play a more active role in the global trading system.

Mr Azevedo said he was pleasantly surprised by the Alosang Enterprise, project which produces fresh vegetables, adding that it demonstrated good organisation and a high emphasis on hygiene.

He added that Lesotho was strategically placed with its climate to capitalise on

Keiso Mohloboli

THE Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the agency through which the United States has channeled more than US$10 billion in aid to developing countries to reduce poverty, has asked Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili’s government to explain “concrete, demonstrable actions” it plans to take to foster the “rule of law and accountability” in the Kingdom before the MCC makes a decision next week on Lesotho’s eligibility for new funding.

The MCC was established by the US Congress in 2004 as an innovative foreign aid agency to help lead the fight against global poverty by working with select partner countries to identify requisite areas in need of funding support.

Before qualifying for funding, countries need to meet a plethora of conditions such as good governance, respect for the rule of law, control of corruption, civil liberties, and political rights among others.

Lesotho received its first five-year MCC grant or Compact worth US$362.5 million in July 2007. Compacts are described by the MCC as large, five-year grants for countries that pass its eligibility criteria. Countries that come close to meeting the eligibility criteria and are firmly committed to improving their policy performance are not given Compacts but “threshold programmes”, which are smaller grants for specific interventions to fight poverty.

Lesotho’s initial $362.5 million Compact was used to fund poverty reduction interventions in three areas; water, health and private sector development. The MCC grant specifically helped fund the construction of Metolong Dam in Thaba-Bosiu, as well as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to mitigate the negative economic impact of poor maternal health, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other diseases. It was also used to fund projects aimed at removing barriers to private sector development to boost job creation. By 2013, Lesotho had almost exhausted its Compact.

The Kingdom was expecting its second Compact this year after performing well in the first project, but on 16 December 2015, the MCC Board decided not to vote on the issue citing governance concerns, particularly after the killing of former Lesotho Defence Force commander Maaparankoe Mahao.

The MCC said at the time: “The (MCC) Board discussed the fact that due to on-going concerns over the rule of law and accountability in the country, and an expected report from the Southern Africa Development Community (regarding the Lesotho Defence Force’s fatal shooting of former army commander Maaparankoe Mahao on 25 June 2015 outside Maseru, allegedly while resisting arrest for mutiny) on these same issues, a vote on reselection would be premature at this time. The Board may revisit its decision over the course of 2016 as more information becomes available.”

The MCC’s Principal Deputy Vice-President, Africa Department of Compact Operations, Kyeh Kim, has since written to Finance Minister Dr ‘Mamphono Khaketla on the same issues asking her to explain the steps the government was taking to address the MCC’s concern on the rule of law and governance issues.
Ms Kim’s letter, written last week and copied to Foreign Affairs and International Relations Minister Tlohang Sekhamane as well as Lesotho Millennium Development Agency Chief Executive Officer Sophia Mohapi, reads in part: “As per the letter from my colleague, Beth Tritter, at the end of her visit in January, we look forward to hearing from your government on the concrete, demonstrable actions the government plans to take to address MCC’s concerns on the rule of law and accountability in Lesotho. We also welcome any update on these issues prior to the next MCC board meeting in late March. It remains our sincere hope that our partnership will get back on track so that we can continue to work closely with you and your colleagues on the second Compact that helps reduce poverty and spur economic growth in Lesotho.”

The letter further implies that unless the Americans get satisfactory answers and renew the aid programme, then they would not bother to replace Laura Rudert, who was leading the MCC’s team in the development of Lesotho’s Compact.

According to Ms Kim, Ms Rudert accepted to head the development of a second MCC Compact for Senegal effective from 6 March 2016.
“We will not be replacing Ms Rudert at this time. In the interim, MCC Managing Director for Africa, Mr Jason Small, will continue to provide oversight of MCC’s operational engagement with Lesotho, and Mrs Khalia Mounsey, our Lesotho point-of-contact, will manage day-to-day issues as necessary. Vice-President for Policy and Evaluation, Beth Tritter and Managing Director for selection and eligibility, Chris Maloney, will continue to engage from an eligibility standpoint.”
Ms Rudert’s full-time replacement would be appointed only after the MCC had made a decision to renew Lesotho’s Compact based on its interactions with the government, the letter suggested.

Contacted for comment yesterday, Dr Khaketla said she had not seen the letter in question because of her busy commitments in parliament.
“I cannot comment on the letter you are asking about because I have not seen it. Since last week, I have been in parliament from 9am to 6pm and I have not been able to go to my office if the letter was delivered there. Now that you have brought the issue up, I will check tomorrow if such a letter was delivered to my office,” said Dr Khaketla, who delivered her second budget as Finance minister last month.

Ms Mohapi would not comment on the issue yesterday, telling the Lesotho Times: “I am not the addressee of the letter; please contact the person it was addressed to, not me. The letter was copied to me for information purposes and that does not mean it was mine.”
Repeated efforts to contact Mr Sekhamane were not successful yesterday as his mobile phone rang unanswered.

Meanwhile, in an initial letter dated 15 June 2015 and addressed to Dr Khaketla, MCC Vice-President Tritter had noted: “The MCC appreciates the close partnership it has shared with Lesotho, including the successful completion of a first Compact and on-going efforts to develop a second Compact. The MCC’s partnership with Lesotho is founded on mutual commitment to good governance, which includes accountability and respect for the rule of law. These values are fundamental to the MCC, and are an essential foundation for successful investments that will drive economic growth.

“As MCC’s Deputy Vice-President Jonathan Bloom shared with you in May 2015, we continue to be concerned over the rule of law and accountability issues in Lesotho. While we recognise several government officials have spoken on some of these issues, both publicly and privately, there are some concerns which remain unaddressed”.

Observers say considering the vital importance of the original Compact in funding critical development interventions in the Kingdom, it would be a big blow for Lesotho if the Americans, for whatever reason, decide not to renew their funding. More so, after the recent decision by the European Union (EU) to withhold about M460 million in budgetary support citing Lesotho’s failure to “implement agreed policy reforms in the area of public financial management”.
“In light of the current national disaster induced by the devastating drought and because of all the uncertainties on the economic front due to global factors and other circumstances beyond our control, we need every loti we can get from whomsoever to foster fiscal stability and feed Basotho.
“The ball thus rests in the government’s court in terms of mollifying and maintaining the support of the country’s development partners….,” said an economist who refused to be named last night citing his work for the government.

Keiso Mohloboli

A military doctor based at Makoanyane Hospital was arrested by the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) on Thursday last week for allegedly insulting his boss.

Dr Thapelo Ramatseka, who is a Captain in the LDF, is said to have been arrested at his home and is expected to appear before a Court Martial next week.

He is said to have used offensive language when speaking with the hospital’s Director-Medical Service, Colonel Violet Tlelai.

A close relative of the doctor yesterday told the Lesotho Times: “I was informed that Dr Ramatseka was arrested on Thursday for insulting Col Tlelai when she approached him about some hospital pills. I don’t even know what Dr Ramatseka did with the pills but I heard that was the reason they ended up arguing.

“I also heard that he will appear before the Court Martial next week even though we have not been given the trial date yet.”

Asked if it was true that Dr Ramatseka was assaulted following his arrest as widely circulated on social media, the relative said this was not the case.

The relative then referred the Lesotho Times to the wife, who, was however, not willing to talk to the media about the issue. “It is true that my husband has been arrested and is still in detention. I visited him yesterday but I don’t know why he was arrested. I won’t give you my names because I really don’t want you to write about my husband. There are other soldiers who have been arrested in there but you only want to write about my husband and I don’t understand why. After all, it is normal and not a big deal for a soldier to be arrested as part of disciplinary action.”

Defence and National Security Minister Tšeliso Mokhosi yesterday confirmed Dr Ramatseka’s arrest but refused to give further details.

“It is a security issue whose details I cannot get into with the media. But I want you to understand that it is a serious offence in a disciplined force like the LDF for a subordinate to insult or disrespect his or her superior,” Mr Mokhosi said.

“The Court Martial will determine whether Dr Ramatseka is guilty or not because he will definitely be given the benefit of seeking legal representation of his choice.”

Mr Mokhosi further said Dr Ramatseka’s arrest should not be “sensationalised” because any soldier who violates the army’s laws and principles goes through disciplinary processes.

The minister gave an example of an LDF member who urinated “in the streets” wearing military gear and was arrested for the indecent act.

“He was put before the Court Martial which sentenced him to one month in detention.

“As Minister of Defence and the convening authority of the Court Martial, I authorised that sentence today. I was just giving an example that soldiers are disciplined for bad behaviour,” Mr Mokhosi said.

Repeated attempts to get Colonel Tlelai’s side of the story were in vain yesterday.

Mikia Kalati

Makoanyane XI played two away friendly games against Swaziland at the weekend with the national under-20 side drawing the first match 1-1 draw and the second ending 3-1 in favour of the Swazis.

However, it appeared not many people were aware of these fixtures, which form part of the team’s preparations for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Under-20 tournament whose get underway in June this year.

The fact that the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) did not make the country aware of these games was like scoring an own goal.

You cannot afford to keep such a development secret and also the fact that recently appointed Makoanyane XI coach, Motlalepula Majoro, had selected his squad.

My worry about how LeFA operates is they have a tendency not to communicate important information to the public especially regarding our national teams.

I have always maintained the association needs to hire professionals in their marketing and communications department to ensure things are done the right way and meet modern systems of running a football organisation.

Gone are those days when football was just for entertainment and this is something that needs to change in the way the game is run in our country. We need to catch up with the rest of the world and it should begin with having proper communication skills to let the people know about what is happening.

Our association needs to know they must hold a press conference every time any of their national team coaches announces a squad for any game or competition.

This should have been the case last week when national team coach, Moses Maliehe, announced his side that is going to play back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon)matches against the Seychelles later this month.

This was the first time that Maliehe was announcing his squad for a competitive match and as such, was a big occasion for both the coach and players. Such an occasion should have been given more respect by LeFA organizing a press briefing for Maliehe to announce his squad and then field questions on his selection.

Maliehe has called up many new players, and discarded some veterans who were being used by former coach, Seephephe Matete.

The public deserves to know what is happening as far as the national teams is concerned, while publicizing such developments also help market the sides to the business community.

One of the issues sponsors consider when deciding where to put their money is the mileage they would get from associating themselves with an activity.

Sneaking the national sides out of the country is not exactly what a sponsor of that team would be happy about because this simply means their brand is not getting exposure to a very critical public.

The same goes for the premier league management that decided to keep quiet about their trip to Botswana at the weekend.

This was a really noble tour which showed real desire to learn from other countries.

There is no doubt the Botswana premier league has been on the rise and enjoys better sponsorship than our own, so there is really something we can learn from there.

But the fact that the trip was not made public means the football authorities missed an opportunity to include other stakeholders who could have helped make the trip even more fruitful.

The other issue that the premier league decided to keep to themselves is that of LDF veteran right back-come-winger, Janefeke Molibeli, who has been suspended for the remainder of the season after he was involved in a brawl with a Matlama supporter during the recent LNIG Top8 matches.

What I am trying to say here is failure to communicate properly can also hurt what your organizations are trying to achieve in taking the game to another level.

Mikia Kalati

Lioli coach Mosholu ‘Shoes’ Mokhothu has warned his charges to be at their best in their remaining seven league games if they are to defend their premiership title.

Tse Nala lost top spot on the 14-team premier league table to Matlama at the weekend, and cannot afford to drop any more points as the title race enters the final stretch.

Tse Nala were held to a goalless draw by Likila United on Friday last week and drew 0-0 against Bantu on Sunday. Mokhothu has lamented the lost points in the two matches which he said has now made life very difficult for Lioli in their quest to retain domestic football’s most prestigious club prize.

“We should have won the match against Likila United. There was no reason why we failed to collect all the three points after creating so many scoring chances,” Mokhothu said.

“I feel we dropped the ball in that match and will now have to dig deeper in every game to remain on course to defend our title.

“Our problem in that game, like I said, was failing to convert the many chances we created and this is something we should improve on.”

“Against Bantu, we have always struggled against them so the draw was not a bad result.”

However, Mokhothu believes since nine Lioli players are part of the national team to face the Seychelles in crucial Nations Cup qualifiers on 26 and 29 March away and at home respectively, retaining the league championship could be difficult.

“I am not worried about fatigue or injuries to our key players, but my problem is that the break could affect our momentum. Such breaks tend to affect your rhythm, and that is what I am worried about because the other teams without as many players in the national team would be playing their games,” said Mokhothu.

“We now have to take our chances as we still have a game in hand and it will be important that we win every match going forward.”

On his part, Matlama coach Moses Maliehe said they had a “special weekend” after winning their two matches and capitalising on Lioli’s struggles.

Tse Putsoa defeated Linare 3-2 and Likila United 3-1 to overtake Lioli at the summit of the Vodacom Premier League table.

“The weekend was very special for us in the sense that we needed to win the two games to remain in the race. And luckily for us, Lioli dropped points and we went top of the table,” Maliehe said.

“Our camp is now brimming with confidence and the players are determined to go all the way and win the league title.

“It was also encouraging to see our boys scoring so many goals. This is important because without finding the back of the net, you cannot win matches.”

Maliehe further said he was aware that being top of the table does not mean they have to relax.

“Being in the race for the league title is never easy. It means more pressure and hard work to the bitter end,” said Maliehe.

LCS coach Mpitsa Marai, whose side is third on the table—two behind Matlama and one behind second-placed Bantu who are on 43 and 42 respectively—says he would not put his charges under undue pressure.

“Our target was not the league title but finishing among the top four teams. But football being football, we are here now and want to keep the players grounded so that the excitement does not go to their heads,” Marai said.

“We are taking it one game at a time because now the players are aware that our top-four goal can become something bigger so it is important that we box smart and do not put ourselves under any pressure.

“Like I have said, winning the championship will be a bonus for us, but we are excited knowing that we have a chance to get something big.”

Marai, who is in his first season as head-coach, further said he was not surprised about his charges’ good run.

“I’m not really surprised with what we have achieved so far. I was assistant coach here at LCS under ‘Shoes’ Mokhothu and we won back-to-back league titles before I went to Bantu and also won the championship as an assistant coach. So I think I learned a lot in those times to succeed as a head-coach,” he said.

Meanwhile, there would be no premier league matches this weekend as the national team, Likuena, would be playing two friendly games against Swaziland on Saturday and Sunday in Mbabane. The matches are part of the team’s preperations for their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Seychelles. Likuena are bottom of Group J after losing all their two matches against second-placed Ethiopia and leaders Algeria. Losing against the Seychelles on 25 March and 29 March would end their dream of qualifying for the Nations Cup tournament set for Gabon.

Matlama’s remaining league matches: Mphatlalatsane, Bantu, Liphakoe, Lioli, LCS, Kick4Life.

Lioli’s outstanding fixtures: LCS, Likhopo, Liphakoe, Kick4Life, Matlama, Rovers, Linare.

LCS’ last matches: Lioli, Bantu, Likhopo, Rovers, Liphakoe, Matlama, Sundawana.

Mikia Kalati

The national football team leaves for Mbabane today for two friendly matches against their Swazi counterparts.

The friendlies take place on Saturday and Sunday and are part of Likuena’s preparations for their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against the Seychelles to be held on 25 and 29 March away and at home respectively.

Likuena coach, Moses Maliehe, told the Lesotho Times he was leaving no stone unturned in his effort to ensure the team qualifies for the Afcon tournament.

Although Lesotho have already lost their opening Group J qualifiers away to Ethiopia and at home against leaders Algeria, Maliehe believes the team could still qualify for the continental showcase to be held in Gabon as one of the two best runners-up. Lesotho are bottom of their group, while Algeria are top on six points after winning both their fixtures, Ethiopia are second on four after one win and one draw and Seychelles are third with one draw and one loss.

“The two friendlies against Swaziland give us a chance to test our combination against another national team before we take on Seychelles,” Maliehe said.

“We want to make sure every member of the squad gets a chance to show what they can do and also ensure there is a better understanding between the players.

“I already have an idea of what the team should look like, but it is important that we put that to practice before the crucial ties against the Seychelles.”

Maliehe further said all his players are in good shape save for Tšoanelo Koetle, who is carrying a slight knock.

“We leave the country with all players in good shape apart from Koetle who has a minor injury that is being attended to by the team’s doctor,” he said.

Maliehe also said the team would link-up with America-based Jane ‘Sunny’ Tšotleho in South Africa on Thursday.

“We will be linking up with Tšotleho in South Africa on our way to Swaziland. We will not be coming back home after the Swaziland friendlies but go straight to the Seychelles from there,” added Maliehe.

“Like I said, the matches against Seychelles will be very important as there is still a chance for us to make it to the continental competition.”

Asked about his new-look Likuena which has raised eyebrows, Maliehe said: “The  door is not totally closed for those who were part of the team before I came in (late last year). Maybe I will go for experience for matches against Ethiopia and Algeria.”

Likuena to face Seychelles

Goalkeepers: Daniel Jousse (LCS) Liteboho Mokhehle (Lioli.

Defenders: Kopano Tseka, Basia Makepe, Bokang Sello, Mafa Moremoholo (All Lioli), Nkesi Rankhasa (Matlama) Spiriting Malefane (Bantu)

Midfielders: Jerry Kamela, Tšoanelo Koetle (both Lioli), Hlompho Kalake (Bantu), Kefuoe Mahula, Jane Thabantšo (both Matlama), Jane ‘Sunny’ Tšotleho (Richmond Kicker, US).

Strikers: Motlalepula Chabeli, Thabiso Brown (both Kick4Life, Lehlomela Ramabele (Likhopo), Tumelo Khutlang (Lioli).

Mikia Kalati

The battle to remain in topflight football continues with Likila United, Rovers, LMPS, Linare and Liphakoe all desperate not to drop any more points in their remaining matches.

The bottom two sides on the 14-team Vodacom Premier League table will be automatically relegated come end of the season and any of the above-mentioned sides could find themselves going down to the A Division.

Mphatlalatsane anchor the standings and look destined for the chop after accumulating a mere 12 points from 20 matches and are now left with six games before their league programme comes to a close.

Mphatlalatsane lost 6-1 to Lioli a fortnight ago and 2-0 against LCS at the weekend, sounding the death knell for the St Monica’s-based outfit.

But club spokesperson, Thabiso Jomane, believes it is premature to write off Mphatlalatsane.

“If you look at the way we played against LCS at the weekend, you will realise there has been a big improvement in our game,” Jomane said.

“I think the coach has now come-up with a plan that will help us fight for our lives in the remaining matches.

“Another positive thing is we will be facing teams which are also playing for survival and it is better than playing teams in the top half of the table as was the case in our last two matches.”

Another team in a quandary is Likila United, who are second from bottom on the premiership table, with seven matches still to play.

Likila are level on 17 points with two teams above them, Rovers and Linare, which means they still have a chance to beat the drop if they start collecting maximum points.

As for Linare who have also played 19 matches and just like Likila remain with seven games to save their premiership status, the team remains winless since the second round of the season got underway in January.

But according to coach Motlatsi Shale, the team’s problems are mostly to do with management.

“I can tell you that the attitude is not right among the players and from what I have seen since I joined the team (last month), they are behaving this way because things are not right at the top; at management level,” Shale said.

“Some of the players have stopped coming to matches because management has failed to buy them soccer boots.

“Among these players I’m talking about are those signed in the January transfer window to help the team survive relegation. The situation has become so bad there are times we have only had two substitutes for some games.

“What is happening here is very worrying because as much as we want to fight, it is very difficult to do so without resources, commitment from players and management. But again because of what is happening, you really cannot blame these players.”

Shale made a plea to the Hlotse community to come together and help Linare avoid relegation.

“It will be a very sad day if this team was to be relegated, which is why I am appealing to the community here to support us,” he said.

On the other hand, Rovers’ impressive start to life in topflight football could count for nothing if they fail to maintain their premiership status come end of the season.

But coach Pule Khojane is not throwing in the towel and has vowed to fight for victory in the team’s remaining six matches of the season.

Khojane has also dismissed rumours doing the rounds that he resigned at halftime during the team’s 2-1 loss to Sundawana last Friday, insisting he only left early to attend to some personal issues.

“It is true that I left at halftime during the match against Sundawana, but that was because I had to attend to other commitments. I have not left the club; I am still here and committed to the cause of saving this team because as far as I’m concerned, survival is still possible.

“I admit it is going to be tough, but I think we can overcome that challenge if we put more effort into it. The good thing is we are going to face teams which are also in the same relegation predicament as us,” he said.

Police side LMPS are also battling for their lives and occupy 10^th position on the table. The recent signing of talented defender Nkau Lerotholi from Matlama has improved the team’s fortunes but they still face the danger of going down to the A Division.

The police side have 18 points from 20 matches and with six matches to play before their league campaign comes to a close, LMPS cannot afford to lose any game going forward. Ninth-placed Liphakoe, on 21 points from 20 matches are also not safe from relegations.

But LMPS FC public relations officer Kotsoana Ramakau, believes the team has a fighting chance of remaining afloat.

“There has been a huge improvement as we started the second round bottom of the table but we have managed to move up to 10^th although we are not yet safe from relegation,” Ramakau said.

“There is no doubt that the arrival of Lerotholi has been massive for our team as we no longer concede goals like we used to do and he leads by example because of his experience.

“So the target now is to get as far away from the relegation zone as possible and hopefully, end the season in the top eight.”

Mphatlalatsane’s remaining matches: Matlama, Rovers, LMPS, Sundawana, Linare and Likila United.

Linare’s last  games: Liphakoe, LMPS, Bantu, Likila United, Mphatlalatsane, Lioli

Likila’s outstanding fixtures: Rovers, Kick4Life, LDF, Linare, LMPS, Mphatlalatsane

Rovers’ remaining matches: Likila United, Mphatlalatsane, LCS, Likhopo, Lioli, Liphakoe.

LMPS’ last fixtures of the season: Sundawana, Linare, Mphatlalatsane, LDF, Likila, Likhopo.

Staff Writer

THE United States has committed $50 000 (around M768 000) towards improving access to safe drinking water and providing hygiene education in Mafeteng and Mohale’s Hoek, which are hardest-hit by the prevailing El Niño-induced drought.

According to a press statement released by the US Embassy in Lesotho this week, the donation was in response to a state of emergency declared by Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili on 22 December 2015 to coordinate drought mitigation efforts and request international support.

Lesotho is in the throes of its worst drought in four decades as a result of El Niño, which is a periodic climatic phenomenon characterised by inadequate rain in some parts of the world and floods in others.

Under El Niño, parts of South America experience heavy rainfall, while dry conditions prevail in Australia, south-east Asia and southern Africa. In Lesotho, El Niño’s combination of very hot and dry conditions between December 2015 and January 2016 drastically reduced agricultural yields and left thousands food insecure.

“These funds are provided in friendship by the American people and will be administered by World Vision Lesotho,” reads the US Embassy in Lesotho statement.

“Among the projects funded will be the purchase of sixteen, 5 000-litre tanks to provide improved water storage capacity at key sites, the acquisition and distribution of water treatment supplies, the rehabilitation of 10 hand pumps at boreholes, and hygiene and sanitation training for affected residents.”

The embassy also notes that the delayed and insufficient rains had affected water supplies and food production in the two districts.

“As a result of the drought, community water points and boreholes have failed to meet demand, leading many Basotho to resort to using unprotected water sources.  In some parts of the country, water shortages have resulted in rationing and tight water restrictions,” it states.

“While recent rains have offered some relief in parts of the country, the worst affected areas in Mafeteng and Mohale’s Hoek continue to suffer severe water shortages.  In response to the extreme need in these two districts, the United States government is providing this immediate support to ensure access to safe drinking water for Basotho living in those affected areas as well as training on best practices related to hygiene and sanitation.”

Limpho Sello

THE Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) has secured M9 million for its emergency plan of action to address the food insecurity challenges facing thousands of Basotho.

Addressing a press conference yesterday, LRCS Programme Director Matšepo Moletsane said the humanitarian organisation had made an appeal for financial assistance to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) in light of the prevailing El Niño-induced drought.

DREF was set up by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red Cross Red Crescent emergency response to disasters.

Ms Moletsane said while they would have wanted to assist food insecure people in all the country’s 10 districts, they were unable to do so because of resource constraints.

“Based on the national and rapid assessments that were carried out, the three districts found to be hardest hit by the drought were Qacha’s Nek, Thaba-Tseka and Mafeteng,” she said.

“The areas and families chosen within the districts were found to be the most vulnerable within their respective villages.”

LRCS Disaster Management Coordinator, Maine Mapula, said the assistance offered to the beneficiaries would be in the form of food and cash.

“Our appeal has been approved to assist 9 000 food insecure people in 1 800 households receive assistance in two ways namely, two months food distribution per household over a period of two months from February and March 2016,” Mr Mapula said.

“There will also be a monthly cash transfer of M550 per household per month for a period of four months. The transfer will be sufficient to meet the immediate food needs of a household of five.

“The cash transfer value has been calculated based on the current prices of a standard food basket that is 50kg bag of maize, 7.5kg of beans and 4.5 Litres of cooking oil.”

He said the operation would use mobile money transfers in partnership with telecommunications providers.

“Free sim cards will be provided and the selected supplier will train staff and volunteers in the registration and transfer systems. The cash transfers will be quick and cost effective,” said Mr Mapula.

He added that the project was supported by IFRC, British Red Cross Society, The Netherlands Red Cross Society, Swedish Red Cross Society and Norwegian Red Cross Society.

Tefo Tefo

Prominent Maseru lawyer, Attorney Khotso Nthontho, was yesterday slapped with an additional charge of fraud following his arrest for alleged perjury last month.

Attorney Nthontho first appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court on 16 February charged with perjury allegedly committed in the Court of Appeal in  November last year while representing Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) members accused of mutiny.

The lawyer had been arrested on 12 February, but was released the same day following an urgent High Court application by his wife, ‘Mathato, and 10 of his colleagues.

Reads Attorney Nthontho’s perjury charge sheet: “In that upon or about the 9^th day of November 2015 and at or near the Court of Appeal of Lesotho in the district of Maseru, the said accused did file an application (Notice of Motion) addressed to the Court of Appeal on behalf of the applicants therein namely, Aupa Mohasi and Molato Mohatlane in C of A (civ) 29\2015, in which judicial proceedings the accused did intentionally make a false statement related to any matter material to the course of the judicial proceeding and did thereby contravene provisions of Section 86(1) of the Penal Code No 6 of 2010.”

However, in a new turn of events, the prosecution yesterday preferred an additional charge of fraud against Attorney Nthontho, which was read to him by Chief Magistrate ‘Matankiso Nthunya.

The fraud charge sheet reads: “In that on or about the 9^th day of November 2015, and at or near Maseru in the district of Maseru, the accused did unlawfully and deliberately, to various persons, make false representations, and/or concealed from the said persons facts, in circumstances where he had a duty to reveal same, with the intention that such persons should act upon the said representations to their detriment and thereby caused the said persons to so act.

“…The accused in the aforesaid application did represent to the Clerk/Registrar of the Court of Appeal and/or the judges of the Court of Appeal and/or the respondents that he had been authorized by Mohatlane to depose to an affidavit; and/or to move the aforesaid application; and/or that Mohatlane was in solitary confinement.”

Meanwhile, there  are three alternative charges against Attorney Nthontho— obstruction of justice and officially constituted public enquiries and contempt of court.

Advocate Lesaoana Mohale, who is prosecuting the case also told the court that he had a savingram from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that the case was now being transferred to the High Court for trial.

“I can confirm that the indictment has already been finalized.

“It is just an administrative matter between the office of the DPP and the office of the Registrar of the High Court for the accused to be given a notice of trial.

“I can also confirm that someone has already been appointed to prosecute the case,” he said.

Attorney Nthontho still remains on bail after Advocate Mohale told the court that the prosecution had no problem with his bail conditions.

Attorney Nthontho is among lawyers representing 23 Lesotho Defence Force members accused of plotting to topple the army command. The suspects were arrested between May and June last year and detained at Maseru Maximum Security Prison. Five of the soldiers have since been released and placed under ‘open arrest’.

Their case is now before the Court Martial.

Tefo Tefo

A High Court official who was suspended on full pay four years ago resumed work this work.

Thabang Mohafa found himself in hot water when he questioned the suitability of Australian judge, Justice John Lyons, to head the Commercial Division of the High Court.

Mr Mohafa wrote a letter to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in January 2012, in which he said Justice Lyons had a controversial stint in the Bahamas before he came to Lesotho in 2010, hence he was not suitable for the job.

In the letter, Mr Mohafa quoted newspaper articles from the Bahamas, which claimed Justice Lyons  employed an accountant who was brother to a woman he had dated.

The newspaper article said the accountant had been appointed to help in a case in which two brothers were fighting over shareholding.

The story also alleged the woman Justice Lyons had dated also worked for her brother on the case.

In February 2012, the JSC wrote to Mr Mohafa, who was a judge’s clerk at the time, asking him to “show cause” why he should not face disciplinary action for allegedly tarnishing Justice Lyons’ image.

“Upon or about the 9^th January 2012, you wrote a memorandum addressed to the secretary of the Judicial Service Commission purporting to advise the Honourable Chief Justice and the Judicial Service Commission on the status of Justice John Lyons.

“The memorandum in question was later published in the Lesotho Times newspaper dated 12 March 2012, a local newspaper whose readership is very wide both locally and outside the country.

“The said publication has seriously tarnished the reputation of Justice Lyons as a Commonwealth expert sent to assist the judiciary of Lesotho with the management of the Commercial Court,” read part of the ‘show cause’ letter.

However, the JSC recalled Mr Mohafa this week after he allegedly apologized for the letter.

“At its 105^th meeting held on the 18^th February 2016, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) accepted a request by the Head of Department to recall you from suspension following its acceptance of your unconditional apology for the indiscretions you committed in the past.

“The commission has however, directed the Head of Department to warn you to genuinely desist from engaging in similar acts of insubordination which led to your suspension.

“You are therefore recalled from the said suspension effectively from 21^st March, 2016, so that you can discharge your duties as a Judge’s Clerk.

“You will be placed in the Commercial division of the High Court to fill up the gap created by the resignation of a Judge’s Clerk who was attached to the Commercial Court.”

Contacted on Tuesday, Mr Mohafa confirmed receipt of the letter, but declined to comment further.