Pascalinah Kabi

JANUARY

Khasu unveils new party

FORMER All Basotho Convention (ABC) deputy leader, Tlali Khasu, announces the formation of his Truth Reconciliation Unity (TRU) party barely a month after resigning from the ABC over a suspension for denigrating party leader Thomas Thabane on a local radio station last year.

The now former Peka constituency legislator is deputised by now former ABC Motimposo constituency counterpart, Pitso Maisa.

Mr Khasu and Mr Maisa respectively lost their constituencies to ABC legislators Tebello Kibane and Thabang Mafojane after the 3 June 2017 snap elections which saw the ABC returning to power after forming an alliance with the Alliance of Democrats, Basotho National Party and Reformed Congress of Lesotho.

FEBRUARY

Mochoboroane’s MEC is formed

MOVEMENT of Economic Change (MEC) leader, Selibe Mochoboroane

FORMER Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) secretary-general Selibe Mochoboroane announces his leadership of the Movement for Economic Change (MEC), confirming local politics’ worst kept secret.

The Thabana-Morena legislator formed the party after his suspension from the LCD by its leader Mothetjoa Metsing for allegedly systematically sabotaging the party for his own ends.

While the suspension was subject to the confirmation or otherwise by the LCD’s National Executive Committee, the irreconcilable nature of the fallout between Mr Mochoboroane and the party hierarchy meant that it was no longer a case of if but when the firebrand politician would leave the LCD.

At 40, Mr Mochoboroane is among the youngest of the leaders of Lesotho’s political parties which are in excess of 25.

Exiled opposition leaders return 

Opposition bloc leaders comprising All Basotho Convention (ABC) Thomas Thabane, Alliance of Democrats (AD) Monyane Moleleki, Basotho National Party (BNP) Thesele ’Maseribane and Reformed Congress for Lesotho

ABC leader Thomas Thabane and his opposition colleagues – Basotho National Party (BNP) leader Thesele Maseribane and Reformed Congress of Lesotho (RCL) leader Keketso Rantso – return to Lesotho on 12 February 2017 from an almost two-year self-imposed exile in South Africa.

The trio fled to the neighbouring country in May 2015 saying they had been alerted of a plot to kill them by the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) masterminded by then army commander Lieutenant-General Tlali Kamoli. The LDF has, however, vehemently denied the allegations.

Talks between the government and opposition over the exiled leaders’ return collapsed last April after the parties deadlocked on Lt-Gen Kamoli.

The then opposition leaders, now in government after the 3 June 2017 snap parliamentary elections, had insisted they would only return if Lt-Gen Kamoli was removed from the helm of the LDF, while the government argued that he was a disciplined soldier who deserved to remain in post.

The Dr Mosisili government eventually relented and retired Lt-Gen Kamoli in December 2016, replacing him with Lt-Gen Khoantle Motšomotšo who in turn was fatally shot by his subordinates on 5 September.

MARCH

Mosisili toppled in parly

Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili

PRIME Minister Pakalitha Mosisili is toppled in a parliamentary no-confidence vote, ending the veteran politician’s nearly two-year second stint as premier.

Lawmakers from the ABC, AD, BNP and RCL – boot out the Dr Mosisili-led seven-party coalition with a rapturous yea which drowned out the opposition’s nay, with former National Assembly Speaker Ntlhoi Motsamai not needing to count the legislators for or against the no-confidence motion.

The four parties’ proposal to have Dr Mosisili replaced as premier by AD leader Monyane Moleleki suffers a huge blow when King Letsie III acquiesces to the Tsoelike legislator’s advice to dissolve parliament and call for fresh elections. His Majesty proclaims 3 June as election day.

Dr Mosisili had been Lesotho premier since 29 May 1998 in his first tenure and handed over the reins to the Dr Thabane-led alliance on 8 June 2012 after his Democratic Congress (DC) had failed to win the requisite outright majority seats to remain in power.

However, infighting – especially in the DC – was the seven-party coalition’s undoing, with a faction led by then deputy leader, Mr Moleleki, eventually forming a splinter party AD which undercut the government’s numerical supremacy in the National Assembly.

A quarrel in the DC over a government vehicle fleet tender awarded to Bidvest Bank Limited intensified the ructions, with Mr Moleleki’s Lirurubele (butterflies) faction accusing some government ministers of impropriety in awarding it to the South African firm.

However, Dr Mosisili’s faction counter accused Mr Moleleki of having a stake in a company that unsuccessfully bid for the tender.

The internecine feud escalated after Mr Moleleki and DC National Executive Committee (NEC) members loyal to him announced on 10 November 2016 that the party had pulled out of the seven-party coalition and joined forces with the opposition bloc to oust the government last November.

However, Dr Mosisili did not take the challenge to his rule lying down, with the DC leader suspending Mr Moleleki and the nine NEC members whom he labelled as rebels.

After Mr Moleleki and the NEC members challenged the legality of their suspension, the High Court endorsed the premier’s decision. The court ruling gave Dr Mosisili carte blanche to finish off his vanquished political foes by extending their suspension in party activities for six years.

Thereafter, Mr Moleleki left the DC to form the AD, with the bulk of the party’s women’s and youth leagues following suit. The DC’s split’s deleterious effect on the Dr Mosisili government’s numerical supremacy became apparent when Mr Moleleki and 13 other AD legislators crossed the floor from the government’s side to the opposition.

Tšepong accused of forced sterilisation

A HA Mabote resident ‘Mamalapane Hlabanyane, sterilised by the Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH) without her consent in October 2011, seeks the assistance of Women and Law in Southern African Research Trust (WILSA) after she was sterilised without her consent.

Ms Hlabanyane sought the assistance after the hospital’s Operations Director Dr Karen Prins allegedly informed her that physicians who attended to her during the baby delivery in 2011 were forced to sterilise her because she was in a critical condition and unable to make a decision for herself.

She further said Dr Prins also indicated that she was bleeding profusely during the surgery, adding that it was normal for HIV-positive women.

The non-governmental organisation advocates for the rights of women and, on 17 January 2013, WILSA National Coordinator Libakiso Matlho wrote a letter to then Health Minister Pinkie Manamolela requesting a meeting to discuss the “possible sterilisation of women without informed consent in Lesotho’s public hospitals”.

Ms Matlho says in the letter her organisation had received reports from women saying they had been sterilised without their consent at public hospitals.

“We have identified some cases which have given us some concern. One of those cases involves Mrs Hlabanyane . . .,” reads the letter.

The Lesotho Non-governmental Organisation (LCN) also came to Ms Hlabanyane’s aid in a letter to Dr Prins dated 21 October 2013.

In the letter, LCN Executive Director Seabata Motsamai points out to Dr Prins that Ms Hlabanyane’s human rights were at stake.

“Duly instructed, we hereby request a meeting with you within 14 days from the date hereof to discuss Mrs Hlabanyane’s health issue and how the matter can be amicably resolved, failing which we shall approach the courts of law for an immediate relief.”

Then Tšepong Acting Public Relations Officer ‘Manthako Rasupu refutes allegations that Ms Hlabanyane was never informed about the operation until the 2012 scan.

“The allegations are untrue and the patient was duly informed after the operation,” Ms Rasupu said.

APRIL

Deadly infighting rocks AD

THE AD is rocked by vicious infighting which leads to the fatal shooting of a party member during a primary election in the Koro-Koro constituency in Maseru district.

The man, identified as Thabiso Moqolo is shot dead during a brawl that erupted over the authenticity of the delegates for the primary election in which Refiloe Litjobo and Khotso Makana were vying to represent the party in the 3 June general elections.

AD Youth League President Thuso Litjobo, who broke down at Mr Moqolo’s funeral ceremony, has since been formally charged with the murder of Mr Moqolo.

SA ‘conman’ dupes local models

FIVE local models accuse a South African national, Mokena Nhlapo, of duping local models of thousands of maloti after promising them modelling contracts and prizes.

Mr Nhlapo, whom the models said used the alias Mokena Nhlapo among others and claimed to reside in Fouriesburg, also allegedly demanded sexual favours from the models he lured to South Africa to ensure they were awarded the contracts.

According to the models, Nhlapo used various scams to convince them to part with their money. To some, he claimed to be a representative of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in South Africa looking for a model who would be the face of the political party’s campaigns.

However, to others, he claimed to be an agent for skin and body-care brand Nivea holding an advertising campaign in Bloemfontein.

The man also promised them a brand new car, R100 000 cash, a laptop and a smart phone if they clinched the contracts. They say Nhlapo would even send pictures of the car and show them its purported registration papers when they met to prove his claim.

After convincing his victims, he would then request money to clear the car with customs at the Maseru Border Post with the amounts ranging from R1 500 to R6 000.

The models deposited the money into the bank account of a Janfeke S Nhlapo.

Upon receiving the money, he would then threaten to shoot the models if they ever exposed or reported him to the police.

MAY

Khama threatens to withdraw support

BOTSWANA President Ian Khama threatens to withdraw his country’s representatives from the SADC Oversight Committee on Lesotho in light of Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili’s complaint the bloc’s decisions were “gnawing” at the Mountain Kingdom’s sovereignty.

The maverick Botswana leader also stresses that SADC member states’ “unwavering” support to Lesotho’s efforts to bring about lasting political stability had “come with huge financial and other costs”.

The threat is in response to a 5 April 2017 letter Dr Mosisili wrote to SADC chairperson, King Mswati III, complaining about the decisions made by an extra-ordinary summit for heads of state and government held on 18 March 2017 in Swaziland.

In a letter dated April 18, 2017, the Botswana president expressed his serious concern that Dr Mosisili interpreted SADC’s involvement in Lesotho as interference in Lesotho’s sovereignty.

He said Botswana would consider withdrawing her representatives currently serving in the oversight committee on Lesotho if the Mountain Kingdom felt that the collective and relentless efforts by the regional leaders in finding a lasting political and security solution was a direct violation of her sovereignty.

Govt fails to replace Bidvest fleet

THE government of Lesotho is still using cars hired from Bidvest Bank Limited despite saying it cancelled the controversial vehicle fleet services contract with the South African firm with effect from 1 April 2017.

The Lesotho Times establishes that Bidvest cars were still being used because the government had only managed to acquire 193 Basotho-owned vehicles of the 1 060 needed to service 26 government ministries as well as parastatals.

AD leader, Deputy Prime Minister Monyane Moleleki, claims the government paid M600 million in the last financial year to Bidvest Bank Limited and recently followed this up with another M73 million in penalties after prematurely terminating the controversial vehicle fleet service contract it signed last year.

Government initially awarded Bidvest a six-month contract to run the government fleet from 1 October 2015 to 31 March 2016 after the expiry of the government’s fleet management contract with Avis.

JUNE

Thabane returns to power

Dr Thabane is sworn in as prime minister at Setsoto Stadium after his ABC cobbled its then 48 parliamentary seats with those of AD, BNP and RCL to form government.

Dr Thabane, whose estranged wife Lipolelo Thabane was fatally shot on the eve of his inauguration, takes over power from Dr Mosisili who chose not to deliver his outgoing speech at the swearing-in ceremony.

Dr Mosisili had initially handed over the reins to Dr Thabane on 8 June 2012 after the latter joined forces with the BNP and Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) following the 26 May 2012 elections.

The ABC leader had also handed over power to Dr Mosisili March 2015 months ago, after the Democratic Congress (DC) leader cobbled together a governing alliance with six other parties following the 28 February 2015.

The ABC has since increased its parliamentary seats to 51 after the 30 September by-elections.

GNU call rejected

Dr Thabane’s four-party coalition dismisses out of hand former deputy prime minister Mothetjoa Metsing’s call for a government of unity (GNU), describing it as a ploy by the departing regime to claw back power after losing the 3 June 2017 National Assembly elections.

The governing parties also scoff at the former seven-party government’s allegations of voting irregularities, saying they should accept defeat and not “come up with antics to sow seeds of distrust” in the country’s electoral system.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) also expresses surprise at the outgoing government’s claims of voting irregularities, stating that the parties had initially conceded defeat and there was no official complaint lodged raising such concerns.

This was after the outgoing seven-party coalition government called for a GNU during a press conference held in Maseru, in light of their electoral defeat.

The outgoing governing coalition consists of Dr Mosisili’s DC, Mr Metsing’s LCD, Marematlou Freedom Party, Basotho Congress Party, National Independent Party, Lesotho People’s Congress and Popular Front for Democracy.

JULY

Thabane’s office bugged

HIDDEN electronic surveillance equipment is discovered in Prime Minister Thomas Thabane’s office, with some of the devices having been planted under his desk and near his landline telephone.

Sources close the matter say tracking devices were also found on the official vehicles for Dr Thabane’s wife – ‘MaIsiah Thabane – of which the premier’s security detail were not aware.

The sources also say staff at the prime minister’s Qhobosheaneng Complex-based office in Maseru discovered that the biometric scanner, which is located at the entrance to check people wanting to meet Dr Thabane as a security measure, was also not functioning.

Mosisili’s son fired from water body

FORMER Prime Minister’s son Rethabile Mosisili

FORMER premier Pakalitha Mosisili’s son, Rethabile, is fired from the influential and plum post of chief delegate for the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission (LHWC), as the Prime Minister Thomas Thabane-led government steps up its purge of vestiges of the previous regime.

Mr Mosisili, who had been controversially appointed to the post in April this year, is sent back to his previous position as deputy principal secretary (PS) in the Water Affairs ministry.

Then acting Government Secretary, Emmanuel Lesoma, tells this publication Mr Mosisili’s appointment to the influential post had not been approved by the Public Service Commission and thus null and void.

The LHWC is the largest infrastructure partnership between the Lesotho and South African governments, and consists of three delegates from each of the two nations. The commission is tasked with implementing the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) — a multiphase initiative comprising several dams and tunnels in Lesotho and South Africa.

The appointment, which was made after the 1 March 2017 parliamentary no-confidence vote on the Dr Mosisili-led seven-party coalition government, ignited an outcry from opposition parties and other stakeholders.

They accused Dr Mosisili of deliberately placing relatives in strategic areas of the government to retain control even if he were to lose power in the 3 June 2017 National Assembly elections. Mr Mosisili has since unsuccessfully challenged his dismissal in the High Court.

AUGUST

DCEO summons Metsing over graft probe

Former Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing

THE Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) summons former deputy premier Mothetjoa Metsing as part of its ongoing investigation into suspicious deposits that were made into his bank accounts three years ago.

The investigation was launched in light of allegations there had been suspicious deposits into Mr Metsing’s bank accounts between 2013 and 2014. Mr Metsing allegedly received M328 000 and M118 000 between April 2013 and June 2013. A deposit of M524 964 into his account was also not explained.

This was after the controversial allocation of a road tender to a company known as Big Bravo Construction Company for the construction of roads in some parts of Maseru.

Mr Metsing fled the country in September, claiming that he had received a tip-off that his life was in danger.

Khetheng’s body found

POLICE Constable Mokakale Khetheng’s body is exhumed at the Lepereng Cemetery, with the family saying the change of government brought about speedy discovery of the body of their slain son.

PC Khetheng’s body was exhumed after the police were granted a court order by the Magistrate’s Court. Four police officers and former Defence and National Security Minister Tšeliso Mokhosi are charged with his murder.

PC Khetheng had not been seen or heard from since his 25 March 2016 arrest by Hlotse police during a feast in Sebothoane, Leribe.

Mr Mokhosi flees the country immediately after he was released on bail after alleging torture by the police.

SEPTEMBER

Army commander killed

LDF Deputy Commander Major General Khoantle Mots’ots’o

LDF commander Lieutenant-General Khoantle Motšomotšo is fatally shot at his Ratjomose Barracks office on 5 September.

The general is shot dead by Brigadier Bulane Sechele and Colonel Tefo Hashatsi, who were also gunned down by Lt-Gen Motsomotso’s bodyguards.

Lt-Gen Motsomotso’s assassination prompts the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to deploy a standby force from South Africa, Angola and Mozambique into Lesotho, as the regional bloc moves to avert another bout of instability.

The standby force is also been brought into Lesotho to quell any possible coup attempt by disgruntled soldiers and to provide security during the implementation of SADC-mandated multi-sectoral reforms which encompass the military.

The regional bloc also deployed into Lesotho four ministers from the SADC Ministerial Double Troika and a fact-finding mission consisting of defence and security chiefs.

The regional bloc’s one-day summit held in Pretoria, South Africa acquiesced to Lesotho’s request for a standby force comprising military, security, intelligence and civilian experts to assist the LDF in managing the security crisis in the country.

Opposition calls for Motšomotšo inquiry

OPPOSITION parties urge the government to set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the assassination of army commander, Lieutenant-General Khoantle Motšomotšo.

Major Pitso Ramoepane, who has since been revealed as the third LDF officer, has been charged with Lt-Gen Motšomotšo’s murder in the Magistrate’s Court.

OCTOBER

Exiled soldiers return

OVER 23 LDF members and a Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) officer return home from exile, as the government implements a SADC Commission of Inquiry decision to ensure their safe return.

The 23 soldiers, along with 22 others detained and charged with mutiny, were later granted an indefinite leave of absence to allow them time to decide whether or not they want to continue as members of the security agency.

The 45 were slapped with mutiny charges in 2015 by the LDF which was then under the command of Lt-Gen Kamoli who retired on 1 December 2016.

Kamoli detained

Lesotho Defence Force Commander, Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli

RETIRED army commander Lt-Gen Kamoli, who was arrested and detained earlier in October, pleads with the High Court to grant him bail, saying failure to do so would result in his lengthy stay in custody as it was unlikely that his murder trial would kick off before 2019 due to the shortage of judges.

He promises not to skip the country if granted bail.

He faces charges of murdering Sub-Inspector Ramahloko on 30 August, 2014 and further charges for the attempted murder of 14 people who were present in the houses of former police commissioner, Khothatso Tšooana, First Lady, ‘Maesaiah Thabane and ‘Mamoletsane Moletsane when their houses were bombed on 27 January, 2014.

In his bail application, Lt-Gen Tlali also accuses Ministry of Police and Public Safety Principal Secretary Khothatso Tšooana of sabotaging a joint investigation into the bombings by all security agencies to unearth what actually transpired.

Moleleki speaks on political future

DEPUTY Prime Minister Monyane Moleleki speaks out on his political future amid fevered speculation his decision to stop contesting in future parliamentary elections was predicated on ill health.

The AD leader says his decision was not prompted by illness, but on the belief that leaders should not cling to positions for life but pass on the baton to others.

Mr Moleleki, who is the legislator for Machache, says his remarks at an event to thank the people of the constituency for electing him six times were misconstrued to mean he was retiring from politics.

Instead, Mr Moleleki said, he meant that he would no longer contest for a parliamentary seat, but enter the National Assembly as a proportional representation (PR) legislator in the event of elections.

NOVEMBER

SADC warns of rogue soldiers

A CONFIDENTIAL report by SADC warns that missing arms of war could be used by rogue soldiers to launch reprisal attacks as efforts to hold them accountable for past transgressions intensify, raising the specter of heightened instability in Lesotho.

The regional body has recommended the compilation of an inventory of all existing and missing arms from the State armory to address the missing gaps.

The confidential report was compiled ahead of the much anticipated deployment of SADC troops to foster a conducive atmosphere for the implementation of the regional body’s recommendations to secure the country’s long term stability.

The report speaks of arms of war and ammunition missing from the armory of the LDF as well as heavy AK47 rifles that had disappeared from the LCS.  Also missing are the arms confiscated by the LDF from the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) during a coup attempt on 30 August 2014 when the army raided and seized arms from police stations around Maseru.

It is suspected that all these arms are in the possession of rogue elements of the LDF who might want to use them to launch reprisal attacks, heightening instability in the Kingdom.

Soldiers arrested for Mahao’s murder, editor’s shooting

Late Brigadier Maaparankoe Mahao

EIGHT soldiers appeared in court over the June 2015 killing of former army commander, Lt-Gen Maaparankoe Mahao, in a major breakthrough over a case that plunged Lesotho into a crisis and prompted a spirited regional intervention effort.

Lt-Gen Mahao was ambushed and shot by his peers from the LDF near his farm in Mokema on 25 June 2015.

His widely condemned killing kick-started a chain of events that resulted in SADC establishing a commission of inquiry to probe the murder and the instability in Lesotho.

The LDF claimed that Lt-Gen Mahao had been shot while resisting arrest over an alleged mutiny plot.  However, the army’s version was dismissed as a hoax by both the soldier’s family and the SADC commission of inquiry headed by retired judge Mphaphi Phumaphi.   Lt-Gen Mahao’s family accused the army of killing him in cold blood, based on the account of his nephews who were with him during the incident.

Meanwhile, four soldiers were in the same month arrested in connection with the near fatal shooting of former Lesotho Times editor Lloyd Mutungamiri in July last year in an operation the police say was authorized by the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF).

Mr Mutungamiri was shot and critically wounded as he arrived at his Upper Thamae home from work in the late hours of 9 July 2016 in what appeared to be a carefully orchestrated assassination attempt.

His shooting followed a rough week for the Lesotho Times during which its staff, including Publisher Basildon Peta and current Editor Ngoni Muzofa were summoned for heavy-handed interrogation by police and military officials over reports the newspaper had published about the LDF.

DECEMBER

SADC standby force formally unveiled

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) military standby force. File pic

THE SADC standby force to Lesotho is unveiled in a colourful ceremony at the Vodacom Park grounds in Maseru, amid calls by the regional body for Lesotho to expedite the implementation of the multi-sectoral reforms aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.

The formal unveiling of the standby force, also known as the SADC Preventive Mission in the Kingdom of Lesotho (SAPMIL), marked the end of a long and anxious wait which was characterised by several postponements of the arrival of the troops.

The deployment of the standby force – made of 217 soldiers, 15 intelligence personnel, 24 police officers and 13 civilian experts- was endorsed by SADC leaders to assist the LDF in managing the security crisis in the country in the aftermath of the 5 September 2017 assassination of army commander, Lt-Gen Khoantle Motšomotšo by his subordinates, Brigadier Bulane Sechele and Colonel Tefo Hashatsi.

Acquittal at last for ‘mutiny’ soldiers                                          

TWENTY-TWO army officers who have been facing mutiny charges since 2015 were finally truly free men after they were acquitted by a court martial trying them.

The acquittal came after the soldiers had been in suspense, unaware of their fate for over two years.

Initially, 23 army officers were charged, before the High Court gave an order for a permanent stay of prosecution – referring to a right to have trial begin and conclude without unreasonable delay for Brigadier Thoriso Mareka, on 18 November 2017.

The army officers acquitted are Brigadier Poqa Motoa, Colonel Stemere, Colonel Kolisang, Major Makhetha, Captain Chaka, Sergeant Mokhobo, Sergeant Semakale, Sergeant Lekhabunyane, Corporal Mokhoro, Corporal Letsilane, Corporal Lipoto, Corporal Manaka, Corporal Chele, Lance Corporal Molefi, Lance-Corporal Makhooane, Private Pama, Private Bolofo and Private Ralitlemo.

Tokelo Rasephei

TWENTY eight children at Tholoana-ea-Lerato Orphanage in Maseru enjoyed a Christmas lunch with Econet staff at last week’s fun-filled event graced by the Minister of Social Development, ‘Matebatso Doti.

Speaking at the Christmas lunch, Econet Chief Executive Officer, Mr Leon de Fleuriot said his organisation was happy to celebrate Christmas with the children.

“Time for Christmas is very difficult for the less fortunate, particularly orphans and vulnerable children because it reminds them that there will be no shopping and no goodies for them as is the case with other children. Bearing that in mind, we decided to give the children a gift of mouth-watering food so that they are happy and for them to know that we love them,” Mr de Fleuriot said.

Mr De Fleuriot said Econet had joined hands with the Ministry of Social Development to support the education of vulnerable children to ensure that they can access quality education both locally and abroad.

“I would like other companies to also join us in this initiative to help secure bright future for the next generation,” Mr de Fleuriot said.

In her remarks, Ms Doti said she was pleased that the private sector was partnering with the government in support of orphans and vulnerable children.

“I am happy that Econet has taken interest to help the poor through its corporate social responsibility programmes funded through the High-Life Foundation. Through its programmes, over the years, Econet has been celebrating Christmas with children from different orphanages such as ‘Mants’ase Children’s Home in Mohale’s Hoek and Centre for Poor and many less privileged children in Maseru. We are grateful for this support and would like to encourage the organisation to keep up the good work,” Ms Doti said.

She also encouraged other companies to also partner with her Ministry in its efforts to help reduce vulnerability in the country through various social protection programmes.

“I believe if we can all work together, we can find lasting solutions that would help bring many families out of poverty, while ensuring that we work towards breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty through initiatives that include, supporting the education of many children from poor families,” Ms Doti said.

Tsitsi Matope

OPERATING an accommodation facility is no easy task particularly in a country surrounded by South Africa whose hospitality sector has become one of the most competitive in the world.

Despite South Africa’s prominence as a pacesetter in the global hospitality industry, Lesotho’s status as the only country surrounded by another has also attracted many tourists fascinated by this geographical rarity.

However, such interest from visitors has also meant the country’s hospitality sector should evolve, motivating the government to introduce a star-grading system that would help make the sector competitive and unique.

In 2013, the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), working with the World Bank-funded Private Sector Competitiveness and Economic Diversification Project, started rolling-out the star grading programme to help improve standards and ensure tourists stay longer.

The grading has been particularly tough for family-owned establishments as it meant taking bold steps which required funding.

LTDC Chief Executive Officer, Mpaiphele Maqutu confirmed the aggressive nature of the initiative which saw the corporation recently returning to the drawing board to reorganise itself and reconfigure the programme.

The reconfiguration was largely promoted by the need to have a sector that provides exciting packages while at the same time, responsive to a market that usually visits South Africa first before coming to Lesotho.

According to Mr Maqutu, the whole essence of the grading system was not just to give out stars but ensure the owners understood what the whole process meant and demanded. The stars, he explained, would inform both domestic and international tourists of service they should expect, hence their utmost importance.

“So far, we have graded 15 accommodation facilities and already, the country has started reaping the benefits. We are convinced the tourism bug has since bitten more facility owners who are now showing interest to have their facilities also graded. In this important development, we have no plans to leave anyone behind, including local communities to help create a tourism-centric country,” Mr Maqutu said.

To encourage the participation of local businesses whose facilities are in strategic tourism locations, the LTDC introduced a “hand-holding” mechanism, which meant the corporation would evaluate facilities and walk the owners through all the changes they needed to make for their facilities to become eligible for star-grading.

“So far, we have hand-held 50 accommodation facilities and assessed some for grading. We will continue providing support to ensure the owners make the right and cost-effective investments that would significantly improve the outlook of their facilities and enhance services provided. In some cases, it is about making small changes that can produce big results,” Mr Maqutu added.

One of the facilities “hand-held” by the corporation this year is the 70-bed Molengoane Lodge and Conference in Nazareth. In addition to accommodation services, the facility boasts of a conference centre which accommodates 200 people, wedding facility that accommodates 150 people, a boardroom for 30 people, a camping site and the newly established Machache Mountain Range View Deck, where 20 people can sit and relax while viewing the surrounding beautiful misty mountains.

‘Mamothe Mohapi

‘Mamothe Mohapi, who owns the lodge with her husband, says the transformation at Molengoane has been unbelievable. The couple invested in the recommendations made by the LTDC and the facility was already reaping the benefits, she added.

“Although the transformation was painful on the pocket, it was like a surgical operation that corrected a medical condition,” Ms Mohapi said in an interview this week.

Changes started outside the lodge through a lasting impression of striking features visitors see first as they enter the gate. Signage had not seemed important when the lodge was established in 1998, Ms Mohapi said. But since introducing it, she says they no longer have incidents of lost guests, among other negatives that affected business.

“Seemingly small things we previously dismissed proved to make quite a huge impact by increasing the value and outlook of the outside space,” she said.

However, many other small details recommended by the LTDC also played a part in improving the interior of the lodge.

“Some days before the corporation’s evaluators visited us, we decided to repaint the facility. For us, that was a big deal because it helped in creating the clean facility we wanted. Little had we known that it was about that missing table and reading lamp, the movement of plugs to be strategically positioned, the functionality of the rooms and other spaces, enhancing hygiene in the bathrooms and eating areas, environment issues and creating a disability-friendly facility, among others,” Ms Mohapi said.

Following the evaluation, the lodge introduced solar-geysers, as well as outside and interior signs for ease of location, improved the meal preparation areas, redecorated the rooms for the right ambience of relaxation and comfort and took various steps to improve the meals and services, among other improvements.

Molengoane Lodge and Conference in Nazareth

“Looking at how this place has transformed also changed how I view the business. It is no longer about how many stars we are going to receive but understanding the importance of continuously making improvements and rebranding; spring cleaning if you like. I strongly feel this is a new beginning for the hospitality sector, and would like to urge fellow owners to come on board for us to develop together,” Ms Mohapi said.

She also noted while the accommodation sector had demonstrated that tough changes can be achieved, a lot was still missing to ensure they provide a total package.

The lodge depends on the surrounding community for labour, particularly in the area of housekeeping, but Ms Mohapi said there was need to employ professionals who would train the local people. Molengoane employs 23 people and 15 of them are women.

“We have challenges in getting the right skills we need particularly in providing culinary expertise that will go with the type of standards we are aiming to achieve. While we have local support in housekeeping, there is need to have qualified supervisors to ensure excellent service. For this sector, it is not about making a bed anyhow, but the application of professional skills required to create the ‘wow factor’ as the visitor sits on that bed,” she said.

Such skills are hard to come by, she lamented, adding efforts should be made to establish a hotel school where students can put to practice theoretical studies and get acquainted with the expectations of the sector.

“What we are seeing, and sadly so, is that most graduates fall short in terms of expectations, especially when it comes to management skills and meal preparation. This could be due to lack of sufficient practical experience and poor quality of training. While they are supposed to have skills that can help enhance services, we are seeing graduates being taught by the local villagers. It’s an area we need to urgently attend to compliment efforts by facility owners,” Ms Mohapi said.

She also said while expertise in the treatment of food was one area that has hooked some visitors to Molengoane Lodge, sustainability was equally crucial. 

Mohalenyane Phakela

THREE unknown gunmen broke into the home of Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) Member of Parliament, ‘Manketsang Molotsi in Koro Koro and assaulted her sister before they went away with M5 000 on Wednesday night.

Ms Molotsi told the Lesotho Times she was still in shock and suspected it was not an ordinary case of armed robbery, but politically-motivated.

Police Spokesperson, Inspector Mpiti Mopeli, confirmed the incident and said police had attended the scene and were investigating a case of housebreaking, armed robbery and assault.

“Police have attended the scene and investigations are in progress. So far, no suspects have been arrested,” Inspector Mopeli said.

However, Ms Molotsi suspected the three-armed men who broke into her house were not after money but to frighten her so that she can go into hiding or to harm her.

“If at all they were sent to frighten or assassinate me, I have no plans to flee my home to seek asylum in another country. I cannot leave my children alone. Those men were not here for the money because when they broke into my house, they did not immediately demand money, even when they manhandled me they did not say anything about money or valuables. They only demanded money when they went back into the house where they beat up my sister,” she said.

She explained the suspects broke into her home at around 9pm when she was having a pep-talk with her sister.

“Just before they entered the house, we heard a gunshot, which is strange if at all these were real robbers who would not want anyone to hear them before they get what they wanted. They wore balaclavas, and two men were carrying big guns while the other had a smaller gun.”

Ms Molotsi said she tried to escape through her bedroom into an unfinished part of the house, but she was caught by two men before she screamed for help.

“They did not say anything to me and immediately I told them that I was not the person they were looking for. They loosened their grip and I managed to run away in state of confusion,” Ms Molotsi said.

She said what might have saved her was that the assailants failed to distinguish her from her sister.

“After assaulting my sister, she gave them the M5,000 we were keeping in the house for buying building materials since we are renovating the house,” she said.

Ms Molotsi said her children who had managed to escape called for help but when they returned with a neighbour who is a police officer, the suspects had already fled.

Tsitsi Matope

THE passing away of Alliance of Democrats (AD) deputy leader and Minister of Gender, Sports and Recreation, Kabelo Mafura, came as a shock to many of the people who had worked and interacted with him over the years.

Ambassador Mafura, who was a Member of Parliament for Sebapala Number 66 Constituency in Quthing district, died at Mediclinic in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Christmas eve, after a short illness. His untimely death came just a month after he turned 66 on 13 November.

Ambassador Mafura collapsed during a cabinet meeting on Friday, 15 December, two days after his return from China where he had gone to attend an international football exposition.

According to his colleagues in the government, the minister had not shown any signs of ill-health upon his return from China and even attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Lesotho and the African Union Sport Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games Secretariat, that would see Lesotho hosting the games in 2020.

Ambassador Mafura was the new deputy chairperson of the AUSC Region 5, which is chaired by Botswana.

However, after falling ill in cabinet, he was rushed to Maseru Private Hospital and then transferred to Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital where he received some treatment.

He was then transferred to Mediclinic on the same day.

His nephew, Lehlohonolo Moeketse, told the Lesotho Times his uncle was still able to speak when he visited him on 16 December.

“He was jovial as usual and had joked about me not coming to see him. That was the last day he was able to talk,” Mr Moeketse said.

AD deputy leader Kabelo Mafura

On 23 December, Ambassador Mafura was put on a life support system after developing breathing difficulties and passed away the following day.

Mr Moeketse yesterday said the family was still waiting for an autopsy report to ascertain the cause of death.

A memorial service for the late minister will be held next Tuesday at a venue yet to be confirmed. His body is expected in Lesotho on 3 January for burial on 4 January at his home in Ha Mafura, Quthing district.

Nicknamed “Rali-Strategy” meaning the strategist, by those who worked and knew him for many years, Ambassador Mafura was described by his colleagues as an action man, humble, hardworking, kind, funny, a smooth operator in politics and a Kingmaker, a title he earned for the critical role he played before and after the AD split from the Democratic Congress in December 2016.

Mr Moeketse said his uncle was a strong man when it came to working on the ground and in the thick of things, particularly where politics was concerned. He added the late minister was a man who stood for the truth even when it hurt, explaining he was one of the brave men and women who broke away from the DC to join the AD when they could no longer dance to its new tune.

“Politics was a game he played with a lot of tact. He would coordinate and scheme actions away from the eyes of many people, and what you would just see was the pot boiling but without seeing the fire,” Mr Moeketse said.

He believed in change for the development of Lesotho, even if it meant working with people his family and constituency disliked because of the killings that took place during some political disturbances in the 1970s. He lost his young brother during those disturbances.

“I think his legacy will centre on development, courage, unity and forgiveness because of his role as an advocate of development and his ability to convince people to forgive and let go of the past because as Basotho, we all should come to a point when we find each other again.”

But it was not just the game of politics he played tactfully. Ambassador Mafura was a practical man who believed that for Lesotho to counter poverty, programmes should be designed to empower communities to be able to help themselves to avoid dependence on foreign aid.

He was a man who believed in teaching people how to fish in the spirit of promoting human dignity and self-reliance. As Minister of Forestry, Range and Soil Conservation between 2014 and 2015, Ambassador Mafura worked hard to reconfigure operations in the ministry to make them responsive to government policies on poverty reduction.

He did not support the provision of unconditional food and cash assistance to vulnerable people, insisting the poor should get assistance after participating in activities that bring sustainable empowerment.

As the Minister of Gender, he was one of the few ministers who made an early impact following his appointment in June 2017, after he secured funding for the resuscitation of Rapokolana High Altitude Training Centre, a sporting facility in Maseru.

“He was interested in sport and believed that Lesotho could be developed into a Sports Tourism hub because of its proficiency in athletics. He was also developing sports strategies he wanted to use to help unite Basotho,” Mr Moeketse said.

As the new deputy chairperson of AUSC Region 5, a regional football tournament now attracting other countries outside the Southern African region, Ambassador Mafura was also holding consultations over the construction of two stadiums in preparation for the games in 2020.

His sports development ideas earned him immediate respect from the sporting fraternity.

Born in Ha Mafura village in Quthing district, Ambassador Mafura inherited his love of politics from his father, Vakele Mafura, who in the 1970s, contested for the then Tosing constituency under the Basotho Congress Party (BCP).

Minister of Forestry & Land Reclamation Kabelo Mafura

A first child in a family of five, he did his primary education at Sebapala in Quthing before he moved to Lesotho High School for his secondary education between 1969 and 1973.

He then left the country to study Forestry Science at the Cyprus Forestry College in Cyprus between 1974 and 1976.

Between 1983 and 1986, he did his Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry at the University of Arizona in Tucson, USA.

He joined the government as a Mafeteng District Forester in 1977, then under the Ministry of Agriculture, before he was appointed Ambassador to Italy in 2001.

Ambassador Mafura represented Lesotho until 2007 upon when he returned home and was appointed Member of Parliament through the Proportional Representation system under the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD). Around August 2007, the then Member of Parliament, ‘Matseliso Monyakane died and Ambassador Mafura had to resign in parliament to stand in the by-election, which he won on an LCD ticket.

He was also MP for the same constituency as a member of the DC and later deputy leader of the AD.

Away from politics, Ambassador Mafura was a businessman in the Real Estate sector and had acquired a number of properties over the years.

Mr Moeketse said his uncle was a good father to his children and had managed to keep his family together following his divorce. He was father to four daughters and one son.

“He has always stayed with his children. The only time the children are away is when they are in school and when schools close, they return home to stay with their father. He was a good father and cared so much for the education and happiness of his children,” Mr Moeketse said.

Ambassador Mafura enjoyed spending time with friends over a few glasses of wine. He will be greatly missed, Rest in Peace Mophuthi; Robala ge kgotso leblane le letshoeu (in his Sephuthi language), which in Sesotho means: Robala ka-khotso Mophuthi.

. . . family also wants compensation from Kamoli, Mokhosi

Pascalinah Kabi

THE family of slain former Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) commander Lieutenant-General Maaparankoe Mahao wants former premier Pakalitha Mosisili and others to compensate them for his 25 June 2015 assassination by his erstwhile army colleagues.

The family also wants Dr Mosisili and the three others, namely his former deputy Mothetjoa Metsing, former Defence minister Tšeliso Mokhosi and retired LDF chief, Lt-Gen Tlali Kamoli, to pay for the damage to Lt-Gen Mahao’s property during a 30 August 2014 army attack at his Koalabata home.

Eight soldiers charged with murdering Lt-Gen Mahao will also be co-joined in the lawsuit against the quartet, according to family spokesperson Lehloenya Mahao.

Unknown gunmen, believed to be LDF members, attacked Lt-Gen Mahao’s Koalabata home on 30 August 2014, soon after his appointment as army commander by Prime Minister Thomas Thabane.

Lt-Gen Mahao was appointed soon after Dr Thabane had fired Lt-Gen Kamoli for insubordination with the latter resolutely refusing to vacate the post, arguing that the firing was unlawful.

He retaliated by attempting a coup in which soldiers were deployed early in the morning to raid and seize arms from the police stations around Maseru. Lt-Gen Kamoli justified the attempted putsch by accusing the police of planning to arm civilians for use during a Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) street protest that was scheduled for 1 September 2014.

At the time of the raid, Lt-Gen Mahao’s home was attacked by unknown assailants with the bullets damaging his house and three vehicles. One of Lt-Gen Mahao’s dogs was shot dead during the melee, but his wife and three children then aged 15, 11 and five years survived unharmed.

Dr Thabane relinquished power in the wake of the 28 February 2015 snap elections, ushering in a seven-party coalition government led by Dr Mosisili which indicated that Lt Gen Kamoli’s dismissal and Lt Gen Mahao’s promotion, were illegal.

The seven-party coalition government sought to nullify Lt-Gen Mahao’s tenure by backdating Lt-Gen Kamoli’s appointment to 29 August 2014 when he was dismissed by Dr Thabane.

Lt-Gen Mahao was on 25 June 2015 assassinated by his former LDF colleagues who claimed he had resisted arrest for allegedly being the ringleader of a mutiny.

However, Lt-Gen Mahao’s nephews — who were with him during the incident – disputed the army’s version of the vent and instead accused the soldiers of killing him in cold blood.

A SADC commission of inquiry set up soon after the killing also quashed the LDF’s mutiny plot claim, citing lack of evidence.

Family spokesperson, Lehloenya Mahao, told this publication their insistence that there was no mutiny plot had finally been vindicated with the acquittal last week of 22 army officers who were accused of working in cahoots with Lt-Gen Mahao to unseat the army command.

The 22 soldiers are Brigadier Poqa Motoa, Colonel Stemere, Colonel Kolisang, Major Makhetha, Captain Chaka, Sergeant Mokhobo, Sergeant Semakale, Sergeant Lekhabunyane, Corporal Mokhoro, Corporal Letsilane, Corporal Lipoto, Corporal Manaka, Corporal Chele, Lance Corporal Molefi, Lance-Corporal Makhooane, Private Pama, Private Bolofo and Private Ralitlemo.

Mr Mahao said the mutiny charges were just a ploy to neutralise his brother which was hatched years back.

“The plan to kill Lt-Gen Maaparankoe Mahao started way back in 2012 and the 2015 mutiny charges were just an excuse to get to Maaparankoe and kill him under the guise of arrestinghim,” Mr Mahao said.

“His killing was not a coincidence but a plan of the army and the government of the time. We strongly believe that Mosisili, Metsing, Mokhosi and Kamoli hatched a plan together to eliminate Lt-Gen Maaparankoe Mahao to pave the way for Kamoli’s comeback.”

He said the quartet were fully aware that Lt-Gen Mahao was “superior to Kamoli in terms of qualifications, skills, knowledge and training”.

“It was going to be difficult for Kamoli to be reinstated if my brother was still alive and serving in the army.”

He said the case would be filed in court once all the suspects were charged to ensure that no one implicated in the killing of Lt-Gen Mahao was left behind.

DC spokesperson Serialong Qoo’s mobile phone rang unanswered when contacted for comment yesterday.

For his part, LCD spokesperson Teboho Sekata said: “They must go and sue in the courts of law. The courts are where people go and seek justice. No one is stopping them from suing.”

Pascalinah Kabi

TRUE Reconciliation Unity (TRU) leader, Tlali Khasu, could be heading to the All Basotho Convention (ABC) if rife speculation to that effect is anything to go by.

Trusted sources told the Lesotho Times this week that the former ABC deputy leader is making overtures to party leader, Prime Minister Thomas Thabane, to return “home” after he found the going tough in the rough and tumble political arena.

The sources cite Mr Khasu’s attendance at an ABC event in Makhoakheng over the weekend as evidence of his efforts to restore cordial relations with his erstwhile comrades.

Mr Khasu has, however, flatly denied the claims that he intends to rejoin the ABC, saying he merely attended the event to visit Dr Thabane in his personal capacity.

Mr Khasu formed the TRU in January this year another former ABC stalwart, Pitso Maisa, after they fell out with Dr Thabane while the latter was still exiled in South Africa.

Mr Khasu left the ABC after being suspended for three months on 17 September 2016 for allegedly castigating Dr Thabane during a radio programme.

This was after his spirited attempts to challenge the suspension in the courts of law proved futile as the High Court upheld the decision.

After leaving the ABC, Mr Khasu had no kind words for his erstwhile colleagues whom he accused of ill-treating him.

He also lashed out at the party’s top brass, saying “dictatorship and corruption were endemic to the extent that its leadership only went to parliament “to fill up their bellies with money”.

However, both Messrs Khasu and Pitso lost their Peka and Motimposo constituencies to ABC candidates, Tebello Kibane and Thabang Mafojane respectively.

And the sources said Mr Khasu could no longer bear remaining in the political doldrums, hence the efforts to engage Dr Thabane.

“His presence at the ABC function on Saturday was one of the meetings that Ntate Khasu has had with ABC top brass to discuss his return,” one of the sources said.

Another source also said the TRU had failed to make an impact, and this was frustrating Mr Khasu who now wished to return to his old party to resurrect his political career.

“I can tell you with confidence that the negotiations are going on and very well so far,” the source said.

However, Mr Khasu laughed off the claims in an interview with this publication this week.

Since launching the TRC, Mr Khasu has intimated that his party was open to joining a coalition of any political parties, including the ABC, as there were no permanent enemies in politics.

“I was visiting Ntate Thabane as an individual and that had nothing to do with me rejoining the party. I should have met with him earlier before the function, but I was late,” he said.

“There has not been any discussion on the table yet regarding my rejoining the ABC. If it is going to happen, the negotiations would be between TRU and ABC, not only the leaders of the two parties.”

Asked if there was a possibility of the two parties negotiating his return to ABC, Mr Khasu stressed that there was nothing on the table “as yet” and that the two parties have not discussed the issue.

Commenting on the matter, ABC secretary-general, Samonyane Ntsekele professed ignorance of discussions on Mr Khasu’s return.

What he was aware of was that Mr Khasu had gone to Makhoakhoeng to deliver his Christmas wishes to the premier after he had facilitated the meeting.

“In that particular meeting, which I was also part of, there were no discussions over Ntate Khasu rejoining the ABC.

“He was just there to deliver his Christmas wishes to his former leader,” Mr Ntsekele said, adding, it was not strange for Mr Khasu to wish the premier a Merry Christmas because there were a lot of people who had also sent Christmas wishes to Dr Thabane.

. . . as opposition vows to boycott

’Marafaele Mohloboli

THE envisaged multi-sectoral reforms will top the government’s priority list for 2018 and will be implemented “whether the opposition likes it or not”.

This is according to Communications Minister Joang Molapo, who also asserted that the government would not be “held hostage” by the opposition’s “irresponsible” demands for their participatin in the implementation of reforms.

In response, Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) spokesperson, Teboho Sekata says the government is “dreaming” if they think they can implement the reforms without the opposition.

The National Assembly is expected to reconvene on 17 January 2018 to debate on the modalities of implementing a slew of security sector, constitutional, legislative, media and judiciary sector reforms among others to stem the perennial instability in the Mountain Kingdom.

Cabinet has approved a draft roadmap meant to kick-start a multi-stakeholder process to agree on the implementation of the reforms.

However, the opposition parties have vowed to boycott the reforms, having accused the government of persecuting their leaders and meddling in the affairs of the judiciary.

LCD leader, Mothetjoa Metsing, has already stated that he and other opposition leaders in exile will boycott the reforms process unless the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) which recommended the reforms process guarantees their security.

Mr Metsing penned a letter to the government stating that he would not return to Lesotho for the proposed Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Reforms because he viewed the government’s invitation for his participation as merely a ploy to “lure” him to his death.

Mr Metsing, his LCD deputy Tšeliso Mokhosi and Democratic Congress (DC) deputy leader, Mathibeli Mokhothu, fled to South Africa separately in August this year.

The trio skipped the country citing tip-offs from “trusted sources” about plots to assassinate them and alleged persecution by the government.

However, the Prime Minister Thomas Thabane-led four-party coalition government has since rubbished the allegations, saying they would not achieve anything in persecuting the opposition.

Mr Metsing is facing extradition by the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) after he ignored a call to appear in court earlier this month to answer for a corruption charge.

The DC, which is the largest opposition party, has also threatened to boycott the reforms process after accusing the government of meddling in the judiciary with its call for Chief Justice Nthomeng Majara to either resign or face an impeachment tribunal for alleged corruption over her controversial M27 000 per month house rental deal.

The chief justice is legally entitled to a M4 000 monthly housing allowance. The M27 000 being paid for her rented house is thus about seven times more than her legally allowable limit.

The DC has described the call for Justice Majara to resign as a direct attack on the independence of the judiciary hence their threat to boycott the reforms.

In an exclusive interview with the Lesotho Times, Chief Molapo said the reforms would not be derailed by the opposition’s “tactics and games”.

“We are not going to be held back by a few people who have chosen to skip the country just because they do not want to adhere to the rule of law,” he said.

“Some of them, like Ntate Mokhothu, don’t even know why they fled. Even if you were to ask him why he fled the country, I can assure you that he doesn’t have the answer to that. He just wanted sympathy over nothing.”

Chief Molapo indicated that the government wanted the reforms to be inclusive, but would proceed if there was no buy-in from the opposition.

“We want the reforms to be inclusive. But we can’t be held back by the opposition just because their leaders have decided to flee and are enjoying their stay in a foreign country.

“We are going to work on the reforms with or without them.”

He said the call to the exiled leaders to participate in the reforms process did not preclude them from prosecution for crimes that they were implicated.

The DCEO had been probing Mr Metsing over suspicious deposits that were made into his bank accounts three years ago. The investigation was launched in light of suspicious deposits into Mr Metsing’s bank accounts between 2013 and 2014.

Mr Metsing allegedly received M328 000 and M118 000 between April 2013 and June 2013. A deposit of M524 964 into one of his accounts was also not explained.

This was after the controversial allocation of a M120 million tender to a company known as Big Bravo Construction Company for the construction of roads in the Ha-Matala and Ha-Leqele villages of Maseru.

Big Bravo Construction was engaged for the upgrading of Matala Phase One and Matala to Ha Leqele Bus Stop roads in 2014.

The company is alleged to have won the tender at Mr Metsing’s instigation. It nonetheless was accused of doing shoddy work and leaving road works uncompleted about two months before the contract ended in 2015.

The company was awarded the M120 million tender in what competitors alleged could have been a fraudulent process.

The alleged dubious deposits into Mr Metsing’s bank accounts happened at a time when Mr Metsing was local government minister and deputy prime minister in the tripartite coalition government led by Prime Minister Thomas Thabane in 2014.

For his part, Mr Mokhosi was charged with Police Constable Mokalekale Khetheng’s murder along with four police officers. He has since fled the country claiming an “assassination plot” after being granted bail.

“Ntate Metsing and Mokhosi know very well that they have cases to answer to, and even if we have extended to them an olive branch for their return with promises of their security, it doesn’t mean they are acquitted. They will still face the police and the courts of law as it should be.”

Mr Sekata was equally bellicose in his response, saying the government will not make progress without the opposition.

“Talk is cheap and I think this is just one of their wild dreams,” he said. “Let them dream on, it’s okay to dream, but they are just lying when they say they will implement the reforms without the right numbers. “They don’t command a two thirds majority of parliamentary seats and this means they can’t implement the reforms without us.”

Mimi Machakaire

AVANI Lesotho held a long-service award ceremony earlier this month in honour of 30 employees that have served the hotel for between five and 35 years.

Speaking at the ceremony, the AVANI Human Resources Manager, Lesekelo Makara, expressed his gratitude to the employees who have over the years ensured that the company grew to become one of the leading accommodation facilities in Lesotho.

“You have endured many challenges and continuously worked hard for this company. Through your commitment, you have contributed to what AVANI is today, a well-respected and competitive accommodation facility,” Mr Makara said.

He said the organisation thought it wise to celebrate the employees’ hard work, determination and accomplishments in growing the company, their careers and improvements at personal level.

“The recipients of the five-year category awards should learn from those who have invested a lot in developing their careers to invest in this company. I encourage them to set targets of where they would like to be in the next five years and work towards achieving those targets through undertaking capacity development initiatives,” he said.

He further explained that, as an employer, Avani had certain expectations from all its employees, therefore it was important that they worked towards meeting the expectations.

“I will emphasise on the need for continuous growth and improvement for you all to be able to tackle the demands of this evolving sector.”

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Human Recourses Officer, Mpinane Mamosele Moleko said the human resources department was responsible of ensuring the wellbeing of all employees.

She said while conflicts at work are common, the human resources department was responsible of problem-solving or managing conflicts, to ensure they did not derail the objectives of the organisation.

“Working with others has been fulfilling for me because I have learnt a lot from others and have grown professionally. My advice for those who have just joined Avani and those who may wish to become part of this family, is to be a team player, committed and dedicated to becoming better in your career,” Ms Moleko said.

In an interview with one employee who has worked for Avani as a cashier supervisor for 35 years, Angelinah Nonoise, she said she was happy that her employer recognised her contribution.

“Through my years here, I have learnt a lot about the hotel business, particularly how to professionally deal with difficult clients without losing my tamper,” Ms Nonoise said.

She said through some inhouse trainings, she mastered the importance of team work, as all departments depended on each other for efficient delivery of services.

For 35 years, she has seen various transitions, remembering how difficult it was for some employees each time they were introduced to new technologies.

“There were some instances when some employees became frustrated and wanted to quit their jobs, but the management always encouraged us to learn new things and innovations for our growth and development of the hotel. The essence of family has been part of this organisation for many years, it has remained and helped us all to grow,” Ms Nonoise said.

Moorosi Tsiane

THE second edition of the annual Lesotho Annual Sport Awards (LASA) is set to be held on 17 March 2018 in a larger venue and with more nominations than this year.

This is according to Lesotho Sport and Recreation Commission (LSRC) development officer, Malitsietsi Zwakala, who also said the awards had three sponsors so far.

The inaugural edition of the awards was held in April this year, with nominees selected on the basis of their performances in different fields from January to December 2016.

Apart from motivating athletes to keep working hard, the awards are also meant to improve the level of competitiveness in the various sporting codes.

Zwakala, who is also the awards ceremony coordinator, told this publication this week that they decided to change the venue of the ceremony from AVANI Maseru to Manthabiseng Convention Centre to accommodate more people.

“We have learnt a lot from our first event which was held in April this year, so expectations are very high for next year,” she said.

“We also changed the venue from AVANI Maseru to the convention centre because last time we ended up turning people away as the venue got full.”

Zwakala said the nominations process for the various sporting associations began early this month and would be closed on 12 January 2018. She indicated that the LSRC was urging sports associations to submit their nominations.

“The challenge in the first edition of the awards was that many associations did not nominate athletes because they probably had their doubts.

“But since the inaugural event was a success, many will nominate this time around. We are also trying to nudge them and showing them the importance of nominating.”

So far, the LSRC has secured the sponsorship of MGC, Brand It and Lesotho Flour Mills, with the commission still seeking more support from the corporate sector.

“Sponsorship is very important to us, and every company is welcome to lend a helping hand,” said Zwakala.

“This event is not included in our annual budget from the ministry so it solely depends on sponsorship. So, we need as many corporates as we can on board. MGC, Brand It and Lesotho Flour Mills have pledged to sponsor this event as they did in the previous one.”

Nominations will be made on the categories of Junior Female and Male Sportsperson of the Year, Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, Sportsman and Sportswoman with Disability, Administrator of the Year, Sports School of the Year, Sports Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Umpire or Referee of the Year, Sports Journalist of the Year, Sport Legacy of the Year and the most prestigious Sports Star of the Year.

The new categories are Newcomer of the Year, Volunteer and National Federation of the year.

Tickets for the ceremony will range from M300 to M350 until the end of February.

Tefo Tefo

THE trial of eight army officers accused of murdering former army commander, Lieutenant General Maaparankoe Mahao, has taken a new twist amid revelations that more soldiers will be arraigned before the courts while others will be turned into state witnesses.

The latest developments were revealed on Tuesday by Senior Crown Counsel, Lesaoana Mohale, during the remand hearing of the eight army officers who stand accused of murdering Lt-Gen Mahao in June 2015.

The eight army officers are Captain Litekanyo Nyakane, Captain Haleo Makara, Sergeant Lekhooa Moepi, Sergeant Motsamai Fako, Corporal Marasi ‘Moleli, Corporal Motšoane Machai, Corporal Mohlalefi Seitlheko and Corporal Tšitso Ramoholi.

Lt-Gen Mahao was on 25 June 2015 assassinated by his former LDF colleagues who claimed he had resisted arrest for allegedly being the ringleader of a mutiny.

However, Lt-Gen Mahao’s nephews — who were with him during the incident – disputed the army’s version of the event and instead accused the soldiers of killing him in cold blood.

A Southern Africa Development Community commission of inquiry set up soon after the killing also quashed the LDF’s mutiny plot claim, citing lack of evidence.

Lt-Gen Mahao was appointed as LDF commander on 29 August 2014 after Prime Minister Thomas Thabane fired the then commander Lt-Gen Tlali Kamoli for alleged insubordination. However, Lt-Gen Tlali Kamoli rejected the dismissal challenging its legitimacy.

After Dr Thabane relinquished power in the wake of the 28 February 2015 snap elections, the seven-party coalition government led by Pakalitha Mosisili reinstated Lt-Gen Kamoli, arguing that his dismissal and Lt-Gen Mahao’s promotion were illegal.

Lt Gen Kamoli was reinstated in a Government Gazette dated 21 May 2015 with another gazette issued on the same day terminating Lt-Gen Mahao’s appointment as LDF commander and reverting him to a brigadier.

Lt-Gen Mahao challenged his demotion in the High Court with the case not seeing the light of day after he was killed on 25 June 2015 by his LDF colleagues.

After two years without any movement on the case, the eight soldiers were arrested and first appeared before the Magistrates’ Court early last month. They have been attending remand hearings before the same court every two weeks.

And on Tuesday, Advocate Mohale told the Magistrate’s Court that more army officers would be joined to the case.

He also said the prosecution intended to turn some of the soldiers into accomplice witnesses. These soldiers were previously brought in for questioning by the police and released.

An accomplice witness is a witness who took part in the commission of an alleged offence and his or her role is to give evidence as to how the offence was committed and who was involved.

The eight soldiers were remanded in custody and will next appear in court on 16 January 2018.

The latest developments come barely a week after Lt-Gen Mahao’s family announced they wanted former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, former Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing and Lt-Gen Kamoli to be also held accountable for his death.

The Mahao’s family said the trio should be held accountable for Lt-Gen Mahao’s death as they held influential positions in the government at the time of his assassination.

Lt-Gen Kamoli, was arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court on 16 October 2017, charged with one count of murder and 14 counts of attempted murder.

The murder charge is for the fatal shooting of police Sub-Inspector Mokheseng Ramahloko during the 30 August 2014 attempted coup against the first government of Prime Minister Thomas Thabane.

A number of soldiers, under Lt-Gen Kamoli’s command, had stormed various police stations and seized arms they claimed were to be used against civilians at a Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) rally that same weekend. However, Dr Thabane’s government charged that Lt-Gen Kamoli launched his coup attempt in reaction to his dismissal by the Prime Minister a day earlier.

Three other army officers namely, Captain Litekanyo Nyakane (38), Lance Corporal Motloheloa Ntsane (34) and Lance Corporal Leutsoa Motsieloa (31) are charged with Lt-Gen Kamoli in the murder of Sub-Inspector Ramahloko. The three are in detention with Lt-Gen Kamoli at the Maseru Maximum Prison.

The 14 attempted murder charges stem from the 27 January 2014 simultaneous bombings of the Moshoeshoe II homes of First Lady Maesaiah Thabane and the Ha Abia residence of former police commissioner, Khothatso Tšooana.

Mr Metsing is in self-imposed exile having fled the country in August 2017 alleging that he feared for his life.

However, Dr Thabane rejected Mr Metsing’s claims in an exclusive interview with the Lesotho Times that same month. The premier described Mr Metsing as a “fugitive from justice” who had run away to avoid being arrested and jailed over allegations that he took bribes from a company, Bravo Construction, in exchange of lucrative road construction tenders.

Tsitsi Matope and ’Marafaele Mohloboli

THE family of the late Thibello Nteso, the Head of Internal Audit at the Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC), who was gunned down in Maseru last year,  says he was probably murdered to frustrate his probe into an alleged embezzlement of funds totalling in excess of M170 million at the state-owned power utility.

Mr Nteso’s family this week narrated its deep frustration at the slow pace of police investigations into his murder while also disclosing that they suspected his killing was connected to a forensic audit, in which preliminary findings had pointed to massive embezzlement of funds.

Mr Nteso was shot and killed on the night of 6 February 2017, allegedly by two police constables who were guarding the residence of former Police Commissioner, Molahlehi Letsoepa, in Maseru West.

Almost a year after his killing, the police are still to complete investigations into the killing, although Police Commissioner Holomo Molibeli yesterday said the investigations were now at an advanced stage.

“Investigations are almost through and we have some suspects but they have not yet been arrested. We have not established why he was killed,” Commissioner Molibeli said.

However, some officers close to the investigation, told this publication that the absence of a government autopsy report was delaying progress in the case.

“The autopsy report is critical to the successful prosecution of the suspects, who include a senior superintendent, senior inspector and two constables.

“We cannot quickly proceed with the case because there is need for evidence to substantiate the cause of death. This can help us build a water-tight case and for the courts to also make a well-informed judgment based on scientific evidence. As we speak, we are considering other ways to deal with this matter because the crucial autopsy report is delaying the finalisation of the investigations,” one of the investigating officers who declined to be named, said yesterday.

Despite their identification as suspects, the four are still reporting for duty.

Dr Thlabi Moorosi, the pathologist who is supposed to produce the report, is said to have made several excuses, at times blaming poor quality pictures for delaying its release.

Ordinarily it takes a few weeks to release an autopsy report but in this case it has already taken more than 10 months.

Dr Moorosi yesterday said he was facing some challenges producing the report but said it would be ready by Monday next week. He refused to elaborate on the nature of the challenges.

“I have experienced some challenges preparing the report, though I can’t reveal them to you. But what I can promise is that the report will be submitted to the police by Monday next week,” Dr Moorosi said.

The deceased’s younger brother, Tankiso Nteso yesterday told the Lesotho Times that his brother had confided in him that he had been handling a big case of embezzlement of funds from LEC coffers involving more than M170 million.

It is understood his forensic audit had contributed to the suspension of the Managing Director and the Chief Finance Officer.

Mr Tankiso Nteso said his family had hoped that by now the suspects would have been arrested as they were known.

He said the family had engaged a private investigator and pathologist from South Africa soon after realising that some police officers were involved in the killing. They also suspected that there was more to the shooting.

The private pathologist, Mr Nteso said, had conducted the post-mortem alongside Dr Moorosi and released his own report within two weeks. However, a government autopsy report is required to support the private one in court to foster evidentiary transparency.

“We had hoped that the police would by now have gotten to the bottom of my brother’s shooting as we believe this was a well-orchestrated hit linked to his work,” Mr Nteso said.

He said findings by the private investigator had established a possible motive of his killing, which was to silence him over the probe.

Mr Nteso further explained that while there were some who would have wanted to silence his brother, one senior politician in the former ruling coalition (name supplied) was also looking to exploit the probe into the embezzlement of funds to appoint his cronies to the helm of the LEC.

“My brother had told me that he was shocked when his colleague (name supplied) at work told him that a senior politician in the top four of the then government had instructed that he (the late Mr Nteso) should work fast on the issue at the LEC.

“This would enable the politician to appoint his crony as Managing Director,” Mr Nteso said.

The office of the LEC Acting Managing Director, Tankiso Mots’oikha, was contacted for a comment and they promised to call back to provide information on the latest developments on the forensic audit in question. They had not called back by the time of going to print last night.

However, in the police investigations, two senior police officers are accused of giving out orders to tamper with the crime scene, which included planting false evidence to suggest that there was a shoot-out between the late Mr Nteso and the two constables.

One officer is alleged to have fired the now deceased’s firearm to manufacture false evidence against the deceased in order to protect the constables and those who ordered the hit.

The two constables claimed they had suspected a plan to attack the then Police Commissioner Letsoepa when they went to check the car, which was parked at a reserved space near his residence.

Their suspicions were triggered by a firearm holder they saw inside the car. They decided to monitor the situation until around 8pm when they heard someone starting the car and rushed to stop the driver.

However, Mr Nteso was already driving away, prompting the two constables to open fire, hitting the car several times and causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. It was also raining on the night in question.

It is alleged Mr Nteso managed to open the door of his car while it was still moving and fell out. He was shot once in the hip area and the same bullet also penetrated the other leg.

He was rushed to the Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Mikia Kalati

THE sports fraternity is waiting with keen interest to see who will be appointed to succeed the late Kabelo Mafura who died on Christmas Eve after a short illness in in Bloemfontein, South Africa after a short illness.

The 66-year old Mafura, who was also the deputy leader Alliance of Democrats (AD) party, is scheduled to be laid to rest at his village of Ha Mafura in the Quthing district.

Ntate Mafura’s death came as a shock to many that saw him attending all official engagements last month without any visible signs of ill health.

I believe that many had warmed up to him after their initial skepticism upon his appointment in June 2017 in the aftermath of the snap elections that same month which ushered in a coalition government which includes his own Alliance of Democrats party. Other parties in the ruling coalition are the All Basotho Convention, The Basotho National Party and the Reformed Congress of Lesotho.

The initial misgivings stemmed from the fact that Mr Mafura who had previously been Minister of Forestry had no known sports background.

He however, hit the ground running and rallied the country behind the national football teams, particularly Likuena in its preparations for the regional COSAFA Cup as well the qualifiers of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Such was the support he received from his colleagues in government that for the very first time even the Prime Minister Thomas Thabane attended the national team’s send-off ceremony ahead of one of their international matches.

The occasion was described as a historic moment by the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) president Salemane Phafane as it was for the first time in his long tenure that a Prime Minister was able to make time to wish the team well ahead of important matches.

This is something that we had not seen before and it was the beginning of good things to come for sports under the leadership of Ntate Mafura.

After that, we saw his ministry implementing positive decisions including ceding the running of the High Altitude Summer Marathon and the national stadiums to the Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission.

Listening to different speakers who addressed Mr Mafura’s memorial service at the Manthabiseng Convention Centre in Maseru on Tuesday, I realised that he was not a selfish individual but rather an honest and dedicated patriot who worked hard to improve those around him and his country.

He was committed to making Lesotho a better country for its people and I hope his colleagues will learn from his humility to serve the country.

He did very well in a short space of time and the future looked bright under his leadership.

Prime Minister Thabane certainly has a big task of appointing a worthy successor to fill Ntate Mafura’s shoes and continue where he left off.

We need a minister who will be humble enough to learn from those that have experience in sports.

This country has suffered a lot over the years especially in sports and we were starting to see progress under the leadership of the late minister. Our hope is to get somebody who will take things to another level.

Rest in Peace Ntate Mafura. You served your country well!

PRIME Minister Thomas Thabane and his deputy, Monyane Moleleki, on Tuesday led government officials and sports officials in paying tribute to the late Sports Minister, Kabelo Mafura, who died on Christmas Eve in Bloemfontein, South Africa after a short illness.

The 66-year old Mafura, who was also the deputy leader Alliance of Democrats (AD) party, succumbed to an undisclosed ailment which he contracted during a recent parliamentary session.

Addressing hundreds of people who gathered for his memorial service at Manthabiseng Convention Centre in Maseru, Mr Moleleki who is also AD leader, described Mr Mafura as a humble and dedicated patriot who served his country with distinction in every portfolio he was assigned to.

“The country benefited a lot from him while he was serving acting Lesotho Ambassador in Rome, Italy, Mr Moleleki said, adding his brief tenure at the helm of the Sports ministry had sparked a revival in the national football teams’ fortunes as evidenced by the recent exploits of the under-20 side which went all the way to the final of the regional COSAFA Cup at the expense of fancied opponents like Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola and Uganda.

“What I can tell my Prime Minister is that you have lost a very important minister.

“He worked very well with his deputy and delivered to the best we have to look at Kabelo Mafura.

“He had made a team of him, the deputy minister (Rethabile Marumo Makaeane), principal secretary and the directors.”

For her part, Ms Makaeane described the late Mr Mafura as a father figure who worked hard to improve the lives of Basotho.

“I am very weak standing in front of you, because of the responsibility I have to speak about a man who was my minister, father, and friend because he meant so much to me ever since we first met over 10 years ago.

“I got to know him in 2007 when we were legislators and he used to say that he was my father. He was right because he was the same age as my father. We worked very well together as he groomed me.

“It was then that I realised how powerful he was as a politician. We were both members of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) before we joined the Democratic Congress (DC) in an effort to improve the lives and welfare of Basotho,” Ms Makaeane said.

She said Mr Mafura loved sport and saw it as a weapon in the fight against poverty.

“His dreamed of using sports to fight poverty and he brought unity to the ministry as he worked well with all departments.”

Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission (LSRC) president, Khiba Mohoanyane said Mr Mafura’s death had robbed the sports fraternity of a “giant who had performed wonders in a short period in charge of the ministry of sports”.

He said although Mr Mafura took charge in June 2017, it was as if he had been minister for 10 years.

“I am saying this because his work is there for everyone to see.

“Two weeks after his appointment, he called to inform me that he was studying the Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission Act of 2002 and that had helped him to better appreciate his role which was to make policies for sports while ours was to implement those policies.

“He said he was not happy with the fact that most sporting disciplines including the High Altitude summer marathon and horse racing were directly administered by his ministry and that had to be corrected to ensure they were administered by the sports commission.

“We soon signed a memorandum of understanding and now we are administering some of those events. He called me again about having the LSRC taking over the administration of the Setsoto Stadium in Maseru and the Leshoboro Sports Complex in Mafeteng.

“I think you will agree with me when I say that within a short of time he made a huge impact and we are concerned whether his successor will have the same impact,” Mr Mohoanyane said.

Mr Mohoanyane’s sentiments were echoed by the Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) president, Matlohang Moiloa-Ramoqopo, who said Mr Mafura was a huge success in charge of the Sports ministry.

“As the LNOC, we thank the prime minister and his deputy for assigning Ntate Mafura to the sports ministry.

“We always complained about not being able to prepare our athletes well for competitions but after his appointment (Mr Mafura) decided to run like a sprinter instead of a marathon in order to make an immediate impact.

“We know his warmth because even when things were not going well he called us for a meeting where he was neutral and asked for our constitution in order to read and learn about our association.

“That helped us a lot because he listened to us and was available even after working hours,” Moiloa-Ramoqopo said.

Mr Mafura will be buried today in his home village of Ha Mafura in the Quthing district.

Mikia Kalati

Premier League giants, Lioli, have appointed former Bloemfontein Celtic assistant coach, Morena Ramorebodi, as their new coach on a six month contract.

Ramorebodi is remembered for his time with Maluti FET College when they knocked out South African giants Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup.

He takes over from Motebang Makhetha who has been in charge since the club parted ways with Halemakale Mahlaha late last year.

Addressing a press briefing in Maseru on Wednesday, Lioli president, Lebohang Thotanyana, said they brought in the Free State-born coach to bring back the glory days after they lost the league title to Bantu last season. Bantu are currently top of the Econet Premier League log standings.

“We made a vow as the management of Lioli to beef up our squad to get results that we desire,” Thotanyana said, adding, “One of those departments that we had challenges with is the technical department where our head coach resigned after the Top 4 Independence Cup”.

“We accepted his resignation and put our assistant coach, Ntate Makhetha, to take over as the interim coach until January.

“So we met with Ntate Makhetha and agreed that it would be wise to get a new coach to work with him. We then drew a list until we settled on Ntate Morena Ramorebodi.”

The Lioli boss said they decided on Ramoreboli on the basis of his experience.

“We felt that he was the right candidate to bring success to our team.

“Ntate Ramoreboli is the former assistant coach at Bloemfontein Celtic and he also coached at African Warriors and helped them win promotion to the South African National First Division.

“He also coached at Maluti FET where he became very popular for beating some of the big teams in South Africa. That experience in big games and knowledge of assembling a team convinced us that he is the right man for the job.”

Ramorebodi is a holder of CAF A and B licence coaching badges.

Thotanyana said they had also agreed with Ramorebodi about the need to reinforce the squad with new players.

For his part, Ramorebodi said he came to Lesotho for various reasons including the desire to grow as a coach, to share his expertise as well as the fact that his family’s roots were in the Mountain Kingdom.

“I came because there are a lot of Ramorebodis in Lesotho so I also have my roots here. I also obtained one of my coaching badges in this country.

“The other important thing is that it is not the first time that Lioli approached me and I could have come a long time ago but it is just that at that time I had other offers.

“I was also looking to start afresh and get a team which I can take somewhere. Lioli is a team that has a vision that I could work for,” Ramorebodi said.

Tse Nala have also roped in former Bantu Public Relations Officer Motlatsi Mofokeng to their public relations and marketing department.

…as Econet Premier league returns

Mikia Kalati

A POTENTIALLY mouthwatering is in the offing when two of the country’s most successful sides Matlama and LDF face off in an Econet Premier League encounter at LCS Ground on Sunday.

Although Matlama have won a record nine league titles and LDF eight times, the two giants have had to watch as Lioli and Bantu have dominated the game in recent years.

However, the two sides who have been playing well this year, believe this is the season they could finally reclaim their former glory.

LDF striker and last season’s Golden Boot winner, Mojela Letsie, is confident his side will continue from where they left off heading into the Christmas break.

“The break might have affected our momentum as it usually does but I am hopeful that we can continue where we left off in 2017,” the lanky striker told the Lesotho Times this week.

“We should at least get a draw if we do not win. We know Matlama are a very good side and I expect a very tough and entertaining match.”

LDF head into the match on third position with 19 points. Matlama are breathing heavily down their necks on fourth with just a point less.

“We have a very strong squad that has proved that it has what it takes to challenge for honours this season.

“The new players have made us stronger,” Letsie said, adding the likes of   former Liphakoe midfielder, Tšepo Toloane, had the advantage of having played in the premier league which helped them to fit seamlessly into the team.

“I am also very happy that Toloane has taken over the responsibilities of scoring goals from me and I am now playing without a lot of attention from defenders.

“What is also good is that the coach is spoilt for choice in terms of players.”

For his part, Matlama coach Mosito Matela said he expected an uphill struggle against an LDF side that has been in great form this season.

“LDF is a very good side with a good an experienced coach in Motheo Mohapi and that means we have to plan very well to beat them,” Matela said.

“We have to work hard and be disciplined to walk away with maximum points. We only returned to training on Tuesday and some of the players did not show up.

“But we expect things to improve as we get closer to the match day.”

Matela also stated that his side was also looking to reinforce their squad with new acquisitions.

‘We are short in the goalkeeping department and we are looking at bringing a goalkeeper as well as four more new players.

“We are likely to loan out a few of our players that struggled for game time.

“It does not help holding onto players and we will instead give them a chance to find clubs where they can play and develop.

In another premier league tie, Majantja will host Kick4Life in Mohale’s Hoek.

Bereng Mpaki

LESOTHO needs to overhaul its land tenure system in order to realise its immense potential in commercial agricultural production, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mahala Molapo, has said.

Mr Molapo made the remarks during yesterday’s multi-sectoral dialogue on the development of the second National Development Strategic Plan (NSDP II).

The consultative process, which is scheduled to continue for two more days with different stakeholders, is aimed at contributing to the development of the NSDP II and it is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Development Planning.

Lesotho’s first five year NSDP programme ended in 2017 and the second one is expected to be implemented in the coming financial year.

NSDP II is premised on the strategic priority sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, technology and Innovation and tourism and creative industries which have been identified as key for job creation in Lesotho.

In his presentation on his ministry’s five year plan, Mr Molapo, said although agriculture was the backbone of economic development, Lesotho could not effectively fulfil its potential because of an ineffective land tenure system.

He noted that land was owner or controlled by the community and there were no laws allowing the government to control the land which made it difficult to engage in efficient commercial agriculture production.

According to the Land Act of 2010, land in Lesotho is vested in the Basotho nation and is held in trust by the King.

Mr Molapo said the government often signed contract with farm owners for the development of large scale agricultural projects but the problem came when land holders claimed their land before the expiry of the agreements.

He said the current land tenure system discouraged investors from engaging in large agricultural projects, adding it was therefore imperative for government to acquire land for long-term agricultural production.

“We can do this by reaching an agreement with the holders of the land, and have everything in writing to secure the land for the agreed period of time,” Mr Molapo said.

Other ministries that presented at the dialogue were trade and industry; small business development; cooperatives and marketing; and forestry and land reclamation.

Development Planning Minister Tlohelang Aumane concurred with Mr Molapo, saying, “Issues of acquiring land have prevented some projects from getting off the ground and we need to address that as soon as possible”.

For his part, the Principal Secretary of Development Planning Khomoatsana Tau said it was difficult to assess the achievements NSDP I as its goals had not been “well qualified”.

“But with NSDP II we will have a clear work plan on each activity for the next five years including the budgetary allocation needed,” he said.

Bereng Mpaki

HEALTH facilities in the Leribe district are reporting an upturn in staff morale and general improvement in the quality of health services courtesy of a new World Bank-funded performance-based financing model the government is currently piloting.

The government of Lesotho introduced the Health System Performance Enhancement (HSPE) project in 2014 to respond to challenges of the low utilisation of health facilities due to the poor quality of services.

World Bank Lesotho’s Communication Specialist, Elita Banda, said the PBF scheme was first implemented in Quthing district in January 2016 before being extended to Leribe.

To date, the project is being successfully implemented in six districts namely, Quthing, Leribe, Mokhotlong, Thaba-Tseka, Mafeteng and Mohale’s Hoek.

Ms Banda said it would soon be extended to the remaining four districts of Berea, Butha-Buthe, Maseru, and Qacha’s Nek.

“The five-year project is funded as per the following arrangement: a concessional credit from the World Bank of US$ 12 million, a grant from the World Bank of US$ 4 million, and funding from the Government of Lesotho of US$ 4 million. Some co-funding is also provided by UNICEF and UNFPA.

“It is hoped that the experiences and lessons learnt from the ongoing implementation of the PBF initiative, as well as the technical assistance being provided to the Government will contribute to the institutionalisation of the PBF in the health sector.”

The five- year project also recognises that the quality of service is undermined by staff shortages, lack of equipment and a poor referral system between health centres and hospitals.

To tackle these issues, the project employed the Performance Based Financing (PBF) system which ties payment to achievement of agreed measurable performance targets.

The PBF aims to increase utilisation and quality of health care by rewarding health providers according to a set of indicators.

The health facilities receive performance incentives on a quarterly basis. Half of these are distributed to staff to boost their morale and incentivize them to improve service delivery.

The other half is invested in the health facility to increase utilisation and quality of service.

According to one of the beneficiaries of the initiative, Dr Malitaba Litaba who is the District Medical Officer in Leribe, things have changed for the better at Motebang District Hospital.

“There are two types of major impacts that PBF has had Dr Litaba explained.

“One is the motivation of staff as everybody is motivated to work hard because they know they will get bonuses in addition to their salaries.

“Secondly, it has helped us to improve the behaviour and the attitude of staff.

“So in simple terms, we are now an empowered hospital because when you speak as a superior, the staff listen because they know you hold the power of the money.”

She further added there has been an improvement in terms of the hospital’s surroundings which used to be untidy.

She also said they were now able to procure supplies more quickly and cheaply.

“With PBF I can procure supplies over the counter which is much faster and cheaper. For example, if something costs M12 000 I will immediately procure it at that price but with government expenditure I will purchase it for M50, 000 and get it after three months.

“So, with PBF, that cumbersome procurement process is avoided.”

The Ministry of Health employs quantity and quality indicators for the project. The quantity indicators cover the minimum package of services provided at the health centres such as general consultations, institutional deliveries, antenatal care, post-natal care, immunisation, family planning, HIV and tuberculosis specific indicators.

For quality indicators the District Health Management Teams (DHMTs) assess health centres while hospitals assess each other. This is commonly known as Peer Assessments, where a hospital from one district assesses another hospital from another district.

When the Lesotho Times crew recently visited Leribe last month, staff from Mafeteng Hospital were at Motebang Hospital to conduct the peer assessment. All participating hospitals assess each other on a quarterly basis.

However, as Dr Litaba revealed, it has not been smooth sailing for the project as there have been some challenges.

“Where money is involved there is bound to be trouble. You will find that some workers fight to get the bonus even though they do not deserve it.

“For example, if you do not get appraised, you get no money. So two people did not come for appraisals but now they want a share of the money but I can’t give them the money.

“We have also found that some workers commit fraud by selling sick leave days while others steal medical supplies. These are some of the irregularities which lead to some workers’ bonuses being suspended,” Dr Litaba said.

‘Mamoratuoa Motseki, the Nurse-In-Charge of Khabo Health Centre, said the centre remained acutely understaffed due to absenteeism, and resignations among other reasons.

She said there were only two nurses at the hospital.

She further said indicated that the PBF money helped them procure small office needs such as heaters, air conditioners as well as hire cleaners. She however, said they needed more funds to hire additional staff to ease the workload.

Another employee who spoke on condition of anonymity, said instead of motivating the workers, the PBF model was contributing to in-fighting over the funds.

“Again, you will notice that the management gain more bonuses than subordinates whereas the latter put in more work. Also, it does not address the numerous unfair labour practices the staffers are subjected to in the workplace,” the employee said.

KWA-ZULU Natal is known for producing world-class music talent. DJ Black Coffee, DJ Tira, Toya Delazy, Shekhinah, Sketchy Bongo, Nasty C and legendary lyricist and producer Mbongeni Ngema all come from this coastal province. DJ Merlon, real name Sibusiso Mhlongo, has just added his name to the list.

Merlon is no stranger to the music scene: he shot to fame in 2014 with the chart-topping single Koze Kuse, a collaboration with music sensation Mondli Ngcobo. Merlon says he is thrilled about his latest project, The Pure Black Album, and his mentorship programme in partnership with his friend and mentor DJ Black Coffee.

Merlon says his album, dropped last month, is already making waves in the digital space. “This album is the best release of my career so far. It’s really big and already doing well in the markets. Since its release there’s been a buzz on digital platforms. And it’s coming from all over the world… people have been posting from European countries mostly… it’s been amazing.”

South Africa seems to be the hub for the world’s best house music and Merlon revealed that local musicians, some relatively unknown to their countrymen, were making waves overseas. The sad reality, however, is that these artists are not being paid for their work, an issue he would like to address.

“And the guys from here are doing amazing things. Sometimes these guys release 100 songs for free, good-quality music, but their music is not making making money for them because it’s too available. So we need to show them platforms where they can release their music to make money out of their music. This is not protecting them only; we’re also protecting the industry. So if, for instance, I’m selling my music and they are giving theirs for free, there’s bound to be conflict of interest.”

“The youngsters do this with the intention of promoting themselves, so we want to teach them how to use credible channels, the use of social media and introduce them to relevant stakeholders. They must not continue giving their music for free. These guys are very talented and to see them living under poverty while their songs top international charts, is just heartbreaking – they need to start seeing the commercial value of their hard work.”

Merlon says although they cannot sign them all, the programme aims to support the youngsters until they are ready to stand on their own “There are about 15 guys that we mentor on a day-to-day basis. It’s not a once-off thing. We’ll mentor them until they are big enough to stand on their own. However, we are there for them if and when they encounter problems… when they need any kind of help, they have us, any time.”

One of the young people affiliated with the programme is Enoo Napa, real name Siphiwe Mkhize, who recently signed with Soulistic Music. Napa, a self-taught DJ and producer, featured alongside Black Coffee and Da Capo at Ibiza and is now part of the Shimmy Beach summer residency in Cape Town. Merlon also challenged female house music creators to raise their game “because there is a big gap in the industry”.

“We don’t have female producers. We need a producer, a female, who can say: ‘I can make nice music.’ That space has been open for years. All the females are just DJs.” — IOL

Mamohlakola Letuka

MODEL and beauty queen, Mojabeng Senekal, and five other Basotho will take part in the Young African Leadership Initiative programme from beginning on 15 January to early next month at the Regional Leadership Centre (RLC) at the University of South Africa, School of Business Leadership in Pretoria, South Africa.

Senekal, a University of Johannesburg Master’s Degree in Public Health student will participate in public management category.

YALI Regional Leadership Centers are located at higher education institutions in sub-Saharan Africa and offer leadership training programmes to young leaders aged from 18 to 35 years.

The RLCs serve as a place for regional collaboration driven by young leaders by providing in-person and online training, networking, and professional development opportunities. The RLCs are a project of the United States Agency for International Development in collaboration with The MasterCard Foundation and other partners

Senekal and other young leaders will depart Lesotho on 14 January 2018 and return on the 9 February. They will join youths from Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Lesotho, Malawi, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

An excited Senekal this week told the Weekender that she looked forward to making the most of the opportunity to forge lasting relationships with fellow participants that would help her fulfil her dreams.

“I am very excited to have been accepted at my first application, and nothing will be able to hinder me from achieving my dreams,” Senekal said, adding this would help her to achieve more.

“I am planning on growing my modeling camp, where I do not only teach this young girls how to model but also how to find comfort in their own skins.”

“We are often taught that our beauty is validated by a men’s opinions and compliments but my camp teaches them otherwise.

“This is an opportunity that will help me think differently and I believe my projects will expand beyond what they are today.

“I am also sure I will make new friends from different cultures, and I am sure I will learn a lot from them,” she added.

Senekal has represented the country in several beauty pageants.

The BSc Environmental Science graduate from the National University of Lesotho has won several pageants including the Charity Award at the Face of Beauty International 2015 in Taiwan in October 2016.

She also won the Face of Lesotho 2015, Miss Personality 2014, Miss Royalty 2014 and Miss NUL 2015.