…demands end of “persecution” of  his supporters

Pascalinah Kabi

LESOTHO Congress for Democracy (LCD) leader, Mothetjoa Metsing, has threatened to cause mayhem unless the government of Prime Minister Thomas Thabane ends what he describes as the continued persecution of his supporters.

Mr Metsing’s controversial remarks are contained in an audio clip recorded during the former Deputy Prime Minister’s 51^st birthday celebrations in Ladybrand, South Africa, this week.

The Lesotho Times has a copy of the clip in which Mr Metsing states that his party would solicit help from unspecified sources “everywhere” to ensure its supporters defends themselves against what he perceives as the continued persecution from the Thabane coalition. He proceeds to threaten destructive conflict in Lesotho unless the “persecution” and “prosecutions” of his supporters are halted.

Mr Metsing also took the opportunity of his birthday celebrations to outline the conditions for his return to Lesotho to participate in the multi-sectoral reform process kick-started by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Mr Metsing has been holed up in the neighbouring country after fleeing Lesotho last August citing an alleged plot to assassinate him.

The government has nevertheless refuted his claims, insisting that Mr Metsing fled to escape prosecution for corruption.

Mr Metsing said that his party’s patience with the government was fast running out as the police continued to “target defenseless LCD supporters” whom he said would now be forced to defend themselves.

He said he had already asked SADC to intervene to end the “persecution” and “prosecutions” of his supporters. He was also asking the current coalition of Dr Thabane for legitimate dialogue to achieve lasting peace and stability in Lesotho.

“I can go everywhere to ask for assistance if need arises for us to protect ourselves and that it why I am praying hard that we help ourselves by showing these people that it is in our collective interest to follow peaceful ways because any other path will ensure that Lesotho is reduced to nothing.

“We will not always cry. The LCD supporters will not continue to cry when I am still their leader or be expected to just keep quiet. Our request is that the other parties must work with us to normalise the situation and we have told SADC that a peaceful and stable path is the only one for Lesotho because the other one will reduce Lesotho to nothing.

“The situation was the same when (former Prime Minister) Ntate Ntsu Mokhehle went into the bush (in the 1970s to challenge the-then Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan) and came back with fighting sticks.

“None of us want us to go back to such sad days that Lesotho once found itself in,” Mr Metsing said at the celebrations, also attended by Popular Front for Democracy (PFD) leader Lekhetho Rakuoane, Democratic Congress (DC) Deputy Secretary Tlohang Sekhamane and representatives of the Marematlou Freedom Party (MFP).

The DC, PFD and MFP were part of the former seven parties’ coalition, alongside Mr Metsing’s  LCD, from 2015 until they lost the 3 June 2017 snap elections.

Their coalition was replaced  by a four party alliance of Prime Minister Thomas Thabane’s All Basotho Convention (ABC), the Alliance of Democrats (AD), the Basotho National Party (BNP) and the Reformed Congress of Lesotho (RCL).

While warning that his party’s patience was running out, Mr Metsing said they would continue to ask Dr Thabane’s coalition for dialogue for the sake of  sustainable peace and suitability.

But he also warned that they would not waste time on dialogue which did not yield concrete results.

“We do not want to engage in unproductive dialogue. That is our plea to SADC . . . We do not wish to reach the point where we say enough is enough, let us protect ourselves,” he said.

He said  dialogue would be meaningless if he and the likes of former army commander, Retired Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli, continued to be “victims of politically motivated charges”.

Lt-Gen Kamoli is currently detained at the Maseru Maximum Prison awaiting trial for a plethora of murder and attempted murder charges.

Lt-Gen Kamoli and Mr Metsing were known to be very close. When Dr Thabane fled  Lesotho in the wake of the 30 August 2014 coup attempt against his first coalition government, in which Mr Metsing  served as Deputy Prime Minister, the latter remained in the country and renounced Dr Thabane’s dismissal of Lt-Gen Kamoli and replacement with the slain Maaparankoe Mahao.

“The politically motivated prosecutions must stop for us to come back,” Mr Metsing told dozens of his supporters at the party.

“Today the people realise that the M53 million charge was nothing but a political charge and we are saying such charges must be stopped until we have completed the reforms and dialogue processes,” he added.

This was in reference to the theft and fraud charges involving M53 million preferred against him in 2014. The money was meant for the procurement and insurance of equipment for  the Maseru City Council. However, the then Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Leaba Thetsane, who was also seen as Mr Metsing’s staunch supporter, withdrew the case from the courts saying it was lodged behind his back.

Mr Metsing said he would gladly appear in court over this and other charges after the completion of the multi-sector reforms process, safe in the knowledge that the judiciary would not be influenced by politicians and that police investigations and prosecutions would not have political motives.

He also listed as one of the conditions for his return, the setting up of a commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the 5 September 2017 killing of army commander, Lt-Gen Khoantle Motšomotšo and his colleagues Brigadier Bulane Sechele and Colonel Tefo Hashatsi.

The government has since concluded that Lt-Gen Motšomotšo was shot dead by Brigadier Sechele who was accompanied by Colonel Hashatsi and a third officer on that fateful day at Ratjomose Barracks.

The three are said to have confronted Lt-Gen Motšomotšo to challenge him over his decisions to handover soldiers to police for prosecution over their past crimes as demanded by SADC. Brig Sechele and Col Hashatsi were then shot dead by Lt-Gen Motšomotšo’s bodyguards in the fracas that ensued.

However, Mr Metsing this week demanded that all the deaths be investigated, saying as the country was embarking on security reforms, it was important to know what was actually happening in the LDF.

“As leaders we need to question why this matter has been taken lightly because we are going to embark on the security reforms and we need to know what is happening in the LDF.

“The government might be telling the truth on events of that day but we need to have an independent commission that will unearth what really happened.”

He also demanded the setting up of a Government of National Unity to include the parties that are currently in the opposition as well as a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and an impartial independent prosecuting authority.

Mr Metsing also demanded the reinstatement of National Security Service agents who were employed by the former seven parties’ coalition government in which he served as deputy to former Prime Minister, Pakalitha Mosisili.

He also demanded that the Thabane coalition reverses its decision to rescind police promotions made by his previous coalition.

“The police officers who were promoted under our regime were demoted and there are many others in the public service who have since lost their jobs. What kind of leaders would we be if we don’t stand for the rights of these people? This issue must be dealt with to ensure that these Basotho are absorbed back into the system.”

Mr Metsing also said that it was wrong for the government to withhold his benefits as a former deputy prime minister as well as his salary as a legislator for the Mahobong constituency.

He said this had caused him untold suffering which had only been alleviated by party supporters who took care of his needs.

Yesterday, Mr Metsing did not answer calls to his mobile phone or respond to messages from this publication requesting a comment on his remarks which the Thabane government has dismissed as treasonous.

Meanwhile, LCD spokesperson, Teboho Sekata, yesterday told this publication that Mr Metsing spoke in Sesotho which was so clear in its meaning that it was self-explanatory.

“This is clear, Sesotho ha se tolokoe (loosely translated to mean that Sesotho does not need to be translated) and Ntate Metsing is telling the truth that we will go everywhere to ask for assistance but we are not yet in a position to do so.

“Indeed we will go everywhere to seek assistance so that we can defend ourselves but we are saying we don’t need to go that route. The government must stop prosecuting our members.

“We have friends all over the world- political parties that are governing in their countries and we can ask for their assistance. For example, we are friends with the governing parties in Botswana and China. We are also members of the Socialist Initiative with many others like the African National Congress (of South Africa),” Mr Sekata said.

He also said that a commission of inquiry into the deaths of Lt-Gen Motšomotšo, Brigadier Sechele and Col Hashatsi was necessary to ensure that all political parties entered into the reform process knowing what transpired.

Dr Thabane has previously lambasted Dr Metsing as a fugitive from justice and urged him to return and stand trial to clear his name. ENDS

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’Marafaele Mohloboli

South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has kick-started  the process leading to the extradition of Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) leader and former Deputy Prime Minister  Mothetjoa Metsing.

This follows a request by Prime Minister Thomas Thabane’s government for his extradition back to Lesotho. The government’s request was communicated to SA  in writing by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lesego Makgothi,  on behalf of the Minister of Law and Constitutional Affairs, Lebohang Hlaele.

Attorney General Haae Phoofolo yesterday confirmed the developments in an interview with the Lesotho Times.

Advocate Phoofolo also detailed how the extradition would play out, beginning with the South African authorities locating Mr Metsing in Durban where he is believed to be, arresting him and having him appear in a court which will rule on whether or not he has a prima facie case to answer to answer in the courts of law in Lesotho.

Advocate Phoofolo’s explanation underscores that the extradition process will not be an event but a process despite the South African government’s approval of the request as reported in the Sunday Express.  The entire process could be mired in the courts for a prolonged period if Mr Metsing opts to fight the extradition.   Documentary evidence show that South African authorities had approved Lesotho’s request and initiated the processes that could culminate in Mr Metsing’s extradition.

Communication between the two governments seen by the Lesotho Timesshow that South Africa’s Justice Minister, Tshililo Michael Masutha, issued a notification to the relevant government departments in his country to formally inform them of Lesotho’s request for the extradition of Mr Metsing.

“I, Mr Tshilo Michael Masutha, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services of the Republic of South Africa, give notice under section 5 (1) (a) of the Extradition Act, 1962 (Act 67 of 1962), that I have received a request for the extradition of Mr Mothetjoa Metsing to the Kingdom of Lesotho to stand trial on charges of corruption, fraud and tax evasion,” Mr Masutha wrote on 28 February 2018.

The notification was written after Mr Masutha had received a letter from Mr Makgothi requesting the “provisional arrest in respect of a former high ranking Lesotho government official”. Mr Makgothi’s letter is dated 14 December 2017 and it was received by his South African counterpart on the 20^th of that same month.

Upon receiving Mr Masutha’s notification, the paper trail indicates that Vusi Madonsela, South Africa’s Director General in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development wrote to NPA head Shawn Abrahams requesting the latter’s office to assist the Department of Justice in the “execution of the request” of the Lesotho government regarding Mr Metsing’s extradition.

“The Department (of Justice) received a request for the extradition of Mr Metsing from South Africa to the Kingdom of Lesotho through diplomatic channels.

“Kindly be advised that the Minister (Mr Masutha) issued a notification that he has received a request for the extradition of Mr Metsing for offences of corruption, fraud and tax evasion.”

“You are kindly requested to assist the Department with the execution of the request,” part of Mr Madonsela’s letter to Advocate Abrahams states.

Thereafter on 13 March this year, Adv Phoebe Labuschagne, a state advocate at the NPA wrote to Adv Rita Blumrick of the office of the director of public prosecutions in Pietermaritzburg to request his office’s assistance in facilitating the process leading up to Mr Metsing’s extradition.

“Kindly ensure that the necessary assistance is rendered in the execution of the (Lesotho government’s request) and please keep this office abreast of the developments,” Adv Labuschagne wrote to Adv Blumrick.

Commenting on the issue, Adv Phoofolo yesterday told this publication that the wheels had been set in motion for Mr Metsing’s extradition, adding there was a lot that needed to be accomplished before the former deputy prime minister could be extradited.

“What needs to happen now is that Mr Metsing must be located and we are told he is in Durban. We have asked that he be arrested and he will appear in a South African court which will ultimately rule on whether or not he has a prima facie case to answer in Lesotho. There will be normal proceedings with defence lawyers and the prosecution,” Adv Phoofolo said.

He said  the government had arranged with prosecuters in South Africa to prosecute the case on Lesotho’s behalf. The  police and witnesses will be sent to South Africa to testify and also follow proceedings.

He explained that after the Magistrate’s Court in South Africa makes a ruling on the matter, it would communicate it to Mr Metsing and the Lesotho government. Both parties would then have 21 days in which to appeal if they so wished. Any appeal would be made to the High Court and thereafter to the Supreme Court and ultimately the Constitutional Court if necessary.

“When the court process has been completed, the court notifies the Minister of Justice in South Africa who can still use his discretion to decide whether or not to order the suspect to be handed over to the government of Lesotho,” Adv Phoofolo said.

The exchanges betwee Mr Masutha, the relevant South African departments and the Lesotho government fly in the face of yesterday’s claims by the LCDyouth league and its Democratic Congress (DC) ally that the extradition process had been bungled as there was no case for Mr Metsing to answer and he was not a fugitive.

“There is a lie meant to misdirect the people into believing that Ntate Metsing has to be extradited.  There is no evidence whatsoever to this effect and this is just a wishful thinking from the cruel nationalists because they are hurting  our leader’s name. He was cleared by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) over the M53 million which they alleged he had corruptly taken,” said LCD youth league member, Libothe Makutoane. He said this at a press conference at the party’s offices in Maseru yesterday.

“South Africa has given Metsing refugee status and full protection and therefore it doesn’t make sense for the same country to revoke that to appease its Lesotho government counterparts.

“We warn anyone who wants to trend (on social media) by insulting and degrading Ntate Metsing to tread carefully and know that their deeds will have consequences. Metsing is not a playground, a murderer nor an authoritarian and if it is war that they (the current governing parties) want ,  they will get that when the time comes,” Mr Makutoane added.

Another LCD youth league member, Phokojoe Sekola, said the documents relating to the extradition could be forgeries.

“We wouldn’t be surprised if the papers which are being referred to as extradition papers are forged as the All Basotho Convention followers are capable of forgery of a high magnitude and we know that (Prime Minister Thomas) Thabane is the one behind this Metsing issue,” Mr Sekola said.

Jase Makafane of the DC, warned the DCEO against meddling in what he said were political issues.

“The DCEO is very active when it comes to persecuting Metsing and yet it still has a case of corruption to investigate on the Prime Minister and the Guptas. We therefore urge the DCEO to desist from meddling in politics and do its work without favour,” Mr Makafane said.

ABC spokesperson, Tefo Mapesela, called on the opposition to leave the ABC out of the Metsing issue and said they should instead advise him to return home and face charges in the courts which would ultimately decide whether or not he was innocent.

DCEO spokesperson, ’Matlhokomelo Senoko, refuted the claims that the DCEO meddled in politics saying its operations were governed by the law mandating them to tackle corruption and economic offences.

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…appointment greeted with mixed reactions

Pascalinah Kabi

FORMER acting army commander, Retired Major General Lineo Poopa, has been appointed Lesotho’s ambassador to Malaysia, a development that has been greeted with mixed reactions among the governing coalition partners.

Apart from Rtd Maj-Gen Poopa, other ambassadorial appointments are those of Basotho National Party (BNP) Women’s League President, Palesa Mosetse to Japan, former Minister of Trade and Industry, S’khulumi Ntsoale (Ireland), former Thaba-Bosiu Member of Parliament Boomo Sofonea (Canada) with Bothata Tsikoane being re-sent to India after his initial contract expired in 2016.

Foreign Affairs and International Relations Principal Secretary, Nkopane Monyane, this week told the Lesotho Times that – as per standard practice – all the appointments were conditional upon approval of the appointees by the receiving countries.

“We have sent requests to the countries where the five individuals are going to be posted and we have not received any responses as yet,” Mr Monyane said, adding that they hoped for responses by next week.

Of the five, it is the appointment of Rtd Maj Gen Poopa that has become a talking point among members of the four party coalition government namely the All Basotho Convention (ABC), the Basotho National Party (BNP), the Alliance of Democrats (AD) and the Reformed Congress of Lesotho (RCL).

Sources close to the developments told this publication that Rtd Maj Gen Poopa’s appointment was a “reward for working well with the government” to execute the Southern African Development Community (SADC)’s recommendations concerning the arrest and prosecution of army officers suspected of committing serious crimes during the tenure of former commander, Tlali Kamoli.

Rtd Maj Gen Poopa was appointed acting commander following the 5 September 2017 assassination of Lieutenant General Khoantle Motšomotšo who was gunned down by his subordinates, Brigadier Bulane Sechele and Colonel Tefo Hashatsi at his Ratjomose Barracks offices in Maseru.

Even though Dr Thabane appointed Maj Gen Poopa as acting commander in the wake of Lt-Gen Motšomotšo’s assassination, sources said that Maj Gen Poopa was never going to be confirmed into becoming substantive head of the LDF.

This was because his name had loomed large in some of the Kamoli era atrocities. Maj Gen Poopa’s name looms large in Lt-Gen Kamoli’s attempted coup of 30 August 2014 during which the LDF raided police stations, seized arms and killed police officer Sub Inspector Mokheseng Ramahloko.

Maj-Gen Poopa is also suspected of having a hand in the escape of   former National Security Service (NSS) head, Colonel Tumo Lekhooa, whom the police wanted to interrogate. Col Lekhooa is alleged to have fled the country and has not been seen or heard of since.  It is understood that the police had appealed to Maj-Gen Poopa to assist in the arrest of Tumo Lekhooa to no avail.

However, his cooperation with the Thabane administration was fully acknowledged by the government and early this month  – at the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) change of command ceremony – Deputy Prime Minister, Monyane Moleleki, intimated that although he had been retired from the army, a new appointment awaited him  for having “behaved well” during his time in charge of the LDF.

“It will be remiss of me not to thank Maj Gen Lineo Poopa for ensuring that the barracks remained calm and safe as you promised you would on that fateful day of September 5^th 2017 when you and I were in the office of the Right Honourable the Prime Minister.

“As you have seen in the past…. well-behaved Lesotho soldiers have been deployed to different positions in parliament or given national responsibilities to serve their country upon their retirement,” Mr Moleleki said.

The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and National Security, Colonel Tanki Mothae (Retired), had also alluded to the re-deployment of Maj Gen Poopa when he told this publication in January this year that the latter was being retired pending redeployment elsewhere.

A senior BNP member who spoke to this paper on condition of anonymity, because he is not allowed to speak to the press, welcomed Rtd Maj Gen Poopa’s appointment, saying it was a well-deserved reward for “working well with the current government on issues of handing over soldiers suspected of serious crimes to the police”.

The source said the appointment was based on precedence where former soldiers like Lt-Gen Makhula Mosakeng and Maj Gen Phisoane Ramaema were appointed to the Senate after they handed power to a democratically-elected government.

“Maj Gen Anthony Thibeli was also sent to China as ambassador as was the former Commissioner of Police, Jonase Malewa,” the source added.

ABC spokesperson Tefo Mapesela said he was not aware of Rtd Maj Gen Poopa’s appointment and referred all questions to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs because such appointments fell under the ambit of “government policy and not political party issues”.

However, the appointment does not appear to have been well-received by some members of the ABC, with one official saying, “We are setting a bad precedent that soldiers can commit crimes and later work hard to wash themselves off the sins of the past”.

The source further alleged that there were many deserving ABC, BNP, AD and RCL members who could have been appointed instead of Maj Gen Poopa.

For his part, the BNP spokesperson, Machesetsa Mofomobe, said while there would always be different opinions in any coalition government, the most important thing was to ultimately achieve consensus.

“It is very important to gauge the public opinion in our current political climate especially from the masses that voted the current government into power.

“What ought to have been done was to put this (issue of the appointments) into the public domain and the reaction of the populace would have given the government an informed position on the matter,” Mr Mofomobe said.

He however, said that each partner in the coalition government had its own stake in terms of appointments to ministries and embassies, adding it was important for coalition partners to respect other partners’ choices once a decision on an appointment to a particular post is made.

“I don’t think we should cry over this matter when one party has made a decision. So I think if ABC, AD or RCL has nominated him (Rtd Maj Gen Poopa), we should respect that. We don’t have any powers to question our partner because it is their call,” Mr Mofomobe said.

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Tefo Tefo

FORMER Police Commissioner Molahlehi Letsoepa has been added to a list of suspects who will stand trial for the murder of police constable Mokalekale Khetheng.

The others are former Defence Minister and Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) deputy leader Tšeliso Mokhosi and several police officers.

Mr Letsoepa – who was appointed by the Pakalitha Mosisili-led former seven parties coalition government in November 2015 – was sent on an involuntary 90-day leave pending retirement by Prime Minister Thomas Thabane  and he skipped the country shortly afterwards.

Foreign Affairs and International Relations Minister, Lesego Makgothi, revealed in September 2017 that the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) had requested him to return home from South Africa but to no avail as they wanted to question him in connection with the murder of PC Khetheng.

And on Monday, Mr Letsoepa’s name was called out by High Court judge, Justice ‘Maseshophe Hlajoane, along with that of Mr Mokhosi and police officers who include former Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Tšeliso Moerane.

The other accused persons are Senior Superintendent Thabo Tšukulu, Superintendent Mothibeli Mofolo, Inspector Mabitle Matona and Constable Haleokoe Taasoane who are all currently on suspension from the police force. The four police officers were present in court having been brought in from the Maseru Maximum Security Prison where they are detained on remand since last year.

Mr Letsoepa, Mr Mokhosi and Mr Moerane were not present when their names were called. While Mr Letsoepa fled the country, it was however, not disclosed why Mr Mokhosi (who is currently out on bail) and Mr Moerane were not present.  Mr Mokhosi fled to South Africa after he was initially arrested and detained over Constable Khetheng’s murder last year claiming that he had been tortured and his life was in danger.

Police Commissioner Holomo Molibeli said last night that Mr Mokhosi had nonetheless been reporting himself to the police every last Friday of the month as per his bail conditions.

Justice Hlajoane however, ordered all the accused persons, including those that were not present, to appear again before the High Court on 16 April 2018 for the court to set a trial date.

The suspects are charged with murdering Constable Khetheng in March 2016.

PC Khetheng was stationed in Mokhotlong and he was last seen being arrested by his colleagues at a traditional feast in Sebothoane in Leribe on 26 March 2016.

PC Khetheng had been arrested and charged on allegations that he torched the house of his superior in Mokhotlong district where he was deployed.

He was allegedly last seen with Inspector Mofolo, PC Ntoane, PC ‘Mabohlokoa Makotoko and Senior Inspector Matona.

At the time, the LMPS argued that PC Khetheng left the Hlotse police station without permission and they did not know where he was. For its part, the Khetheng family argued that the police knew or ought to know where he was because they arrested him.

His father, Thabo Khetheng, lodged an application before the High Court on 18 July 2016 for the police authorities to produce him dead or alive.

PC Khetheng’s body was subsequently exhumed at Lepereng Cemetery in the Maseru district on 11 August 2017 after the police were granted a court order by the Magistrate’s Court in light of the investigations into his disappearance and suspected murder.

His remains were reburied that same month in his home district of Mokhotlong.

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Lijeng Ranooe

THE Ministry of Small Business Development, Cooperatives and Marketing has signed an agreement with Meraka Lesotho Abattoir (Pty) Ltd that seeks to guarantee local red meat producers a market for their produce.

The deal, which was announced this week by Small Business Minister, Chalane Phori, will allow farmers to sell their livestock such as cattle, sheep and goats to Lesotho’s only national abattoir.

According Mr Phori, the agreement comes on the back of a conscious decision taken by the Ministry to suspend the issuance of import permits for live animals for meat production, in order to protect the local livestock production.

Prior to the agreement, local farmers had no formal market for their livestock, with slaughter houses opting to import from South Africa claiming that local produce was inferior in quality.

Mr Phori said that beginning next week, the livestock would be sold every Wednesday at the abattoir.

He said the arrangement would however, not affect the ongoing monthly animal auctions in the rest of the country’s districts.

Farmers will only be allowed to sell their livestock after producing the necessary proof of ownership. The price of each animal be determined by its weight.

“It is our responsibility as the Ministry to secure markets either locally and internationally for all Lesotho produce,” Mr Phori said, adding, “All Basotho are advised to buy produce in Lesotho in order to support Basotho businesses to ensure economic growth.”

He said his ministry, through its department of marketing, is in the process of building abattoirs in all districts through the support of the Wool and Mohair Promotion Project (WAMPP).

“This will go a long way in improving the lives of Basotho as they will now be assured of earning from sales of their livestock.

“This is a project I believe in because we have made excuses that the quality of our livestock is not good enough to make certain grades of red meat and deprived Basotho of an opportunity to make a living.

“If the only concern is the quality of the livestock, I have confidence that Basotho farmers will seize this opportunity to learn and follow necessary procedures to create healthier livestock so that the value and quality of meat produced in the country improves.”

For his part, Mosito Khethisa who is the Managing Director of Meraka Lesotho Abattoir, said the demand for livestock was high and they needed to purchase more animals from Basotho.

Lerata Pekane, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Small Business Development, said the establishment of the creation of a certain market for livestock would encourage Basotho farmers to produce more livestock in order to improve their lives.

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Bereng Mpaki

PRELIMINARY results of the ongoing coal explorations in Qhalasi in the district of Mohale’s Hoek suggest that Lesotho could soon have its first coal mine.

This was revealed by Kananalo Ntabejane, the Managing Director of Kenco Mining, one of two local companies which partnered with a South African company, Masemanzi Mining Holdings, to prospect for coal in the Qhalasi area last year.

The other local company in the partnership is Sando Investments.

Mr Ntabejane said the prospecting had so far indicated that there were significant coal deposits, adding, “The next step is to do core drilling which will help us to determine the extent to which the coal deposits occur”.

He said this during a recent ceremony where the prospecting companies were formally introduced to the local community by the Minister of Mining, Keketso Sello.

For his part, Mr Sello said the success of the Qhalasi coal project would open up several investment opportunities.

The minister implored the companies to treat the locals with respect and give them first preference in terms of employment once full scale mining operations commenced.

Masemanzi Mining owner, Wonderboy Manzini, promised that locals would be given first preference in terms of employment and they would also be empowered through ancillary developments like electricity, water and sanitation services.

One of the villagers, Joel Khitsane, expressed hope that the proposed mining venture would improve their livelihoods through job creation and mitigate the challenges brought on by the migration to South Africa where most youths were exploited in farms and mines.

Lesotho’s current mineral resource profile is limited to diamonds, sand stone and clay. There are however, prospects for the mining of dolerite, oil, shale gas and coal and exploration rights have already been awarded to some local and foreign companies.

Although it has not been determined whether or not they are commercially viable, coal deposits have been exploited at a small scale in the Qhalasi area for many years by locals who have engaged in open cast mining.

Unregulated excavations have however, not been without tragic consequences as women diggers died after their ‘mine’ collapsed and crushed them in the 1980s.

Several foreign companies have been engaged to prospect in the area for many years but nothing has ever materialised much to the frustration of the locals who yearn for jobs.

A mine in the area would also result in other developments of infrastructure like roads while communities hope the mine would provide electricity facilities as its social responsibility initiative.

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Mohalenyane Phakela

THE Chinese government has pledged an additional M400 million to bring its total funding commitment for the construction of the Maseru Hospital and Eye Clinic to M800 million.

The construction of the new health facility which is expected to benefit at least 400 000 people in Maseru and other districts is set to begin before the end of this year.

China initially pledged M400 million when the two governments signed a funding agreement in December 2017 but the Asian economic giant has since resolved to double the funding commitment as part of its improved development assistance package to Lesotho.

Lesotho is one of several African countries that are benefiting from Chinese development assistance in terms of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) whose last summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in December 2015 with the next one set for September this year in the Chinese capital, Beijing.

China has contributed enormously to Lesotho’s infrastructure development, including the Manthabiseng National Convention Centre, the Parliament, the State Library and Archive, the China-Lesotho Friendship Middle School at Thuathe and the new State House.

Speaking at the recent signing ceremony for the additional funding in Maseru, the Chinese ambassador to Lesotho, Sun Xianghua, said it was important for his government to invest more funds in the proposed health facility as it would cater for at least 400 000 people after its completion.

“Three months ago we signed the first agreement for RMB Yuan 200 million (M400 million) but then after several considerations we have had to review the amount to RMB Yuan 400 million which is about M800 million,” Dr Xianghua said.

“It is crucial to construct the hospital as it will benefit more than 400 000 people not only in Maseru but the neighbouring districts as well. It will be a specialised hospital with high quality health services which will also serve as a training centre for the doctors.”

For his part, Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lesego Makgothi, who signed the new agreement on behalf of the government, said once completed, the new hospital would reduce the strain on the Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital and mitigate many of the challenges faced by the country’s health sector.

“This is a priority project for the government as it will provide first class health services to the residents of Maseru and other districts while reducing the burden on the Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital which is also a referral hospital.

“The generosity of the government and the people of China towards Lesotho which is evident in a several projects will forever be remembered. Their unreserved support for Lesotho’s national developmental efforts is a symbol of the true friendship that exists between our sister countries and their people.”

Mr Makgothi also took the opportunity to express the government’s support for the ‘One China Policy’ which asserts that there is only one country called China despite the existence of two countries using the name, China. There is currently the People’s Republic of China (commonly referred to as just China) whose capital is Beijing and the Republic of China, also known as Taiwan.

The People’s Republic of China regards Taiwan as a renegade province.

“Lesotho wishes to reaffirm its support for the One China Policy and to express our hope that all the remaining territories of the People’s Republic of China will be re-integrated into the mainland so that the Chinese people will prosper as a single homogenous nation,” Mr Makgothi said.

The post M400 million Chinese boost for new hospital appeared first on Lesotho Times.

Mohalenyane Phakela

A COALITION of seven trade unions is demanding a minimum wage of M2000 for all workers.

This translates into a 47 percent salary increase for textile workers and 15 percent for workers in other sectors.

The unions further implored government to classify mining separately from the construction sector, claiming that most mining companies often register under the construction sector to avoid paying higher wages.

The trade union coalition comprises of the Independent Democratic Unions of Lesotho (IDUL), UNITE, National Clothing Textile and Allied Workers Union (NACTWU),Lesotho Wholesalers Catering and Allied Workers Union (LEWCAWU), Lentsoe la Sechaba, Lesotho Workers Association (LEWA) as well as Construction, Mining and Quarrying (CMQ).

Lebonejoang Molefi, the spokesperson of LEWCAWU, recently told the media that the government ignored the recommendations of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to ensure that workers earned a minimum wage of M2000 by 2017, up from the current M1416.

“In January this year, we submitted a proposal to the government to establish new sectors in industry and to review salaries for the next financial year starting on 1 April 2018 and we are waiting to see if the suggestions will be taken on board,” Mr Molefi said.

“In 2012 Lesotho and the ILO conducted a study and the report stipulated that the basic salary in 2012 should have been M1416 and M2000 by 2017.

“But the workers never received the salary increment and it is only those in the wholesale sector that get salaries close to that figure. All sectors should get salary increments to get to M2000.”

The deputy secretary general of the IDUL, May Rathakane,  accused employers of hiding behind false claims of operational challenges whenever workers demanded salary adjustments.

“Whenever workers demand salary increments, employers often state that they do not have means to pay such salaries but they never produce the financial records to prove their claims. We therefore appeal for a commission of inquiry to audit the financial reports of these companies.

“It is no secret that the foreign companies exploit cheap labour. However, we plead that they pay workers salaries that they can survive on,” Mr Rathakane said.

NACTWU secretary general, Samuel Mokhele, also complained about “unbearable” conditions of employment in which workers were often denied maternity leave.

“If a factory worker has been employed for less than a year, she is not entitled to maternity benefits which is not fair. Those who have been employed for more than a year only get six weeks whereas in other professions they get 12 paid weeks.

“Apart from that they are only afforded maternity leave only twice which means that the employer has the power to plan the employee’s family.

The law stipulates that a child’s sick leave also applies to the parent but workers are not allowed paid leave when their children fall sick, forcing them to abandon their jobs to take care of the sick at home,” Mr Mokhele said.

Efforts to get the Minister of Labour and Employment, Keketso Rantšo, were fruitless as her phone went unanswered.

The post Unions demand M2000 minimum wage appeared first on Lesotho Times.

Bereng Mpaki

THE Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mahala Molapo, says the government has made progress towards the expansion of orchards around the country in order to develop a deciduous fruit industry as part of its job creation strategy.

This follows the successful implementation of the World Bank funded Likhothola Fruit Farm, a horticultural project in Mahobong.

The farm produces peaches, apples, apricots and plums with support from the World Bank assisted – Private Sector Competitiveness and Economic Diversification Project (PSCEDP).

The project now supplies major local and South African retail outlets like Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Fruit n Veg and Spar.

Following his recent tour of Likhothola, Mr Molapo, who was accompanied by Trade Minister, Tefo Mapesela, said the government was eager to build on the success of the commercial fruit project and strengthen value chains.

“We are in advanced talks with a private company that has experience in commercial horticulture to oversee this project when it is weaned,” Mr Molapo said.

“The plan is also to give the farmers additional space of 20 hectares to plant different fruits.

“They will also establish a packaging house with cold storages for the purpose of exporting the produce.”

Initially piloted in Mahobong, Qoqolosing and Sehlabeng sa Thuate, producing different varieties of apples, peaches, apricots and plums, it was observed that apart from their exceptional qualities in terms of size, taste and colour, most of the produce also ripens earlier than that from other countries. This has also presented a unique opportunity to fetch premium prices as early products on the market.

The produce is distinctly recognisable by its brand name Mountain Harvest on the market.

The Likhothola Fruit Farm, which occupies 10.73 hectares and accommodates 14, 900 trees was set up by nine farmers in Mahobong.

Mr Molapo said the project would transform Lesotho’s agricultural sector through diversification from the conventional grain production into high yield cash crops that have the potential for self- employment.

“I am impressed with the quality of fruits and we tend to believe that such quality is only found in South African products.

“But today we know that Lesotho can produce this type of fruits and this is remarkable progress we have made as a country.

“I hope the government will do more to provide a level playing field for more people to get involved. Institutions of higher learning can send their students here to learn on how to produce internationally certified fruits so that the products can break into the international market.”

Mr Molapo’s sentiments echoed those of Finance Minister, Moeketsi Majoro, who said in his budget speech last month that the government would support the expansion of orchards in order to create jobs.

“The Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation, Trade and Industry, Small Business and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security working with banks, insurance companies, buyers, and investors will lead the roll out of fruit orchards. Their efforts will build on the successful operation of the Likhothola Orchard in Mahobong, Leribe

“The government is also attempting to lure Dutoit Agri (Pty) Ltd (of South Africa) and other large fruit growers to invest in Lesotho’s virgin fruit industry. Discussions on potential investment will advance in FY2018/19,” Dr Majoro said last month.

Meanwhile, Mr Mapesela said the horticulture project laid the foundation for successful commercial agricultural production in the country. He said he was particularly impressed with a suitability map which notes areas that are suitable for planting fruit trees.

“This also makes it possible for us to do agricultural zoning, which will enable us to produce suitable crops on a massive scale in order to diversify and also industrialise the country,” Mr Mapesela said.

He said the industrialisation and mass production for the domestic and export markets would grow the country’s economy and generate foreign exchange.

“A project like this will ensure that the recently opened fruit and vegetable market centre at Tikoe Industrial Estate has supplies and therefore remains functional,” Mr Mapesela said.

The post Govt eyes massive fruit production appeared first on Lesotho Times.

In this wide ranging interview, the Lesotho Times (LT) Reporter Pascalinah Kabi discusses with Finance Minister, Moeketsi Majoro, on the pros and cons of the re-negotiated Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between Lesotho and the United Kingdom which was concluded in November 2016.

The agreement will come into effect once it has been ratified by the two countries’ parliaments. 

LT: Is the government of Lesotho aware of the ongoing discussions in the UK parliament on the UK/Lesotho DTA? If yes, what is Lesotho doing to play its part in completing its “legislative procedures” as expected by the agreement? When is Lesotho going to begin its legislative procedures as expected by the agreement? If no, now that this has been brought to your attention, what are you going to do to ensure that Lesotho plays its role? 

Dr Majoro: In Lesotho, the Minister of Finance is by law authorised, on behalf of the government of Lesotho, to enter into, amend or terminate   international tax agreements with governments of other countries. For purposes of conclusion of a tax treaty, the process starts with identification of a potential tax partner, after which Cabinet clearance is sought for initiation of negotiations.

Cabinet clearance was accordingly obtained sometime in 2007 for the re-negotiation of the Convention Between the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and Capital Gains, along with negotiation of tax treaties with a score of other countries.

Once treaty negotiations have been concluded, the legislative procedures are initiated to have the treaty in force. Such process starts with the Minister again securing Cabinet clearance for the signing of the agreement as initialled by respective negotiating teams.

The treaty is then signed by both countries – in the case of Lesotho, by the Minister of Finance or authorised representative, for example, an ambassador based in the treaty partner country – before ratification processes are commenced in line with each countries’ constitutional requirements. Thus, whilst it is ideal for the ratification processes to be synchronised in the respective countries, in reality such processes finish at different times.

Following the signing process, another Cabinet clearance is sought to have the treaty ratified. An instrument of ratification will thereafter be sent to the treaty partner as confirmation that the ratification process has been concluded. Depending on which of the two countries last submitted the instrument of ratification, the date of entry will thereafter be agreed based on the date of the last submission.

In between the signing and ratification processes, the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) will be tabled before parliament for information purposes and this is the case with Lesotho. In other words, the DTA is not debated and passed into law like other domestic laws. The UK practice is thus different in this regard. Lesotho is currently in the last part of the process where Cabinet Approval is being sought to have the UK-Lesotho DTA ratified.

LT: As government, are you aware of the implications this agreement has on Lesotho’s revenue earnings should it be enforced? 

Dr Majoro: Lesotho is aware of the implications of the renegotiated agreement.  The key factors underlying the renegotiation were:

• To align the treaty with international developments in international taxation, especially the standards emanating from the OECD and UN Model Conventions that have brought about significant improvements on existing treaties to combat treaty abuse and avoidance of taxes;
• To attend to the ten-year Tax Sparring concession granted to Lesotho by the UK which was due for expiry in 2007. Tax sparring provisions force countries to further reduce their tax base by considering tax incentives provided by other countries. Put differently, the tax sparring provisions in the Lesotho-UK treaty of 1997 required the UK to treat UK residents doing business and enjoying tax concessions in Lesotho as it they were taxed at normal tax rates in Lesotho. In that way, the benefit of tax concessions in Lesotho would be effectively enjoyed by the concerned UK residents and not passed through to the UK government through limitation of international tax credit to those residents to the normal tax rates in Lesotho. Lesotho does not use tax incentives of the nature and extent that justify negotiating tax sparring provisions in the DTAs. At the same time, the UK policy had been to terminate all tax sparring provisions in all its treaties.

LT: How much is Lesotho likely to lose, in terms of FDI, should this agreement enter in force?  

Dr Majoro: The purpose of a tax treaty is to attract foreign direct investment. This can be done by reducing rates, allocating taxing rights between treaty partners, preventing tax discrimination and fiscal evasion. By so doing, tax certainty is enhanced and stability ensured for investors.

It must be noted that the standard rate of tax, which is 25% in Lesotho, is applied on residents of countries with which Lesotho does not have a tax agreement. The   1997 Lesotho-UK DTA had reduced that standard rate on dividends to the withholding tax rate of 10%. Contrary to the perceived fear that the rate of 5% in the DTA yet to be ratified by the two  countries, is likely to adversely affect the FDI, the rate of 10% still applies to general cases of dividend payment. It is only in respect of UK dividends recipients who have a minimum shareholding of 10% of capital of the company paying such dividends who are entitled to a lower rate of 5%. That is, the lower rate applies to recipients who have a beneficial ownership of at least 10% who are entitled to the concessionary rate of 5%.

This is an incentive to encourage equity investment by UK investors, as opposed to debt-financing which erodes domestic taxes due to consequential costs that come with it. The new rate has also introduced the concept of beneficial ownership which ensures that income is taxed in the hands of the ultimate owner and in the process minimising abuse of the treaty.

Prior to 01 July 2009, the UK used to exempt dividends paid by resident companies to resident shareholders. This exemption has since been extended to residents of other countries after that date. Thus, viewed against other countries competing for FDI from the UK, Lesotho would remain highly uncompetitive especially for beneficial owners of equity in foreign companies.

It must be noted that some other countries grant a 0% rate on dividends payable to UK residents in their DTAs with the UK. Thus, the new rate of 5% on those who qualify on the set beneficial ownership threshold, positions Lesotho competitively for UK’s FDI without giving all of Lesotho’s taxing rights.

LT: The agreement was signed under the previous regime. Is the government going ahead of this agreement or are you going to negotiate with the UK government to suspend it and ensure that the 1997 UK/LESOTHO DOUBLE TAXATION CONVENTION remains in place? 

Dr Majoro: The new DTA is going to address deficiencies from the 1997 treaty. The new Government will not lightly interfere with existing tax treaties unless there are critical deficiencies that constitute a vital departure from the government’s policy outlook.

In view of the fact that DTAs are meant to lay down durable tax arrangements for investors, the Government would exercise caution prior to reneging from such arrangements.

Any rash interference with international obligations would, on the contrary, critically negatively affect Lesotho’s investor confidence in general, and not just from the UK, and, consequently, impact on the country’s economy. 

LT: During the UK parliamentary discussions, British legislator, Anneliese Dodds, argued that “it would be helpful to know why the British Government decided to promote mandatory binding arbitration in this agreement through the mechanism of specialist—and, by the way, secret—international courts”.

“That is a new measure in this treaty. It was not in the 1997 version, and, as was mentioned, it appears to be a new measure generally in our double taxation treaties for low-income countries. I am keen to learn whether the UK Government considered the potential barriers that would prevent a low-income country such as Lesotho from representing itself properly in such a court.”

Does the government of Lesotho share the same sentiments of Hon Dodds? 

Dr Majoro: Introduction of the mandatory binding arbitration to the treaty is beneficial for Lesotho in terms of potential investors having the assurance of finality to their disputes. It will open up further opportunities for concerned parties to explore and adopt more effective global measures in dispute resolution. References to decided court cases from elsewhere, can be used to firm up on positions taken.

In adopting the arbitration provision, the Lesotho-UK DTA aligns with international standards provided for under the OECD, UN, ATAF and SADC Model Tax Treaty Agreements, all of which contain the provision on binding arbitration in defined circumstances. The reason for a groundswell towards the arbitration provision is the need to provide certainty and finality is resolution of tax disputes.  Non-resolution of tax disputes has been a growing concern in the tax world and, over time, treaty provisions have been developed to address the issue. It must be remembered that binding arbitration will only be resorted to after mutual agreement procedure (MAP) has not produced results over a given period of time.

Again, a MAP happens only between the tax officials of the tax treaty countries, to the exclusion of the taxpayer (except for provision of underlying information only). Having said so, a majority tax disputes do not go beyond MAP. Thus, a binding arbitration provision is a safety valve of last resort where officials of the two countries cannot resolve issues concerning a taxpayer within a given period of time. In the new Lesotho-UK DTA, arbitration would be resorted to if an issue is not resolved by the officials of the two countries within three years.

It is considered that Lesotho would surely be able to represent itself in arbitration proceedings, regard being had to the amount of tax that would be at stake. For example, if the taxes at stake were to be M1 billion, Lesotho would not hesitate to spend even a M1 million to recover such amount. Arbitration proceedings open up opportunities to secure the best talent available in the international market in pursuit of the best interests of the country.

Dr Majoro: The Table below shows some of the benefits, apart from dividends and mandatory binding arbitration explained above, that are going to be derived from the new agreement as opposed to the old one.

The post Re-negotiated tax deal will benefit Lesotho: Majoro appeared first on Lesotho Times.

Mamohlakola Letuka

FOR many years, artistes have used different materials to come up with different forms of visual artefacts. So diverse are the materials used that it is easy to come up with a new one each time one visits a gallery.

One such artiste who has taken experiments to another dimension is Pretoria based Mosotho, Seithleko “Seeizy” Seithleko, who has made a name for using salt in his art.

Where others have stretched their imagination and creativity to use all forms of beads, seeds, stones, wood and even litter, the Naleli born Seeizy says art has always been part of his life.

The artist who made waves locally after sharing American singer, Drake’s, salt portrait recalls his first drawing in pre-school.

“I was still in crèche, I remember, and I drew a purple cat that I was so proud of,’ he said.

“It was the first piece of art I took home and my mother also took a liking. I still have the image locked at the back of my head.”

Although he was young, the artist recalls the pride in his mother’s eyes when she saw the art work and would always brag to her friends.

He said he got encouragement to continue and graduated to cartooning and cars in his books through primary and secondary school.

Yet back then, art was just about having fun and exploring for him, until his family and friends started complementing his work.

After matric, he then took a year to focus on his talent and drew hordes of portraits.

“I did a lot of sketches during that time, and I fell deeper in love with visual arts,” he said.

Despite being a good artist, he never thought he would become famous for visual arts but instead, music, basketball or soccer as he also excelled in those areas.

“God blessed me with a lot of talent, most of which a lot of people don’t even know about. I always thought I’d grow up to be known for one of three things, either football, basketball or music,” Seeizy said.

“To me art was just about having fun and exploring in the beginning until I started getting compliments from my family for my work.

“My family’s support gave me confidence to put my work on social media and I never looked back from then.”

But how did the salt craft start?

The artist said he was inspired by salt pieces by an American artist that he saw on Facebook.

“It all started with a post I saw on Facebook. An American artist had done this wonderful piece of art using salt, and I was intrigued,” Seeizy said.

“I had never seen before. It was mind blowing and unique. I gave it a try and immediately fell in love with it. It is quick and easy for me.”

He said he also uses art as a therapy that he falls back on each time life knocks him down.

“Art is a culture, it is something I fall back on, especially in times of depression. It is more therapeutic than work.

“It is a way to express myself when words fail me and when I draw, I create my own world. It becomes a different world for me and there is always a sense of peace and calmness from drawing.”

He said art has helped him view life from a different perspective and has increased his patience.

Seeizy said he has learnt to follow his instincts and passions and that he has managed to gain support from the public, gives him joy.

“The support from Basotho and foreigners is overwhelming, I am touched by the love I have received,” he said.

Although he sells his work, the young artist says art is his long-term investment for him and he was focused on his brand more than income at this stage.

Visual art forms include ceramics, drawing, painting, sculptures, printmaking design, crafts, photography, video, filmmaking and architecture among many others.

It has also been used as a mode of communication in Africa and one can still find drawings and paintings by different tribes like the Khoisan in caves all over the continent.

The post Seeizy makes waves through salt art appeared first on Lesotho Times.

Bereng Mpaki

THE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lesego Makgothi says Lesotho and Turkey are committed to implementing the Economic Cooperation Agreement that the two countries signed in 2016.

Mr Makgothi said this in an interview with the Lesotho Times this week in the wake of his visit to Turkey from 20 to 22 March.

During his visit, Mr Makgothi held bilateral discussions with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu which centred on the implementation of the stalled deal which was signed during the tenure of the former seven parties’ coalition government that was headed by Dr Pakalitha Mosisili.

The economic cooperation agreement is aimed at strengthening trade between the two countries and enable Lesotho to expand and diversify its products and services.

The bi-lateral economic agreement also provides for the establishment of a bi-national commission, which would meet periodically to assess the economic cooperation between the two countries. However, the commission has not been established to date.

Mr Makgothi expressed optimism that this would soon change, saying they agreed during his visit to work on implementing the economic cooperation agreement.

He blamed the previous government for failing to ensure its implementation.

“After the agreement was signed, it was not implemented, particularly on our side,” Mr Makgothi said.

“During my visit to Turkey, we agreed on the modalities of operationalising it in the shortest possible time.”

He said they also agreed to open embassies in both countries to support the implementation of the agreement. Currently, Lesotho and Swaziland are served by the Turkish embassy which is situated in Pretoria, South Africa.

Last September, Turkey’s Ambassador to Lesotho, Elif Çomoğlu Ülgen told this publication that her country would open a separate embassy in Lesotho rather operate from South Africa.

Ambassador Çomoğlu Ülgen said the move would strengthen diplomatic ties, increase the level of development cooperation and boost economic partnerships.

She said there was a long history of Turkey-Lesotho relations dating back to 1995, adding that her country expected development cooperation and boost economic partnerships to accelerate once the Turkish government opened a separate embassy in Maseru.

In another development, Mr Makgothi and his Turkish counterpart signed a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultation and the training of diplomats of Lesotho by Turkey.

The post Lesotho-Turkey to revive economic deal appeared first on Lesotho Times.

Bereng Mpaki

REPRESENTATIVES of the Maseru Securities Market (MSM) have bemoaned the fact that there is still no registered company on the bourse despite road shows and bilateral meetings with prospective clients since the launch of the bourse in January 2016.

They said there were several benefits that the companies could access by joining the MSM which is yet to list a single company despite extensive sensitisation and financial literacy programmes.

Currently incubated within the Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL), the securities market was created to facilitate a centralised trading of financial securities to encourage the wider share ownership of previously privatised companies in Lesotho as well as facilitate raising of medium to long-term capital.

Speaking to Lesotho Times this week, Section Head of Domestic Markets Development at CBL, Motebang Mphi, said prior to MSM establishment, there were indications of the need of such a facility.

This was evidenced by the fact that some of the local companies had started to offer part of their shares for subscription by the public to raise capital and fund their operations.

Mr Mphi said buyers of shares and financial securities often do not have the means to exit such companies even when they wish to do so. He said they also cannot go back to the companies that issued them as that would entail drawing down of their capital.

“But through a stock exchange it is very possible and easy to find buyers willing to invest in such companies,” Mr Mphi said.

“For a company to list it should have a vision to grow or expand into new markets or products and believe in benefits of listing, like the ability and ease of raising capital, and in that case they will come to MSM to list their securities and find investors.”

When a company lists on a stock exchange, it also enhances its reputation and grows its footprint within the country, regionally and across the globe.

Mr Mphi said however, the main reason companies list on the stock exchange was to raise funds and spread the risk of ownership among a group of shareholders.

“Spreading the risk of ownership is especially important when a company grows, with the founding shareholders willing to cash in some of their profits while still retaining a percentage of the company,” he said.

He said MSM stands ready to assist any company on the procedure necessary to be followed in order to eventually register, as the process can be cumbrous and, sometimes lengthy.

“As MSM, we want companies to come and register, and we are ready to guide any company on what steps to follow until it is listed.”

He said some companies had shown interest and discussions to list with MSM were at an advanced stage.

‘Mabakoena Moonyane, also from the MSM, added that the idea of shedding part of their share ownership remained a challenge for some companies as owners seem to fear losing control of their businesses.

She further indicated that with continued dialogue with the private sector, that mindset was gradually changing.

“This is a new initiative and some companies appear reluctant to give up part of their share ownership because they believe they will lose control of their companies. But this does not have to be the case as founding shareholders can still hold on to a majority stake and offer the rest to aspiring shareholders to enable the business to grow.”

Mr Mphi further indicated that one of the ways to promote the uptake of the bourse was through divesting the government shareholding in some of the privatised enterprises indicted by Finance Minister, Moeketsi Majoro, in the 2018/19 financial year budget speech last month.

“The MSM can be a powerful vehicle to raise capital and dilute the government’s holding of shares in privatised companies.

“During 2018, Government will finalise a plan to recapitalise the Lesotho PostBank directly through the Maseru Securities Market by allowing Basotho to buy shares that were initially held by government. A broad assessment of an equity dilution strategy will be undertaken with a view to opening up direct shareholding to our people,” Dr Majoro said at the time.

Former Trade and Development Planning ministry Principal Secretary, Majakathata Mokoena Thakhisi, said that, “Stock exchanges in other countries are driven by the private sector”.

The post Companies shun the stock exchange appeared first on Lesotho Times.

Mamohlakola Letuka

LESOTHO-BORN gospel musician, Nano Nenungwi, left revelers spellbound when she performed at the annual Unrestricted Worship Concert held at Victory Hall Maseru last weekend.

The concert was meant to promote her debut album Unrestricted Worship Volume 1 in the country which was launched in 2016.

The tour was initially scheduled for December 2017 but was however postponed after it clashed with the schedule of the Pretoria based medical doctor whose weekend show was her debut locally.

“This is home, I am always here singing in churches and conferences but had never held a concert before,” Dr Nano said.

“The love that I received here has made me value family and taught me that family is everything.”

She expressed gratitude to her husband whom she said was the force behind her musical career.

“My husband forced me into recording this album. He has always been the manager while I am the voice. He is behind everything, from the songs on the album to the recordings and everything, he is my producer and manger.”

Her husband persuaded her to consider recording, but she declined citing her busy schedule, but being passionate, he found ways to ensure that she recorded.

In his honour, she bowed to him in the traditional Venda way as a sign of respect and appreciation for him.

Dr Nano’s husband said he pushed her to record after the realisation that most singers were in the music industry for fame and not for the glorification of God.

“Worship is a lifestyle not a hobby and I know my angel lives by the values of Christianity, also she is very talented,” Mr Nenungwi said.

He said they decided on the title Unrestricted Worship since they believed that it was important to worship anyhow without any restrictions.

Lefuno Buda, one of the guest artistes, said Lesotho had made a first good impression on him.

“I have performed throughout South Africa but had never encountered such an amazing audience,” Buda said.

The show coincided with that of renowned South African group Joyous Celebration that performed at Setsoto Stadium and Buda said the response surpassed their expectations.

The post Dr Nenunguwi wows at debut Lesotho gig appeared first on Lesotho Times.

Mamohlakola Letuka

EXPECTATIONS are high in camp for the twelve finalists that are scheduled to contest for the Face of Lesotho crown this Sunday at Leribe English Medium School.

Activities leading to the pageant include hiking at Tsikoane Mountain in Leribe tomorrow to encourage domestic tourism in line with the motive of initiative to promote heritage and culture.

The pageant is open to ladies from the ages of 17 to 24 years and winners join other contestants from across the globe in the Face of Beauty International to be held in Philippines later this year.

Organisers said this year they initially had 22 contestants who have been reduced to 12 via online voting platforms.

The contestants are scheduled to get into boot-camp in Leribe where among other activities, the models will take part in community work.

Machesetsa Phakiso, organiser of the pageant told the Weekender that the event was meant to groom local models so that they can stand a better chance on the international platform.

Last year, the Face of Lesotho crown was won by the then 20-year-old Michelle Tau after she beat 16 others.

Tau represented Lesotho at the Face of Beauty International contest in New Delhi, India, last year where she was crowned second runner up at the pageant.

“We have grown over the years and last year our participant came third out of 92 in India,” Phakiso said.

Phakiso however, said the modelling sector still faces funding challenges and pleaded with the relevant stakeholders to consider investing in the modelling.

“We still need funds and most sponsors are not keen to invest in the beauty industry.”

He said modelling has helped girls over the years to stay responsible and invest their time into community charity work.

“For one to join the campaign, they have to be part of a community initiative, we need responsible people,” Phakiso said.

The post Face of Lesotho on Sunday appeared first on Lesotho Times.

…appeal board calls for de-registration of players  

Mikia Kalati

PREMIER League giants, Bantu, have lost their appeal against the Lesotho Football Association’s disciplinary committee’s guilty verdict for the fraudulent use of foreign players.

Bantu were found guilty of registering four more than the stipulated five foreign players when they fielded Thabo Selisa, Itumeleng Falene, Molaoa Pheko and Phumoha Matsipa in their December 2017 match against Lioli.

Lioli contested and won the case and were eventually awarded the three points and three goals from the game.

Bantu reacted by lodging an appeal and argued that Lioli had fraudulently acquired the evidence used in the case.

This was after South African home affairs official found himself in the storm involving the two teams having written an affidavit agreeing that he had fraudulently issued the birth certificates of the four players. He later withdrew the initial letter.

The Lesotho Times is in position of the two letters.

The disciplinary committee said it had found that the four players are South Africans who had previously registered and played for teams in the Free State province.

The protests and disputes body had also established from the evidence presented by Lioli that the players were also in possession of fraudulent Lesotho national identity documents which were all issued in 2017.

“It is untenable that one and the same player can be a citizen of a different countries hence we recommend to the National Executive Committee of the Lesotho Football Association to follow and investigate this matter further so that if there are any illegality ridding the obtaining of these national identity documents then the culprits must be brought to book,” the judgement said.

“We cannot afford to have the good name of the LeFA tainted through such illegalities, if any, the NEC should ensure that the association as well as the entire soccer fraternity is not brought into disrepute

“If this kind of behaviour of behaviour is not curbed at this early stage, the association will certainly face dire consequences.

Meanwhile, the Appeals Board yesterday ordered that the four Bantu players be de-registered from Lesotho football and that disciplinary processes be launched against the entire committee of the Mafeteng outfit.

“The appeal is dismissed and Lioli is awarded three (3) points and three goal (3) goals,” the statement from Appeal’s Board reads.

“All these four players be de-registered. Disciplinary process be launched against the entire committee of Bantu.

“Costs of this Appeal are awarded to Lioli FC in the amount of M3000.”

Falene, who has also played for the Lesotho national team during the 2017 COSAFA Cup held in South Africa had an impressive debut season at Bantu playing a vital role as the team clinched the league title.

He was found to have been registered for FC Hunters in the ABC Motsepe League with the identity number 9112115454088.

Selisa, who has been the club’s first choice goalkeeper over the last two seasons was also found to have played for the same team using identity number 8708215473083.

Molaoa and Phumoha also played for FC Hunter using 9407256146083 and 9302076246082 respectively.

The post Bantu lose appeal case appeared first on Lesotho Times.

Mikia Kalati

THE inclusion of two South African players, Teboho Lilane and Moloisane Ramasimong, in the Likuena squad by coach, Moses Maliehe, for friendlies against Botswana and Namibia hit a snag at the 11^th hour when the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) developed cold feet.

This was mainly attributed to the on-going Bantu FC scandal where Lioli challenged the Mafeteng side’s irregular registration of foreign players.

I am not worried about the case but the confusion that has emanated from this scandal has disrupted the plans of the national team.

First of all, I do not see anything wrong if Maliehe called the players and they were willing to switch allegiance to Lesotho instead of South Africa.

Both are playing for local teams and have been on top of their game through-out the season.

In the case of Ramasimong, it took him time to settle after he joined the club last season, but he has been a marvel to watch for A Matšo Matebele this season.

He was outstanding in the CAF Champions League home loss to Mbabane Swallows at Setsoto Stadium in February to prove that he is also a player for the big occasions.

I understand why the Likuena coach is tempted to have him play for Lesotho along with Lilane.

Frankly speaking, their chances of representing South Africa are slim given that the country has a bigger pool of players to choose from.

Surely, they could give a few good years for Likuena.

This practice of switching allegiances has become popular world-wide and the football governing body, FIFA, has also made the rules flexible because they are aware of challenges that players go through in different stages of the game.

This flexibility has become helpful for most African players who go to Europe at an early age or are born in that part of the world and are tempted to represent these developed countries.

A noticeable example is Wilfred Zaha of Côte d’Ivoire, who earlier in his career had decided to play for England turning out for their youth teams as well as the senior team in a friendly match.

The winger, later, through the help of the Ivorian Football Federation, wrote to FIFA to switch allegiance from England to Côte d’Ivoire, his country of birth.

Then there is Diego Costa, he played twice for his native Brazil in 2013, but later declared his desire to represent Spain, having been granted Spanish citizenship in September 2013. He made his debut for his adopted nation in March 2014, and represented them at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

All I am saying is that we have football administrators who know all the procedures to be followed if they see the need for Likuena to utilise the services of the two players and any other foreign players playing in the country, who might be interested in playing for Likuena.

Yes, I agree that at this stage, the timing might not be right based on this case involving Bantu and Lioli, but it’s something that the association should consider going forward because I think some of the players can give the national team coaches options.

At the same time, I also understand worries of football pundits who were unhappy with the exclusion of Setho Moshoeshoe and Rethabile Selonyane of Liphakoe and Linare respectively.

The two strikers are among forwards fighting for the Golden Boot in the Econet Premier League and I think they have also done enough to have at least been given a chance to show what they can do at the national team level.

Of course, the Likuena coach has promised to give them a chance and I hope he keeps his word because scoring goals has been one of the worries for the national team.

The post Nothing wrong with switching allegiances appeared first on Lesotho Times.

Mikia Kalati

THE newly elected Lesotho Netball Association (LNA) president, Sheila Moluoane, has vowed to improve the standards of the sport in the country following her election on Sunday at Victoria Hotel, in Maseru.

Moluoane replaced her former boss, Moipoine Mashale, who decided not stand for re-election.

Mashale had told this paper ahead of the elections that she had done her part and it was time to bring new ideas.

Moluoane said on top of her agenda would be the enhancement of competitiveness of the sport in the country and provision of resources for teams outside Maseru.

“I want to see the sport growing in the districts because I have learned from my time traveling around the country that we are blessed with talent,” Moluoane said.

“We even have the height that we have always complained about in international games”

Moluoane told the Lesotho Times that her love for netball comes from her days in primary school and she continued with the sport through different stages until tertiary education level.

“From my time playing the sport in primary school, I have never looked back and have always been involved in netball.

“I have coached to help out young players after my retirement as a player until I moved into the management side of the game,” she told this publication.

“It is then that I joined the Lerotholi Polytechnic netball team when I was employed there.

“I helped the team become competitive and it was from my involvement at the institution that I earned a place in the netball association where I served as the treasurer for two terms before being elected as the president,” she said.

She said her exposure at the LNA will help her hit the ground running as she is abreast with the issues in the organisation.

“I think that is the one advantage that I have, because I do not have to waste any time trying to settle.”

She however, admitted that her committee faces an uphill task to lure the corporate world into netball.

“One of the major challenges is that we need financial support to help us on this journey. We have sponsors that are already on board and what is important is keep them closer and look for more to make our life easier as the association.

“Securing sponsors can help us a great deal in the improvement of the level of competition and facilities country wide.”

The new committee’s biggest assignment in the upcoming months would be the improvement of Lesotho’s performance in the continental competition after a poor showing in 2017.

The rest of the committee: Vice President: Lineo Palime

Secretary General: Anna Shale

Vice Secretary General: Puseletso Maisa

Treasurer: Keketso Mokitimi

Director Development: Telang Machela

PRO -Media: Boiketlo Hanyane

PRO-Marketing: Masoetsa Liphapang

Central Rep: Matsepo ‘Musi

North Rep: Mamahali Khohleli

South Rep: Tsebo Maliehe.

The post New netball boss promise changes appeared first on Lesotho Times.

Mikia Kalati

KICK4LIFE striker, Nkoto Masoabi, says he is confident that he will be crowned the Econet Premier League top goal this season despite a close chase by Matlama’s Motebang Sera and Linare’s Rethabile Selonyane.

The Likuena striker has 11 goals while Selonyane is hard on his heels with 10 goals and his Likuena teammate, Sera, is third on the list with nine goals.

Masoabi told the Lesotho Times that he has the experience required for him to bag the award despite the close contest.

“I think I have gathered enough experience to go all the way,” Masoabi said.

“If you recall in the last two seasons, I won back to back top goal scorer awards in the LNIG Top 8 and in 2013 I was the runner-up in the league, so I think I will do it.”

The lanky striker said the motivation for him this season is to improve with every game he plays and become a better player.

He also praised his coach, Leslie Notši, and said the he has created a conducive environment at Kick4Life.

“I think the motivation for me to perform so well and score goals at Kick4Life is that as a player, I always go to the training ground to rectify my mistakes from the past games just to improve,” Masoabi said.

“So, I think I am getting back to my best again where I am scoring goals regularly and I am motivated to be a better player with each game.

“Indeed, the coach has helped me a lot and has made a huge contribution to the way I have been performing. If you remember I was out for six months nursing an injury in my first year at the club. It was difficult to comeback, but he motivated me.”

The Quthing born striker said he was also focused to cement his place in the national team after he toured with the squad that played Botswana and Namibia in the recent round of international friendlies.

“It is always good to play for your country. It gives me the exposure to go play internationally. I think it is a good reward for me to work hard and I have been a better player since I joined Kick4Life,” Masoabi said.

The post Masoabi relishes golden boot race appeared first on Lesotho Times.

Mikia Kalati

A DIVISION sides, Galaxy and Swallows, are on the verge of winning promotion to the top flight in the next two weeks.

The Hlotse-based Galaxy, who currently lead the Northern Stream A Division standings have a chance of securing promotion when they face second placed Litšilo on Saturday.

Galaxy have 33 points with two games to go.

The team is coached by former Matlama player, Thabang Busa.

On the other hand, Litšilo can also go on top if they win Saturday’s clash before the last game of the season.

At the bottom of the table in the Northern Stream, are former premier league side Mphatlalatsane is in danger of being relegated to the B division.

Meanwhile, in the South Stream, Swallows have a good chance of returning to top flight football as they lead the league with 34 points ahead of Lithabaneng Golden FC in the second position with 30 points.

The Mazenod side are also two games behind and can move towards promotion with a win in their away game to Quthing LMPS this Saturday.

The match had to be ca was washed away by heavy rains some weeks back and will be replayed this weekend.

Swallows have 34 points in the bag ahead of Golden who have 31 with just one match to go.

A Division Management Committee (ADMACO) public relations officer, Mothusi Letsie, admitted that the league is poised for a photo finish.

“We have two games to go in the Northern Stream, but we have a game that is likely to decide the single automatic spot this Saturday in Leribe,” Letsie said.

“We are in a situation where if Galaxy win their match on Saturday, they would have qualified into the premier league, but if it’s Litšilo on the winning side then it goes to the wire in their respective last matches.

“At the bottom, it’s pretty much over for Mphatlalatsane as they have to win with a big margin in the last matches if Likila does not get a draw in their match against Limkokwing FC.”

He said Rovers are also destined for demotion with two matches left as Qoaling Highlanders who sit second from last were not out of their reach in the southern stream.

The University side were relegated from top flight football last season and keep sliding further down.

Letsie also commended all the teams for an entertaining season and said there were few off the field incidents that threatened the sanity of the league.

He said they await a decision from the football governing body LeFA and the Premier League Management Committee (PLMC) over a pending decision as to how many teams would be relegated from the league.

This is after Sandawana were disqualified from the premier league for failure to honour some of its matches.

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