News

The battle for Mahobong

Published

6 years ago

November 23, 2018

MASERU – SOME 120km north-east of Maseru lies Mahobong, a rural constituency in which villagers still scrounge for a living through subsistence farming.
Apart from a few “development” projects, there appears to be nothing much to write home about Mahobong.
A state-of-the-art tarred road that snakes down from Hlotse town, about 18km away, appears to be the only sign of modernity.
For some villagers, the horse remains the only trusted means of transport to take them deeper into the mountainous valleys.
Most villagers here still eke a living from tilling the soil.

Some have no access to electricity or clean water.
Promises by politicians that they would provide clean water and electricity have remained unfulfilled for decades.
The result, for most people, has been utter disillusionment with Lesotho’s politics.

It was this constituency that Prime Minister Thomas Thabane “invaded” last weekend in an attempt to sell his own All Basotho Convention (ABC) party.
Thabane had to do so as Mahobong has remained fiercely loyal to Mothetjoa Metsing’s Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) party for the past two decades.
It was not a surprise that even as the ABC swept all constituencies in Leribe district in the last elections, the people of Mahobong remained a “stubborn lot” by voting for Thabane’s nemesis – Metsing.

Metsing crushed the ABC’s Fonane Sello to win the seat despite that Thabane had campaigned heavily against Metsing in the run-up to the election.
Metsing won 4 663 votes against Sello’s 3 354.
This is an “anomaly” that Thabane is now trying to fix, by selling his vision to the people of Mahobong in a rehearsal for the next elections in 2022.

Metsing has been an absent MP for Mahobong for the past year after he fled Lesotho into exile in South Africa claiming his life was in danger.
But thanks to SADC mediation, Metsing could finally return home on Sunday after the regional bloc guaranteed his personal safety.
There could be several reasons why Mahobong has been fiercely loyal to Metsing.

For a start, Metsing hails from the constituency and is therefore seen as a “son of the soil”.
The government’s social programmes, such as old age pensions and free primary school education, were introduced when his LCD was in power in the late 1990s until 2012 when the party split.
It is those programmes that made Metsing and his party the “darling of the masses” in rural constituencies.

Although the LCD is now a shadow of its former self after it lost power, there is still some residual thinking among villagers that it was the party that did so much for marginalised Basotho.
That perhaps explains why Metsing, in spite of the relentless propaganda against him, retains a significant electoral base within Mahobong.
And it would appear Thabane is alive to this residual support that Metsing still commands in his home constituency.

It was precisely for these reasons that the premier took the battle to Metsing’s constituency last weekend.
Thabane’s message was simple, yet persuasive – it is time to dump the LCD and Metsing and the government will in return provide key social services to the people of Mahobong.
It was a charming message that found lots of takers within Mahobong.

Thabane made it clear that he was not happy that his ABC lost to Metsing in last year’s elections.
“I am not happy with that and to you all Mahobong residents, make sure that this constituency is taken by the ABC next time,” Thabane said.
Thabane told the party faithful that he wants to fulfill his electoral pledge to start paying old age pensions when they reach 65. Currently the pension is only eligible to those over 70 years.
“I am working hard to fulfill the promises I made to Basotho,” he said. “I never promise Basotho development projects and then fail to deliver.”

Thabane said Leribe district needs water, electricity and roads. This was a message that was clearly couched for the people of Mahobong.
“I will work hard to bring change in service delivery because that is exactly what Basotho deserve, I will also make sure that jobs are created,” he added.
The unemployment rate in Lesotho currently stands at around 45 percent, according to government statistics.

Thabane was swept into power on the back of promises that he would provide jobs to thousands of unemployed graduates, a feat that is proving difficult in 15 months he has been in power.
Thabane promised to create 3 000 jobs at the new Ha-Belo textile factories in Butha-Buthe.
“After the full construction is done 14 500 Basotho will get jobs,” he said.

He also pledged to improve the health delivery services in Hlotse saying “Motebang Hospital will be the second referral hospital soon” after Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital in Maseru.
Thabane said the government will soon begin work on the 16km Mapholaneng to Polihali road next month.
He ordered the Minister of Water, Samonyane Ntsekele and Finance Minister Moeketsi Majoro to work hand-in-hand to solve the water crisis in Leribe district.

Thabane also threatened to unleash the army and police to patrol Lesotho’s borders with South Africa to stop stock theft.
It was a message that was met with raucous ululations from some women at the rally.

Nthole Seema, a resident of Mahobong, said he was quite pleased with the government because it is keeping its electoral promises.
“By addressing the issue of elderly people’s pensions, it is clear that the government is trying to fulfil its promises,” Seema said.
Seema also said he is just a few years away from the age of 65 and is looking forward to receiving a government pension.
“Most people of my age are unemployed therefore the age reduction will help us a lot,” he said.

He said the Prime Minister had also delivered on a key promise to some villages in Mahobong by connecting houses to the national electricity grid.
“We are still expecting other developments like water and roads in some villages but we are satisfied so far,” he said.
Seema said his only concern was what appeared to be the marginalisation of ABC youths when it comes to jobs.
“We are not happy because it is only the Alliance of Democrats youths who are getting jobs,” Seema said.

He said while the ABC was working together with other political parties in the coalition “that does not mean they should be put first, we should be equal”.
Seema admitted that de-campaigning Metsing was a big challenge “because he comes from this constituency”.
“We are trying everything in our power to win the constituency. Had they not collaborated with the DC (Democratic Congress), Mahobong would have been won by the ABC,” he said.
’Masontaha Kao, another resident, bemoaned the constituency’s poor state but said she was comforted by Thabane’s promises.

Kao also said it was gratifying that electricity is now being installed in Ha-Seetsa, one of the villages in Mahobong.
“The only thing left now is roads and water,” Kao said.
She said “the issue of old age pensions is very important to us because there are no jobs”.

She also said they travel long distances to get drinking water because there are a few taps in the constituency.
“We have always voted like other citizens.”
It’s time that we too are noticed, she said.

Agriculture Minister, ABC’s Mahala Molapo, from the neighbouring Thaba-Phatšoa constituency, said he was not happy with the pace of change in the whole of Leribe district.

“We have to join hands together as Leribe MPs to solve the challenges facing our district because we are aware that our government inherited low funds from the past government,” he said.
Molapo also said Leribe is the breadbasket of Lesotho and more should be done to boost agriculture in the district.

Nkheli Liphoto

News

Knives out for Molelle

Published

5 days ago

January 13, 2025

The Post

MASERU

KNORX Molelle’s appointment as the Director General of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) in February 2023 could have been illegal.

The Law Society of Lesotho has told Prime Minister Sam Matekane that Molelle was appointed without being admitted as a legal practitioner in Lesotho, as required by law.

The society claims the information came from a whistleblower on January 2 and was corroborated by its roll of legal practitioners in Lesotho.

The society says the appointment violates section 4 of the Prevention of Corruption and Economic Offences Act 1999 which states that a person shall not be appointed as the DCEO director general unless they have been admitted as a legal practitioner in terms of the Legal Practitioners Act.

In the letter, Advocate Ithabeleng Phamotse, the society’s secretary, tells Matekane that this requirement “is not a mere procedural formality but a substantive qualification essential to the lawful appointment of the Director General”.

“The absence of such qualification fatally impairs the appointment ab initio, rendering it null and void from the outset,” Advocate Phamotse says in the letter written on Tuesday.

The society argues that if left unaddressed the illegality undermines the credibility, effectiveness and legality of the DCEO’s operations and exposes the kingdom to serious risks, including challenges to the lawfulness of decisions and actions made by Molelle.

“Should it be confirmed that the appointment was made in contravention of the mandatory legal requirements,” Advocate Phamotse said, “we respectfully urge you to take immediate corrective action to rectify this glaring irregularity”.

Advocate Phamotse tells the prime minister that if the appointment is not corrected, the society would be “left with no alternative but to institute legal proceedings to protect the interests of justice and uphold the rule of law in Lesotho”.

“We trust that you will accord this matter your highest priority and act decisively to avert further damage to the integrity of our governance structures.”

The Prime Minister’s spokesman, Thapelo Mabote, said they received the letter but Matekane had not yet read it yesterday.

Matekane is on leave and is expected back in the office on January 14.

Questions over the validity of his appointment come as Molelle is being haunted by the damaging audio clips that were leaked last week.

The clips were clandestinely recorded by Basotho National Party leader, Machesetsa Mofomobe.

In some of the clips, Molelle appears to be describing Matekane and his deputy Justice Nthomeng Majara as idiots. He also appears to be calling Law Minister Richard Ramoeletsi a devil.

In other clips, he seems to be discussing cases. thepost has not independently verified the authenticity of the audio clips.

Staff Reporter

News

Massive salary hike for chiefs

Published

5 days ago

January 13, 2025

The Post

MASERU

THE government has increased the salaries for traditional leaders by a massive 88.5 percent.

This means that a village chief not appointed by a gazette will now earn M3 001 a month, up from the previous salary of M1 592. That means village chiefs will now earn an extra M1 409 per month.

A village chief, or headman, appointed by a gazette has moved from M1 966 to M3 567 per month.

Above a village chief is one with jurisdiction over a small cluster of villages, a category three chief, who now moves from M3 768 to M5 181 per month.

A category four chief, known as ward chief, has moved from M4 455 per month to M7 993.

The category five chief, who reports directly to a principal chief, will now earn M10 674, up from M9 939 per month.

There is no increment for principal chiefs.

The government says the budget for chiefs’ salaries has moved from M129.4 million to M208.3 million annually.

The hike follows a series of discussions between the Lesotho Workers Association, representing the chiefs, and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship.

The revised salaries will be implemented with effect from April 1, 2025.

According to the settlement agreement, a discussion about raising the lowest salary of M6 000 for the lowest-ranking chiefs will be revisited in October 2025.

Chiefs who spoke to thepost have expressed satisfaction with the hike, saying it will significantly improve their lives.

Chief Mopeli Matsoso of Ha-Tikoe in Maseru said his previous salary of M1 500 per month would now be doubled, which would improve his life and help provide smoother services to the community.

He stressed that they used to close the offices while going out looking for jobs to compensate for their little salaries.

“Now the people will get smoother services,” Chief Matsoso said.

“The offices will forever be open,” he said.

Chief Matsoso said the salary hike will also serve as a motivation for other chiefs.

Chief Tumo Majara of Liboping, Mokhethoaneng, also expressed his gratitude.

Chief Majara acknowledge the positive impact the salary review would have, especially as a new officeholder.

“I guess we are all happy, that review will help a lot,” he said.

The Principal Chief of Thaba-Bosiu, Khoabane Theko, said the salary increase of chief is a welcome move by the government.

“I’m yet to study how the new salary structure looks like. But I welcome it as a good move by the government,”Chief Theko said.

Nkheli Liphoto

News

Maqelepo says suspension deeply flawed

Published

5 days ago

January 13, 2025

The Post

MASERU

Motlatsi Maqelepo, the embattled Basotho Action Party (BAP) deputy leader and Tello Kibane, who was the party chairman, have rejected their suspension from the party arguing it was legally flawed.

The BAP’s central executive committee on Tuesday suspended Maqelepo for seven years and Kibane for five years. The suspensions became effective on the same day.

The party’s disciplinary committee which met last Wednesday had recommended an expulsion for the two but that decision was rejected with the committee pushing for a lengthy suspension.

Maqelepo’s suspension will end on January 7, 2032 while Kibane’s will run until January 7, 2030.

Their suspension letters from the BAP deputy secretary general Victoria Qheku, say they should not participate in any of the party’s activities.

“In effect, you are relieved of your responsibility as a CEC member and BAP deputy leader,” Maqelepo was told in the letter.

“You were found guilty by default on all charges and the committee recommended your immediate dismissal from the party,” the letter reads.

On Kibane, the verdict states that the committee decided to mitigate the recommended sanction by reducing his suspension to five years.

“In the gravity of the charges, the suspension affects your membership in the BAP parliamentary caucus from which you are removed as a chairman.”

They were suspended in absentia after they refused to attend the disciplinary hearing, which they said was illegal.

In response to the suspension, Maqelepo wrote a letter addressing the BAP members in general, defying the committee’s decision to suspend them.

He has called for a special conference, appealing to party constituencies to push for it, citing the ongoing internal fight that includes the leadership’s decision to withdraw the BAP from the coalition government.

Maqelepo also said the central executive committee is illegally in a campaign to dissolve committees in the constituencies and replace them with stooges.

He reminded the members that there is a court case pending in the High Court seeking an interdiction to charge them in the party’s structures without approval of the special conference that he is calling.

He said the party leadership should have awaited the outcome of the case before proceeding with any disciplinary action.

“The party that is led by a professor of law continues to do dismissals despite the issue being taken to the courts,” Maqelepo said.

The party leader, Professor Nqosa Mahao, is a distinguished professor of law.

Maqelepo said they would write the central executive committee rejecting its decision to suspend them, saying they will continue taking part in party activities.

He said their fate in the party is in the hands of the special conference.

He appealed to all the party constituencies to continue writing letters demanding the special conference.

Both Maqelepo and Kibane received letters on November 28 last year inviting them to show cause why they should not be suspended pending their hearing.

They both responded on the following day refusing to attend.

Maqelepo, Kibane, Hilda Van Rooyen, and ’Mamoipone Senauoane are accused of supporting a move to remove Professor Mahao from his ministerial position last year.

They were part of the BAP members who asked Prime Minister Sam Matekane to fire Professor Mahao, who at the same time was pushing for the reshuffling of Tankiso Phapano, the principal secretary for the Ministry of Energy.

When Matekane ignored Professor Mahao’s demands, the latter withdrew the BAP from the coalition government much to the fierce resistance of the party’s four MPs.

Maqelepo started touting members from constituencies to call for a special conference to reverse Professor Mahao and the central executive committee’s decision.

The central executive committee issued a circular stopping Maqelepo’s rallies but he continued, with the support of the other MPs.

In the BAP caucus of six MPs, it is only Professor Mahao and ’Manyaneso Taole who are supporting the withdrawal from the government.

Nkheli Liphoto