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Technology

We are not leaving gvt – Rapapa

. . . AD leader dispels coalition split rumours Mohloai Mpesi ALLIANCE of Democrats (AD) leader, Ntoi Rapapa, has dispelled swirling rumours that his party was withdrawing from the ruling coalition over its failure to tackle growing corruption issues. Speaking at a party press briefing at its headquarters in Qoatsaneng, Maseru, on Friday, Professor Rapapa, instead, reiterated his party’s commitment to remaining in the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) led seven-party coalition government. He spoke in response to a letter circulating online alleging that his party was withdrawing from the governing coalition. After failing to win the October 2022 elections outrightly to govern alone, the RFP initially formed a three-party coalition comprising the RFP, the Movement for Economic Change (MEC) and AD. Mothetjoa Metsing’s Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD), the Reverend Paul Masiu led Lesotho People’s Congress (LPC), ‘Machabana Lemphane-Letsie’s HOPE-Mphatlalatsane, and the Basotho Action Party (BAP) would later join the coalition government in November 2023. The expanded coalition included Professor Nqosa Mahao’s BAP as Prime Minister Sam Matekane tried to ward off a no-confidence motion launched by the opposition. Prof Mahao later fell out with the Prime Minister and was sacked as energy minister in November 2024 amid serious divisions within his own BAP. Four of the BAP’s six MPs in the National Assembly defied their party leader and remained in support of Mr Matekane’s coalition. Consequently, from surviving a no confidence vote, which nearly succeeded were it not for a last-minute court application delaying it, Mr Matekane has since been able to consolidate his numbers and now enjoys a comfortable support majority from MPs in the National Assembly. A letter, purportedly from the AD, threatening to withdraw from the coalition had threatened to start unravelling that stability. The letter, which went viral online, points to a litany of corruption related cases that RFP officials have been accused of, including the M186 million Moshoeshoe I International Airport refurbishment tender scandal, among the reasons why the AD wanted to pull out of the coalition. The letter accuses the government of failing to act against the perpetrators. The AD was therefore dissociating itself from what it claimed was a tainted lead coalition governing party. However, Professor Rapapa has since disowned the letter saying it “does not belong to AD”. He said none of the details in the letter had ever been discussed by the party during its sitting on Thursday as purported. He said his party would only share its opinions with Basotho based on factual reports of corruption substantiated by institutions like the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offence (DCEO), the Auditor-General, and the police. “As AD, we are a party led by the Constitution of Lesotho. We air our opinions based on investigated issues, published by institutions established by the law to investigate where money is not used properly. “We provide our opinions where there is a report of the DCEO indicating that there was such an issue. We can also provide our opinion in a situation where there is a report of the Auditor-General revealing that the money was not used properly. “We can also provide our opinions in situations where the police have arrested someone believed to have done something wrong,” he said. He likened any withdrawal from the government by his party to someone overturning a vehicle that they are driving. “AD will not withdraw from the government like the letter states…. I will not crash a car that I am riding in,” he said. He lashed out at people peddling falsehoods on the internet. “If you can check, people spreading this letter on the internet are not AD members and most of them are not even in government. It tells you what the intention of the letter is. “We appeal to the nation and all AD members to disregard the details of this letter. We also appeal to the owners of this letter to stop at once because they even forge signatures of other people. “We are aware that there is a group intending to destabilise AD by removing it from the coalition government and overthrow its leadership unconstitutionally. “When I look at these things, I see that the intention is to destabilise governance. I, Ntoi Rapapa, will not overturn a car that I am driving in. Until now, as AD, we are satisfied working for Basotho and we are standing by this government,” he said. He added, “This is the longest serving coalition government since 2012. So, some people are not happy with that. I should assure you that in 2028, we will go to the elections with this government still intact. “When you look at these issues, they are being spread by the opposition and social media. Mr Machesetsa (Mofomobe) also talked about it. I even responded to his post that these issues are not ours. “It is propaganda that people use to defame people’s names, and we are not part of it. The government will think about ways to approach such issues.”

Oct 19, 2025

Technology

Lesotho’s Brussels envoy battles recall

Moorosi Tsiane LESOTHO’s First Secretary at the Brussels Embassy in Belgium, Sello Mohlomi, has launched a fierce legal battle to cling to his diplomatic post and avoid repaying an alleged M600 000 salary overpayment. In an urgent High Court application filed this week, Mr Mohlomi seeks to interdict and restrain the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from recalling him and appointing his replacement, Makeithabetse Palime, arguing that both actions are unconstitutional under the recently enacted Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of Lesotho. The legal tussle follows a 11 September 2025 letter from the Ministry’s Principal Secretary (PS), Thabang Lekhela, informing Mr Mohlomi that his deployment — initially approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC) on 11 August 2022 — would come to an end at the close of October 2025. Mr Lekhela, the Public Service Commission, the Ministry of Public Service, the Secretary of the Public Service Commission, Ms Palime, and Attorney General Rapelang Motsieloa are cited as the first to sixth respondents in the matter. Mr Mohlomi, who assumed his post in October 2022, claims he only became aware of the alleged overpayment in April 2025 when the government raised the issue with him and other diplomats stationed in Belgium. The government has since calculated that he owes approximately M600 000, and in July 2025, began formal steps to recover the money. However, Mr Mohlomi argues that his recall and replacement are unlawful, contending that under the Tenth Amendment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the PSC have no authority to recall or appoint career diplomats until enabling legislation is passed by Parliament. “On or around January 2025, I had orally been informed that I had been overpaid, together with other diplomats in Brussels since the time I was deployed on my tour of duty… According to the calculations of the overpayment, the balance I owe the government of Lesotho is estimated to be approximately M600 000,” Mr Mohlomi states in his founding affidavit. He says on 11 September 2025, PS Lekhela informed him in writing that his tour of duty would end on 2 October 2025, later extended to 31 October 2025. “I genuinely had no idea that I had been overpaid until I was informed, and I am now expected to repay those overpayments. I am not here on secondment, and if I am recalled, I will be unemployed with no means of income. My end-of-tour benefits were going to be my only means of survival for my family. I simply cannot afford to pay the said bill,” he avers. He further argues that the overpayment was not his fault. “The fault in the overpayment was not due to any misrepresentation on my part. I am completely innocent in the mistake that happened and should not be prejudiced by a fault that does not emanate from my own actions.” Mr Mohlomi cites Sections 143B(5) and 156(3) of the Tenth Amendment, which he says impose an 18-month moratorium on the recall and appointment of foreign service officers until a competent authority is created by Parliament. He insists that until such an authority is established, any attempt to remove or replace him is unconstitutional and void. Additionally, he pleads that being prematurely recalled will plunge him into severe financial hardships, making it impossible to repay the debt since he would return home jobless and without income. His diplomatic benefits—including terminal gratuity, salary, and housing allowance- are his only means of supporting his wife and two children. He therefore prays for the court to: Interdict the government from recalling him and appointing Ms Palime pending finalization of the case; Declare that he is entitled to remain in office as First Secretary until the lawful authority contemplated under the Tenth Amendment is established; and Order the continuation of his salary and diplomatic benefits, including accommodation, while reviewing and setting aside the decisions to recall him and appoint Ms Palime as his successor. According to court papers, Mr Mohlomi maintains that he is a career diplomat, not a political appointee or seconded official, and thus protected under the transitional provisions of the Tenth Amendment. “I have a legitimate expectation that my tour contract would be extended by eighteen months until Parliament would have otherwise intervened,” he submits. He further warns that if the recall proceeds, the government will likely withhold his terminal benefits to recover the debt—an amount insufficient to clear the full M600 000—leaving him and his family destitute and unable to find new employment.

Oct 19, 2025

Technology

ZMG Isuzu launches dealership

Moroke Sekoboto THE Zakhura Motor Group (ZMG) Isuzu has officially launched its dealership in Lesotho after starting operations in early June this year. The dealership follows the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC)’s 2022 call for expressions of interest to invest in, manage, and operate an Isuzu commercial vehicle dealership in Lesotho — a process from which ZMG emerged as the preferred bidder. Speaking at the official launch held at Ha Thetsane on Thursday, LNDC Interim Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Molise Ramaili, said the milestone marked the fulfilment of a vision that began two years ago. “On the 2nd of August 2023, we were here at the same location, but under very different conditions. That day marked the sod-turning ceremony on undeveloped land, which has now been transformed into the dealership we see today,” Adv Ramaili said. He said LNDC had remained “actively involved — not as a distant observer, but as a committed partner working closely with ZMG and Isuzu South Africa to navigate hurdles, unlock bottlenecks, and ensure that this vision became a reality”. “By virtue of its mandate, LNDC initiates, promotes, and facilitates investment into Lesotho. The establishment of this Isuzu dealership is a tangible example of that mandate in action and aligns squarely with our diversification strategy anchored in the National Strategic Development Plan II (NSDP II), which charts a course toward a private sector-driven, export-led economy.” He said the automotive industry had been identified as a key pillar of Lesotho’s industrial development strategy. To support this vision, LNDC is leveraging Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as platforms to attract investment in automotive components manufacturing, assembly, and complementary industries. “Historically, Lesotho’s manufacturing sector has been dominated by textiles and garments. While these industries have played an important role in job creation, we are now intentionally broadening our industrial base to include sectors such as leather seat cover manufacturing for premium automotive brands like BMW and Volkswagen, as well as electronics, food and beverages, and cement. “Electronics and automotive components represent a particularly promising niche given Lesotho’s strategic proximity to South Africa and the global reach of its automotive industry. LNDC’s current strategic plan prioritises institutional legitimacy, interoperability, and network optimisation — encapsulated in our motto: ‘Together we build sustainable industry’. This is not just a slogan; it reflects our commitment to ensuring that Lesotho is fully integrated regionally and into global value chains.” He added that LNDC’s efforts are reinforced through partnerships with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), and the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM). Prime Minister Sam Matekane hailed the launch as a significant achievement, saying it demonstrated the private sector’s capacity to drive national economic growth. “It is truly worthy of celebration and a great pleasure to have witnessed what started in 2023 reach fruition only two years later. This development exemplifies how the private sector can contribute significantly to the economic well-being of our country,” Mr Matekane said. He added that the establishment of an Isuzu Motors dealership — an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) — presented vast opportunities for Lesotho’s economy. “It is my fervent hope that this is just the first step in Isuzu’s automotive journey in Lesotho, as great opportunities lie in the automotive components manufacturing sector,” he said. Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development, Mokhethi Shelile, said funding facilities available to Southern African countries through the Afreximbank would support the development of the automotive sector, inviting submission of bankable project proposals. He added that ZMG Isuzu, through its Dealer Principal, was part of a committee working with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa to develop Lesotho’s Automotive Policy. “The policy will provide direction for the development of Lesotho’s auto industry, including the formalisation of the aftermarket and the development of enabling legislation. This again illustrates the importance of roping in expertise from various industry players to create frameworks that structure the growth of the industry,” Mr Shelile said. He urged Isuzu South Africa to consider expanding its footprint in Lesotho through further investment, and encouraged ZMG to take advantage of Lesotho’s competitive wage rates to reduce production costs for labour-intensive manufacturing such as component assembly. “The government will not relent in its efforts to stimulate robust economic growth, nor will we waver in transforming the country from a consumer-based economy to a producer and export-driven one. We welcome thought-provoking discussions and ideas that can feed into our goal of building a robust and prosperous economy for this country. And while you are here, may you experience elevation,” Mr Shelile added. ZMG Isuzu investor, Cassim Zakhura, expressed excitement about the investment, saying it contributes to Lesotho’s economic growth. He said their long-term strategy includes expanding operations to other districts and expressed gratitude to the LNDC for making the investment possible.

Oct 19, 2025

Technology

Property broker “sells” ghost plots to Basotho

…29 disgruntled customers seek police, DCEO intervention Moorosi Tsiane A property brokerage and brick-selling company, Nketu Makhaola Property Consultancy, has found itself at the centre of a massive land scam scandal, with its owner, Lelingoana Pule, accused of defrauding dozens of Basotho through the sale of plots that never legally belonged to the company. What was once seen as a trusted land brokerage has now been exposed as a real estate con, leaving shattered hopes, empty pockets, and growing anger among victims. The Lesotho Times has established that 29 alleged victims have formed a WhatsApp group to collectively pursue justice and recover their money. Some have already lodged complaints with the police, while others — based as far as South Africa — are struggling to file in-person reports at Police Headquarters in Maseru, where the case is being handled. One of the victims, Kabelo Hlao, says he bought a site in Sehlabeng, Berea, from Nketu Makhaola Brokers in 2024 for M25,000, only to discover later that not only had someone else built a greenhouse on the same land, but that the original owner, Tšeliso ’Meko, had cut ties with Mr Pule long ago. “My site markings were gone, and when I called Pule, he claimed it was a mistake. Later, I found a full structure and a borehole on the land. That’s when I realised something was seriously wrong,” said a visibly frustrated Mr Hlao. He explained that each time he called to follow up, he received a different answer, until the company eventually stopped taking his calls. In June, he decided to visit their office personally, where he met the owner, who allegedly promised to refund his money within four months. Mr Hlao, however, requested repayment within a month. “We agreed that I would come back with witnesses because I could see that they were up to no good. We wrote the agreement on 1 July that they would refund my money by 31 July 2025, but that never happened. I tried calling again, but my calls were ignored. I went to their offices once more, met with the owner, and had a squabble that led to me being thrown out of the company yard. “The police tried to call him, but he did not answer. I was advised to report the matter at Police Headquarters, which I did. He was called, and this time he picked up. We set a date to meet at the police station. When the date arrived, he told the police I was hurrying him while he was preparing my documents. He promised to give feedback on Monday because we had met on Friday, but he never did. Again, he kept throwing me from pillar to post,” said Mr Hlao. He eventually sought out the real landowner, Mr ’Meko, who confirmed that he was no longer working with Nketu Makhaola because they had failed to honour their deal. “I found the owner, and fortunately, he told me they had an agreement with Nketu Makhaola to sell the land, but he never received the money, so he terminated that agreement. He said it was the first time he had heard that people had bought that land. Mr ’Meko even called Pule and put him on loudspeaker, asking about us, but Pule blatantly denied ever selling us the land. Mr ’Meko asked him to come and discuss the matter, but Pule said he could not come because he had been involved in a car accident,” Mr Hlao recounted. Mr Hlao’s story is far from unique, as multiple victims have now come forward with shockingly similar accounts. Thabang Molibeli, based in South Africa, said he paid M20,000 in August 2024 for a plot and was promised legal documents within three months. A year later, he says he has only received excuses and dodged calls. “Eventually, they gave me a bogus contract saying they wouldn’t be liable if anything happened on the site. How can you sell me land and then say you’re not responsible for it?” asked Mr Molibeli angrily. Tšepo Lukase paid M12,000 for his site in November 2023 and says he’s been strung along for nearly a year, now being told to pay an additional M300 for a phantom survey that never occurred. Mamosa Matela said she was sold land adjacent to Mr Hlao’s for M25,000. After months of silence and shifting stories, she discovered a greenhouse near her site. Even worse, the supposed seller, Mr ’Meko, had no idea the land was still being sold and had severed ties with Mr Pule due to unpaid agreements. “Pule admitted over the phone that some of his employees had scammed people, but now he’s refusing to take any responsibility. We were sold dreams, not land,” said a furious Ms Matela. In a dramatic confrontation, Mr ’Meko called Mr Pule in the presence of victims and put him on loudspeaker — only for Pule to deny ever selling them the land. Victims say that once payment is made, communication stops. Calls go unanswered, and excuses range from accidents to backlogs at the Land Administration Authority (LAA). In some cases, Pule allegedly blamed internal issues or denied any sale took place. Sehlabeng Councillor, Mphethe Morakabi, confirmed that he tried to mediate directly with Pule, even calling him during council meetings, but to no avail. “Because this is now a criminal matter, I advised those who complain to open a case with the police. We tried to mediate but failed, and now it is beyond us. One lady even bought five plots, so you can imagine how bad that is,” said Mr Morakabi. Pule’s version Despite mounting allegations, Mr Pule maintains his innocence, describing the accusations as a “smear campaign” and threatening legal action against the complainants. Mr Pule confirmed that he had indeed denied knowing Mr Hlao to Mr ’Meko, explaining that the latter had alleged he (Pule) was the one who sold the plot. “I do not sell sites personally; my company is the one that sells sites. So indeed, I denied knowing them because ntate ’Meko refused to tell me their names, and they had claimed that I was the one who personally sold them the site. The sites are sold by my company, not me,” Mr Pule said. “In our deed of sale agreements, we have agreed with all clients that should anything happen, the company will take responsibility. However, if a delay is caused by a third party beyond our control, that does not result in the termination of the contract.” He further admitted that there is a greenhouse structure on the disputed site but blamed it on the recklessness of the landowner, Mr ’Meko. He claimed the issue had already been resolved, saying the affected buyers had been allocated new plots. “The agreement also states that if the problem is beyond our control, we can relocate buyers to other available properties — and we have done that. Even if they visit tomorrow, their sites are waiting for them near the greenhouse. “Our agreement with Ntate ’Meko had initially lapsed due to his actions in selling land we already had an agreement over, but we have since signed a new agreement allowing us to continue selling,” he said. Regarding Messrs Lukase and Molibeli, Mr Pule said they only needed to be patient while he works to ensure they receive their leases for the land they purchased. “I have explained to them how these things are progressing. They are just not patient, but we remain willing to help them obtain their papers. They can come to our offices anytime for assistance. “For Lukase, I had to postpone the surveying of his site because I was hospitalised after being involved in a car accident.” He also denied ever receiving a call from Mr Morakabi. “I do not remember ever getting a call from him, unless it was around September, because that was when I was still hospitalised.” Victims have now filed complaints at Mabote Police Station and the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO), prompting investigations into potential land fraud, misrepresentation, and theft by deception. Mabote police have since moved the case to Police Headquarters where it is now being handled. DCEO spokesperson, ‘Matlhokomelo Senoko, could not confirm or deny the matter but said she would follow up. Lesotho Mounted Police Service spokesperson Senior Superintendent, Mpiti Mopeli, confirmed that investigations have already begun: “There is such a matter reported at the police, and investigations have already started,” said SSP Mopeli.

Oct 12, 2025

Technology

Over 8900 set to benefit from Lekokoaneng Water Project

Rethabile Pitso AT least 8900 people are set to benefit from the recently launched Lekokoaneng Water Supply Project in the Berea District, Prime Minister Sam Matekane has revealed. The M40 million project, which was initially planned to supply water to 23 villages, was later expanded to include three additional villages of Maqhaka, Ha Souro, and Shano-Leholo. Mr Matekane made the announcement during his keynote address at the handover ceremony on Friday. He said his government had worked tirelessly to ensure the project’s completion, overcoming numerous challenges that had delayed progress before his administration took office. “If you do not take care of this facility, choosing instead to vandalise it, those actions will hinder government from progressing to other worthy projects,” Mr Matekane warned, urging the community to protect the infrastructure. He explained that the project forms part of the broader Lesotho Lowlands Water Supply Scheme, which aims to provide clean water and sanitation facilities across the country to improve livelihoods. “By providing access to clean water, we seek to improve agricultural activities and overall health, while curbing the spread of water-borne diseases prevalent in unclean drinking water.” He also said Phase II of the project will soon begin in Mohale’s Hoek and Mafeteng Districts, while Phase III has already commenced in Butha-Buthe. Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all households in Lesotho have access to water and electricity. He said this would be achieved through three major projects currently underway — the Lesotho Lowlands Water Project, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the Lesotho–Botswana Water Transfer Scheme. Mr Moleko urged Basotho to support water projects that extend beyond Lesotho’s borders, explaining that such initiatives generate significant income for national development. “The Lesotho–Botswana Water Transfer Scheme, piloted through the Makhaleng River, will enable Lesotho to supply water to Botswana “I have noticed that Basotho tend to only support projects that supply water locally. But these larger initiatives are the ones that generate the income we need to fund domestic developments,” Mr Moleko said. He cited the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which supplies water to South Africa, as an example of a profitable venture. “Projects like the Lesotho Highlands generate about M5 billion annually and a further M10 billion for road and bridge infrastructure, power lines, and other developments,” he said. “Even the Polihali Hotel was built using this revenue. Altogether, we earn around R15 billion per year from one project alone.” Mr Moleko added that by 2030, with sustainable income from water exports to both South Africa and Botswana, Lesotho could be in a position to offer free water and electricity to its citizens. “By 2030, when the country’s water sales generate steady income, I will propose to Prime Minister Matekane—who I believe will still be in charge then—to provide Basotho with free electricity and water,” he said. Lesotho Lowlands Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project Coordinator, Thabiso Tšasane, said the implementation team achieved several milestones within record time. “We began in 2024 by installing a 13-kilometre pipeline from Maseru to Teyateyaneng. We also built a one-million-litre water tank and another tank at Ha Mokhele, Lekokoaneng, with a capacity of 100 million litres. “It is this second tank that will supply water to the beneficiary villages.” Mr Tšasane added that after the contractor undercharged, the remaining funds were used to construct two additional tanks — one holding 62,000 litres and another 25,000 litres — to extend the project to three more villages: Ha Rapholo, Ha Khephola, and Ha Kubere. “The decision to include these villages was also aimed at maintaining peace, as we feared vandalism from communities that might have felt excluded,” he said.

Oct 12, 2025