MASERU- Former Justice and Correctional Services Minister, Mophato Monyake, will officially launch his party — the Progressive Democrats (PD) — on 29 November at Pitso Ground in Maseru.
Mr Monyake, who was elected Stadium Area Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) in 2012 under an All Basotho Convention (ABC) ticket, formed the PD after his dismissal from cabinet in February this year for alleged incompetence.
After resigning from the ABC following the dismissal, My Monyake formed the PD, but is yet to officially launch the party.
Mr Monyake told Lena he was expecting delegates from at least 41 of the country’s 80 constituencies to attend the launch, adding he was currently holding a series of rallies countrywide to publicise the PD ahead of the February 2015 general election.
However, Mr Monyake said his party was facing challenges in rural constituencies, particularly in the highlands, due to the villagers’ general perception about what is important in life.
“The people in the highlands have their own way of life which is unique and when you approach them about the country’s development and don’t address their day-to-day issues such as farming and livestock, the message does not get across,” said Mr Monyake.
“They are not interested in things such as economic growth like urban residents, but what affects them directly on a daily basis.”
Speaking about what is expected to happen on 29 November, Mr Monyake said in addition to short speeches from him and selected delegates, there would be entertainment all day long at the venue of the launch.
On his party’s vision, Mr Monyake said the PD advocates for change in the way the country is being governed, particularly the devolution of powers to district authorities.
“The needs of villagers living in places such as Qacha’s Nek, Mokhotlong and Thaba-Tseka differ from those in urban areas like Maseru and Maputsoe,” he said.
“This is the main reason why decentralisation is necessary to allow people living in those areas to initiate the kind of services they really need.
“Going to such places and promising them roads, and electricity might not be their priority hence one has to speak their language.”-Lena/Staff Reporter
