Hopolang Mokhopi
Democratic Congress (DC) leader, Mathibeli Mokhothu, has thrown an indirect jab at the government led by billionaire Prime Minister Sam Matekane, by urging his party to choose democracy over wealth because “the rich have done nothing for you since attaining government power”.
Addressing the official opening of a three-day DC Youth League elective indaba on Saturday evening in Matsieng, Mr Mokhothu told delegates that Lesotho politics consisted of two alternative routes which the people had to choose from.
Mr Mokhothu, however, warned the youth cadres clad in their black and red regalia and had filled the Moshoeshoe II High School hall in Matsieng to capacity, that only one of these routes should be followed by the DC.
“There are two routes to take in politics. You can either choose a democratic government, which is of the people, for the people, by the people, or you can choose a government of the rich, by the rich, for the rich. The ball is in your court as to which direction you choose to take,” Mr Mokhothu said.
However, the DC leader made it clear which direction his party should take in fulfilling the needs of Basotho.
“You must choose politics centred on democracy, where the focus is on fostering political stability and the fight against corruption, poverty, the ever-rising crime rate and high levels of unemployment amongst the youth,” Mr Mokhothu said.
While he was not direct in his various insinuations about “the rich”, Mr Mokhothu must have been referring to widespread complaints by Basotho, who are disappointed that Mr Matekane’s coalition government led by the premier’s Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), had failed to deliver on the promises it made during campaigns for the October 2022 general elections. This failure has since led to a rebellion by some RFP members, top among them Abia constituency legislator Thuso Makhalanyane.
Two weeks ago, Mr Makhalanyane voted against the RFP position in parliament and supported the opposition’s stance regarding the stalled national reforms and the conditions for the recall of the National Assembly from its mandatory winter-break. Mr Makhalanyane has also openly accused the government of corruption, failure to create jobs and nepotism in appointments to coveted posts in the public service and boards of parastatals. The outspoken MP has since been suspended for six years from the party for alleged insubordination but is challenging the move in the courts.
Mr Mokhothu on Saturday , however, said the DC was on a journey to fight for good governance and a government “that will take good care of Basotho”.
He further reminded the youths that by virtue of being members of the DC, they had automatically made a pledge “to stick by this party through thick and thin”, adding “you have made an oath to keep the DC flag close to your hearts”.
The DC leader further told the conference that was also attended by youths from other political parties such as the All Basotho Convention , Basotho National Party and RFP as a show of solidarity for their peers, that they should always respect the constitution governing their party.
“This conference is also held in line with a directive of 19 February 2022, which said 2023 should see the election of a new DC national youth committee. It is at times like now, that the youth should ask themselves who they are, where they come from and where they are going. Where can you say
you are now? And how will you know that you have finally reached your destination?” Mr Mokhothu asked the delegates.
It was at this juncture that Mr Mokhothu, who had sounded jovial for the most part of his speech, changed his tone and asked the youths if they were happy that the DC was now in the opposition after being part of the government in the past.
“If not, what will you do for the sake of peace, stability and love for this country? We are on a struggle journey. You must make your mark and leave your footprints on the sands of time. Your names should feature prominently in this country’s history,” Mr Mokhothu said.
“How do you want to be known in this journey? The DC’s purpose is to govern Lesotho and fulfil Basotho’s wishes. You must fiercely participate in politics to make Lesotho a better place, fight for improved quality of education. You must fight for peace and stability.”
Mr Mokhothu again reiterated the importance of the party’s youth to be exemplary in their behaviour as that would attract more young people to the DC.
The DC leader also said he could not emphasise enough the importance of fighting discrimination, and ensuring that proceeds from Lesotho’s natural resources, primarily water and diamonds, benefitted every Mosotho, in particular the elderly, disabled, women and children.
Meanwhile, the following was the DC National Youth Committee elected at Saturday’s conference:
President-Pheello Sehlabaka; Vice President- Mokoena Khanare; Secretary- Ntsane Moahloli; Treasurer-Phomolo Leshota; Deputy Secretary-Mariya Moroeng; Chairperson- Molefi Koropo; Deputy Chairperson-Tsókolo Phaloane; Spokesperson- Pakalitha Bokhatsi; Deputy Spokesperson- Nthethe Mokotjo; Committee Members: Phalima Tsépo, Kalakhosi Sechaba, Sibongile Thobothobo, ‘Matsu Nyakane.
Female Proportional Representation-Lineo Makhaola
