—still making journalistic waves
–with unparalleled commitment to fearless reporting
AS the Lesotho Times marks its 18th anniversary, the publication reflects on its transformative journey within the country’s media landscape, characterized by a commitment to fearless reporting and a steadfast dedication to holding power accountable.
Established in April 2008, when the Kingdom lacked a robust media landscape, the Lesotho Times has since grown to become a symbol of journalistic resilience in the face of adversity, with founder and Publisher Basildon Peta asserting that the paper’s success is a testament to its unwavering mission to advocate for truth and democratic governance.
Eighteen years ago, when the first issue of the Lesotho Times hit the streets on 17 April 2008, Mr Peta envisioned a media outlet that would not only deliver news but would also serve as a watchdog, exposing corruption and advocating for transparency.
“We look back with a bit of nostalgia as we have largely accomplished that mission….,” Mr Peta said in an interview to mark the publication’s 18th birthday. “Of course there is still a lot to be done. Journalism and publishing are always work in progress and the problems Lesotho faces remain immense. But our team of dedicated journalists and other hard working professionals always rises to the occasion.
“If we were not resilient in the face of all kinds of adversities, we would not have lasted 18 years.
“Our motto, ‘News Without Fear or Favour,’ encapsulates what we stand for — journalism that seeks to inform the public, regardless of the pressures we face. We have faced many pressures and challenges but we remain strong,” Mr Peta said in an interview celebrating this milestone.
Over the years, the Lesotho Times has faced significant challenges, particularly from political figures threatened by its reporting.
In 2016, the then Pakhalitha Mosisili government attempted to undermine the publication by blacklisting it from receiving advertising, a move aimed at crippling its financial viability. This adversity, however, did not deter the Lesotho Times from its mission.
“Our resilience and determination to tell the truth, to be the watchdog, and to protect democracy have kept us going,” Mr Peta said.
The publication’s commitment to journalistic integrity speaks for itself, its record of holding power to account self-evident. It’s pursuit of the truth dogged.
In defence of its principals and mission, it has had to pay heavy costs including the attempted assassination of former Editor Lloyd Mutungamiri, who was ambushed and shot several times as he arrived at his home after duty on 9 July 2016.
The cowardly attack was orchestrated by members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), who have been in jail since their arrests in 2017 and are currently standing trial before Magistrate Peter Murenzi.
Thankfully, Mr Mutungamiri survived, and the alleged main plotter of the attack, former army commander Tlali Kamoli, is now facing justice for various other criminal charges.
Mr Mutungamiri’s ordeal remains a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face, but it also highlights the importance of courageous reporting. Even that attack did not stop the Lesotho Times from pursuing its mandate and exposing Kamoli’s murderous excesses during one of the most depressing episodes of repression in the country’s history.
The fact that Kamoli is now in prison and will have to remain incarcerated for the remainder of his natural life – if the courts do their work properly – is the ultimate vindication of the Lesotho Times and its courageous journalism.
The Lesotho Times will not only remain as the country’s national news masthead, a reliable source of national and international news, it will continue doing so with vigour and unparalleled determination.
“We will remain the torch bearers of reliable news… We will never falter in holding power to account….,” said Chief Operations Officer, Muchemwa Mutaramu.
As we move into the future, Mr Mutaramu said the company was fully cognisant of the changing media consumption patterns in this age of 4IR.
“We are at the forefront of the transition to digital platforms…,” said Mr Mutaramu.
“We are excited to embrace this new phase and to offer news and information across all platforms.”
Mr Peta’s vision for the Lesotho Times and the media extends beyond just publishing news.
As a former trade unionist, he is deeply passionate about media freedom and the need for journalists to be fully organised and unionised to be able to fight and defend their turf.
Unfortunately, he laments the lack of a strong union to look after the interests of journalists not only in Lesotho but across many African countries.
The lack of effective unions in Lesotho and many other countries in Africa hampers the ability of journalists to advocate for their rights and media freedom.
Despite the hurdles faced by the publication, and there are many, the Lesotho Times will continue defending and fighting for its space and rights.
The road is never easy but it’s one that must be fought hard for.
For instance, the former Commissioner of Police Holomo Molibeli, perhaps the most incompetent and corrupt person to don the blue uniform, has even sought to have the Lesotho Times shut down. He saw no shame in going to court to lodge his bizarre application. He lost dismally.
In a judicial victory, the courts upheld the rights of the media to exist and its important role as a watchdog of society.
“Our agenda remains clear: to defend the truth, uphold democracy, and serve the interests of ordinary citizens,” Mr Peta said.
As the Lesotho Times celebrates its 18th birthday, its legacy of fearless journalism stands as a beacon of hope for media practitioners and citizens alike. The journey has been marked by challenges, but the commitment to integrity and accountability remains unwavering.
Looking ahead, Mr Peta is optimistic about the future: “We have proven that quality journalism can endure, and we will continue to adapt and grow, ensuring that we serve our readers with the truth they deserve.”
In a media landscape that continues to evolve, the Lesotho Times remains a vital institution, dedicated to its mission of delivering unfiltered news and advocating for justice, democracy, and freedom of expression in Lesotho.
