’Makananelo Manamolela
THE newly appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, Mpopo Tšoele, has hit the ground running, holding his first engagement with heads of departments, including district administrators.
Mr Tšoele, who assumed office on 2 January 2026, said he is determined to fully understand and execute his mandate, stressing the need for unity and efficiency within the ministry.
He replaces ‘Mamphaka Mabesa whose three-year tenure ended last month.
Speaking during a meeting held at the Police Training College (PTC) this week, which also served as his official introduction, Mr Tšoele said the ministry must operate as one institution and deliver quality services across all its departments, in line with its responsibility of directly serving the public.
He revealed that both Prime Minister Sam Matekane and the Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, Lebona Lephema, had reminded him of the government’s commitment to serve Basotho and instructed him to ensure that these commitments are fulfilled before the end of the current administration’s term.
“I was reminded that at one stage the Right Honourable the Prime Minister promised Basotho proper and dignified services. He did not promise that people would have to sleep over at government offices to access services, as is currently happening at passport offices,” Mr Tšoele said, describing the situation as an embarrassment to the ministry.
He said he was directed to ensure that such practices come to an end “as soon as yesterday”.
Mr Tšoele further emphasised that the ministry should operate under one unified plan, one budget and one system. He said the Constitution guarantees every Mosotho the right to proper services, while sections 12 and 13 of the Public Service Act of 2005 mandate the Principal Secretary to provide strategic direction to the ministry.
“I will do exactly that to ensure these rights are realised,” he said.
He also outlined government promises relating to security and safety, particularly within institutions such as the police, noting that the directive includes providing the police with additional vehicles.
“From the way I have seen the police working well with the few vehicles they have, I want them to be provided with more so that they can deliver services even better,” he said.
Mr Tšoele expressed concern over the working conditions of local chiefs, saying it was disappointing that they work longer hours than most public servants yet earn the lowest wages, ranging between M1000 and M1200 per month.
“That cannot be called a salary,” he said.
He added that he was also reminded of promises made to councillors and district administrators, which he is expected to fulfil to enable the Prime Minister to confidently return to the people and say: “You asked me to do this and that, and I did it — what else should I do?”
Mr Tšoele vowed to work collaboratively towards fulfilling all promises made to the nation, assuring that officials will be provided with the necessary resources and equipment, while also being held accountable in line with their job descriptions. He said good performance will be rewarded, a culture of productivity instilled, and appropriate positive or negative sanctions applied where necessary.
On behalf of district administrators, the Thaba-Tseka District Administrator, Tlali Mphafi, welcomed Mr Tšoele’s commitment, expressing hope that it would bring positive transformation to the ministry.
He said administrators were encouraged by the emphasis on accountability and responsibility.
“Our country is where it is today because we do not account. Everyone does as they please without being answerable. One crashes a government vehicle and that is the end of it. No one is held responsible.
“Mr Principal Secretary, my fellow district administrators and I fully agree that everyone who earns government money must account for what they do on a daily basis,” Mr Mphafi said.
He also said Basotho often admire the quality of services and adherence to laws in other countries, even in the absence of law enforcement officers, citing the observance of seatbelt laws as an example.
“It is now time to take care of this country and make it our own paradise, otherwise we will forever believe that a better life is found only outside Lesotho,” he said.
He lamented that district offices had long been excluded from decision-making processes and were often expected only to react when problems arise.
“Plans made in Maseru (at the Ministry’s headquarters) must be implemented in all the districts,” he said, welcoming Mr Tšoele’s assurance that this would change and expressing confidence that his leadership would bring a turnaround in the ministry.
