…slams RFP over unfulfilled promises, rising poverty
Seithati Motsoeneng
THE ruling Revolution For Prosperity (RFP)-led government has failed to live up to the promises that swept it into power and is presiding over deepening poverty and job losses, Basotho Action Party (BAP) leader, Professor Nqosa Mahao, has charged.
Addressing supporters at a recent rally at Likileng in Butha-Buthe, Prof Mahao said many Basotho were now bearing the harsh consequences of a government they once trusted to transform the country’s economy and improve livelihoods.
He accused the administration of reneging on key pledges, including commitments to create jobs and establish factories across the country, particularly in the rural parts of the country. According to Prof Mahao, those promises remain largely unfulfilled.
“While some Basotho are working, the majority are suffering. Factories are closing, mines are shutting down and unemployment is rising,” Prof Mahao said.
He claimed that more than 20 000 Basotho had lost their jobs since the current government took office, a situation he said has fuelled hunger and deepened poverty nationwide.
He dismissed what he described as the government’s “superficial” responses to these challenges, arguing that handouts and public gifts do not amount to a coherent strategy to fight hunger and poverty.
“Trying to deceive Basotho with gifts after neglecting their needs is not a solution; it is simply an attempt to buy their loyalty.”
The opposition party leader further accused the government of lacking a clear plan to tackle poverty, which he said is being driven by the collapse of employment, agriculture and other productive sectors. He lamented that leaders appeared increasingly detached from the realities facing ordinary citizens.
Prof Mahao criticised what he termed a focus on cosmetic projects, such as road patching and decorative works, which he said did little to address economic hardship or create sustainable jobs.
“Widespread hunger and poverty are a direct result of failed leadership and lack of vision. The government must go beyond creating appearances and develop genuine plans to restore economic stability and provide real opportunities for our people,” he said.
He also alleged that corruption had worsened under the current administration, citing the reported M3.5 billion expenditure allegedly incurred without parliamentary approval. Prof Mahao said the funds were suspected to have been channelled into non-essential projects rather than meaningful development.
The BAP leader said his decision to pull out of government was informed by concerns over mismanagement, including the alleged disappearance of M22 million earmarked for the Ha-Belo factories, as well as the appointment of a new head to a ministry he previously led.
Prof Mahao left the government after he was fired by Prime Minister Sam Matekane as Minister of Energy in November 2024. However, his party remains part of the coalition government as four of the six BAP Members of Parliament refused to ditch the government. Speaker of the National Assembly, Tlohang Sekhamane, also rejected Prof Mahao’s request to regard the BAP as an opposition party as that move was not supported by the BAP caucus. Prof Mahao has since challenged Mr Sekhamane’s ruling in court, with the matter still pending before the Constitutional Court.
Responding to the allegations, government spokesperson, Boitelo Rabele, dismissed Prof Mahao’s claims, saying they lacked proof and were politically motivated.
“Politicians often say many things during rallies, some of which are not true. They are being strategic in their campaigns and attempting to discredit the government,” Mr Rabele said.
