…as LEPOSA plans march to PM Matekane’s office
…COLEPE mulls joining the nationwide action
Mohloai Mpesi
A potentially massive protest march by civil servants is looming, with the Lesotho Police Staff Association (LEPOSA) taking the lead in mobilising what could become one of the largest public sector demonstrations in recent years.
In a bold escalation of tensions, LEPOSA has formally written to Prime Minister Sam Matekane, signalling its intention to march to his office on 16 April 2026 in protest against the government’s two percent salary increment for civil servants, which it says falls far short of inflation.
The planned march is already drawing backing from the Coalition of Lesotho Public Employees (COLEPE), an umbrella body comprising several key unions, including the LEPOSA itself, the Lesotho Public Service Staff Association, Lesotho Association of Teachers, Lesotho Nurses Association, Qiloane Nursing Assistants Association, and the Lesotho School Principals Association.
Although COLEPE is yet to formally confirm participation in the procession, its leadership has made it clear that it stands firmly behind LEPOSA, raising the prospect of a broad, coordinated shutdown of public sector activity on the day.
COLEPE and LEPOSA first presented their demand for a 25 percent salary increment to Prime Minister Sam Matekane shortly after he assumed office in 2022. Subsequently, the government established a Public Bargaining Council (PBC), to hold discussions with COLEPE representatives. However, the discussions have not been finalised.
And now LEPOSA has penned a two-page circular to its regional and district committees as well as its members, urging them to prepare for the march, describing it as a decisive step after the government failed to engage over its long-standing grievances.
The letter, signed by LEPOSA secretary general, Inspector Makatleho Mphetho, confirms that the association has applied for permission to stage a peaceful procession to the Prime Minister’s office.
The planned action follows earlier correspondence sent to Mr Matekane regarding inflation adjustments and police allowances—issues that LEPOSA claims remains unresolved despite assurances from the government.
“Members will recall that the Government Spokesperson (Boitelo Rabele) recently indicated that LEPOSA leadership would be invited by the Prime Minister to discuss these matters. However, to date, no such engagement has taken place,” the letter states.
Frustrated by what it describes as silence from authorities, LEPOSA says it is now left with no choice but to take its demands directly to the Prime Minister’s doorstep.
“In light of the lack of response, the association has decided to proceed with the planned march to the Prime Minister’s Office on April 16, 2026, to seek direct feedback and resolution on the critical issues affecting our members.
“This date has been chosen in line with our commitment to continue serving the Basotho nation despite our grievances, and taking into account that we will be operating on Easter standby.
“All members are therefore advised to begin preparations for this important activity. Further details regarding logistics will be communicated in due course.”
Insp Mphetho further told the Lesotho Times this week that LEPOSA had applied for permission to hold the peaceful procession but was still awaiting approval.
“We have applied and are currently awaiting approval,” she said.
Asked what steps they would take if the permit is not granted, she said contingency strategies were already in place, adding that police services would not be disrupted.
“We have strategies in place should the permit not be granted or if the government fails to address our concerns. We have a planned calendar outlining these actions.
“Services will not be affected. Not all police officers are members of LEPOSA, and those who are not will be sufficient to continue providing services to the nation regardless of the situation. We have ensured that the public will not suffer any disruption in policing services,” she said.
She said the two percent salary increment was inadequate in the face of rising inflation and did little to address their concerns, citing the recent fuel price hike as an example.
“The two percent increase affects us significantly because it does not match the inflation rate; it effectively reduces our income. If I was earning M10,000, that amount no longer has the same purchasing power due to rapidly rising prices.
“A recent announcement on fuel price increases shows just how steep the cost of living has become. The increase alone exceeds the two percent adjustment we were given. How are we expected to absorb that?
“In real terms, earning M10,000 now feels closer to earning M4000,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of COLEPE, LAT secretary general, Letsatsi Ntsibolane, said they were rallying behind LEPOSA, as they faced similar circumstances.
“We are clear that we support LEPOSA 100 percent. After all, the two percent increment affects us all. When our members say their allowances must be paid, we cannot turn a blind eye. If it is an issue affecting employees, it affects all employees—teachers, nurses, and all public service workers have similar grievances. We stand in full solidarity with LEPOSA.”
Asked whether they would join LEPOSA during their planned peaceful procession, Mr Ntsibolane said, “for now, I will hold on that. It is still mobilisation on their part. We need to follow the proper procedures to ensure we act within the law, as processions are regulated. We will take all necessary steps when it is allowed”.
The irony of it all is that LEPOSA is leading the strike mobilization effort yet its members, police officers, who are part and parcel of the security establishment, are legally not expected to embark on strike actions.
