Kabelo Masoabi
THE Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) deputy spokesperson and Thaba Phatšoa legislator, Thabo Maretlane, has urged members of the ruling RFP to resolve internal disputes through dialogue amid growing concerns over factional tensions within the party.
Speaking during an RFP rally held in Maputsoe on Sunday, Mr Maretlane stressed the importance of addressing misunderstandings at all levels of the party’s structures, from grassroots committees to senior leadership.
He warned that unresolved divisions could weaken the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.
“If we fail to remain united, we risk finding ourselves in the opposition benches. Many members joined this party because they believed in the vision and hope it represents, and that vision must be protected at all costs. We must never lose sight of the reasons that led to the formation of the RFP,” he said.
Mr Maretlane cautioned that internal conflicts could push the RFP down the same path as the opposition Democratic Congress (DC), which experienced divisions that led to the formation of rival factions known as Lirurubele and Lithope.
He also warned party members against complacency in Leribe, noting that the RFP now faces competition from newly formed political parties led by politicians from the district.
“In the 2022 national elections we won 12 constituencies in Leribe and lost only Maliba-Matšo. Let us be cautious because we are now facing the emergence of new parties led by politicians from Leribe, such as the United African Transformation and Khanya,” he said.
The rally was hosted by the Maputsoe Member of Parliament (MP), Stephen Mputi – who also doubles as the Minister of Public Service, and attended by several RFP legislators in what appeared to be a show of solidarity within the ruling party.
Among the speakers was incoming RFP member, Machere Seutloali, who called for the establishment of a dedicated conflict resolution committee to manage disputes and strengthen unity within the party.
Ms Seutloali, a former youth leader of the Basotho National Party (BNP) and former secretary of that party’s Maputsoe constituency committee, joined the RFP on 22 March this year during celebrations marking the party’s anniversary. She previously served as a proportional representation MP in the 10th Parliament under the BNP banner after withdrawing from contesting for the BNP leadership post in 2021.
She said disagreements were inevitable in political organisations but warned that failure to address them could deepen divisions and threaten government stability.
“Every family has its own challenges, but it becomes a serious problem when conflicts are ignored. There has to be a conflict resolution committee tasked with resolving such problems within the structures.
“To the best of my knowledge, this marks the first time a coalition government in this country has endured for more than three years, which is a highly encouraging development,” she said.
Ms Seutloali added that political instability discouraged foreign investment and drained public resources through repeated elections.
The rally came amid mounting reports of factional tensions within the RFP, although party leaders used the gathering to reassure supporters that the government remained stable.
Also addressing the rally was Qalo MP Dada Jooma, who urged members to adhere strictly to the RFP constitution in the administration of party affairs.
“By aligning ourselves with the constitution, we can never go wrong,” he said.
RFP legislator for Teyateyaneng and new Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development, Lebona Lephema, dismissed allegations that he had formed a new political party, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
Mr Lephema also rejected corruption allegations levelled against the government, questioning why those making the accusations had failed to pursue legal action if they possessed credible evidence.
“There is growing evidence from various sectors that Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s government is performing well. Anyone who fails to recognise this progress is simply being unfair and malicious,” he said.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to Prime Minister Matekane and said the RFP was already positioning itself for victory in the 2028 general elections, with the long-term ambition of governing independently without coalition partners.
Other attendees included Maliepetsane MP Lehlohonolo Hlapisi and Tsikoane MP Malefane Mabote.
The event also served as a platform to welcome new members who recently defected from opposition parties, particularly the Basotho Action Party and the All Basotho Convention.
