Makananelo Manamolela
THE three-day leadership forum held in Berea has been described as highly beneficial in strengthening government efforts to build a more capable, accountable, responsive and results-oriented state.
The seminar, which ran from Monday to Tuesday and was officiated by Prime Minister Sam Matekane, brought together senior government officials, development partners and experts in governance, and focused on improving coordination, performance management and accountability across public institutions.
Mr Matekane said the forum marked a significant milestone in Lesotho’s governance reform journey, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening accountability systems and improving service delivery.
“When I assumed office in October 2022, I made a commitment to the nation that my government would strengthen accountability in the public sector by creating a system in which performance would be clearly articulated, transparently monitored, openly reported upon, and discussed with citizens,” Mr Matekane said.
He said the government’s reform agenda aligned with the National Strategic Development Plan II (NSDP II-Extended), the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, all aimed at building effective institutions and improving livelihoods.
Mr Matekane also said, while Lesotho already had foundational governance systems in place, they were not delivering the expected impact due to weak coordination, limited accountability and fragmented implementation across institutions.
“The challenge therefore was not only to create new systems, but to strengthen the effectiveness of existing ones, improve coordination across government, reinforce accountability, and build a culture of performance and delivery,” he said.
He said the government had therefore embarked on learning exchanges with countries that had demonstrated strong governance outcomes, including Rwanda, whose experience was highlighted during the forum.
He also underscored the importance of leadership unity and public engagement in driving sustainable development.
“Development cannot be imposed from above. It must be shaped and owned by the people themselves,” he said, adding that citizen trust was built through transparency, measurable results and open communication.
Mr Matekane said the outcomes of the forum would feed into a National Progress and Accountability Report, alongside a set of strategic resolutions and time-bound implementation commitments.
“Ultimately, success will be measured not by discussions but by improvements in service delivery, economic development, good governance, and the daily lives of Basotho,” he said.
The premier strongly condemned delays in payments to service providers, urging government institutions to ensure timely settlement of debts.
“Let us pay service providers, pay them or don’t ask for their services at all. Stop playing with people and serve them,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister, Nthomeng Majara, said the seminar had provided valuable insights, particularly from Rwanda’s governance experience, and acknowledged longstanding weaknesses in government reporting systems.
She said preparations were underway for a national accountability summit scheduled for next week, which would create a platform for direct engagement between government and citizens.
“We will listen to their complaints, concerns and advice while also providing details of government performance, including successes and shortcomings,” Ms Majara said.
Delivering remarks virtually on behalf of President Paul Kagame, Rwandan Prime Minister, Dr Justin Nsengiyumva, reflected on Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery journey and shared lessons on governance and development.
He said Rwanda’s transformation was anchored on long-term planning, effective use of national strengths such as tourism and technology, and strong accountability systems.
“The fight against corruption is one that must be relentless and continuous. No one is above the law,” he said, stressing that public trust depends on integrity and fairness.
He also highlighted Rwanda’s National Dialogue platform, Umushyikirano, as an example of citizen participation in governance, while noting that each country must design its own development path.
The forum will be followed by a national accountability summit scheduled for next Wednesday to Friday.
