…as party members demand withdrawal of circular
Mohloai Mpesi
THE Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) leader, Sam Matekane, is facing a challenge from within the party over a circular directing members to seek headquarters’ approval before holding gatherings outside their constituencies.
Two RFP members, Tabaphe Takane and Sam Letuka, have demanded that Mr Matekane retract the circular dated 11 August 2026, warning that they will approach the courts if he fails to do so within five days.
The circular requires members wishing to hold chillas, meetings, gatherings or convoys outside their constituencies to apply to the party headquarters, where the requests would be reviewed.
Through their legal representative, Thoahlane Legel Chambers, Messrs Takane and Letuka wrote to RFP Secretary General Nthati Moorosi on 18 August, demanding the retraction of the circular.
The letter, titled “Demand for Retraction of a Circular”, argues that the circular violates Sections 8(a) and 9(b) of the RFP constitution.
Section 8(a) provides for members to “defend the Party from negative elements detrimental to the interests, credibility, and integrity of the Party”, while Section 9(b) provides for members to “receive and impart information to all RFP members, including new potential members”.
The lawyers argue that activities organised by party members are intended to promote the growth of the RFP and demonstrate members’ understanding of their responsibilities under the party constitution.
“Clients say they are aware of the various activities which are undertaken by the members of the RFP which are aimed at enhancing growth of the RFP, which shows that members understand the duty they have in terms of section 9(b) of the RFP Constitution,” the letter reads.
The letter says the two members were surprised by the 11 August circular, titled “Lengolo la bolisa le tataiso mabapi le liketelo, likopano, liphutheho, liboka, li-chillas le li-convoy mabatooeng ao eseng a habo litho”, which purports to set out procedures for holding such gatherings.
Speaking to the Lesotho Times yesterday, Mr Letuka said they were not opposed to Mr Matekane’s leadership, suggesting that the circular did not reflect the party leader’s intentions.
“We are not against Mr Matekane as a leader at all, but we believe he is not the author of that letter due to the work that he does,” he said.
He said the circular came at a time when political parties should be mobilising and growing their support ahead of the next elections.
“Even people who advised him to write the letter…what we believe infringes us as members is that at this time, when every political party is actively campaigning, then that liberty for people to meet, should first be applied at the headquarters,” Mr Letuka said.
“This is the time when the person we are following needs numbers to return to Parliament again, then we are told that such activities should be halted.”
He said the directive could undermine unity within the party and create divisions among its members.
“Doing that is simply saying RFP members should not meet apart from headquarters’ approval of such a meeting. Which is very new in these years of RFP’s existence as a political party,” he said.
Mr Letuka believes the circular was prompted by a chillas event held in Qacha’s Nek by Teyateyaneng MP Lebona Lephema.
“It is obvious. Chillas and RFP convoys are not something new. But immediately after chillas of Qacha’s Nek, led by Mr Lephema, then the circular came out, directing that such activities should stop,” he said.
“So, one would ask themselves why all of the sudden when chillas have been held all the time.”
Mr Letuka said the five-day deadline given to Mr Matekane was intended to give the party an opportunity to resolve the matter internally before legal action is taken.
“We asked that the retraction should be made in five days, failing which, we are going to the courts of law,” he said.
“We are not against Mr Matekane as people believe it is like that. No. We are not. He should be helped to do things as per the constitution that they made.”
