Local News, News
March 19, 2025
1792 views 10 mins 0

Bid to oust LHDA chief

Moorosi Tsiane THE Lesotho Highlands Water Commission (LHWC) has asked Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) board chairperson, Lehlomela Stephen Phakisi, to resign from his cushy post for allegedly violating the Authority’s conflict of interest policy. Mr Phakisi has in turn launched an urgent High Court petition to forestall his employer and keep his job. His court move follows a letter from the LHWC last Friday, requesting that he voluntarily steps down due […]

Business, Local News, News
March 19, 2025
1862 views 7 mins 0

SOEs fail to declare dividends to govt

  Mathatisi Sebusi AN alarming 60 percent of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and companies in which the State owns shareholding have failed to pay dividends to the government as expected.  In fact, some of them, according to a parliamentary report, have never paid any dividends to the State, since their inception, raising suspicions that they might be engaging in creative accounting to […]

Crime & Courts, Local News, News
March 19, 2025
1825 views 7 mins 0

Assistant High Court registrar shot by lover

…as women protest escalating femicides Moorosi Tsiane A High Court Assistant Registrar, Tebello Mokhoema, has narrowly survived death after being shot by her boyfriend this past Saturday at her home in Bua-Sono, Berea. The suspect, Tšenolo Thamahane, an employee at the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO), first shot Advocate Mokhoema’s sister, who had attempted to intervene […]

Local News, News
March 19, 2025
1845 views 12 mins 0

Ombudsman orders LDF, LMPS to probe torture incidents

  Mohloai Mpesi OMBUDSMAN, Advocate Tlotliso Polaki, has ordered internal investigations into rogue members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) and Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) accused of torturing and violating the rights of civilians during anti-crime operations. Adv Polaki has instructed that the investigations be completed and a report issued within six months. Adv […]

Local News, News
March 18, 2025
1887 views 7 mins 0

More woes for M186 million airport project

…as parly committee recommends project be re–tendered Mohloai Mpesi THE corruption plagued M184 million Moshoeshoe I International Airport refurbishment project has hit yet another snag after a parliamentary committee this week recommended that the project be re-tendered and started anew. The portfolio committee on the Economic and Development Cluster makes the recommendations in its review report of the 2025/2026 national budget. It recommends that the Ministry of Public Works […]

Local News, News
March 18, 2025
1981 views 2 mins 0

RSL probes 10 employees for misconduct

  Mohloai Mpesi THE Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) has suspended 10 employees pending investigations into allegations of dishonesty and misconduct. The employees, all Customs Inspectors, are accused of engaging in dishonest activities at their respective duty stations. The RSL issued an internal memorandum on Monday, notifying staff of the suspensions under the subject: “Suspension from duty […]

Business, Local News, News
March 18, 2025
1742 views 6 mins 0

Parly committee calls for dialogue with MMB

—As brewery opposes latest alcohol levy hike Mathatisi Sebusi THE Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the Maluti Mountain Brewery (MMB) must dialogue over the proposed 2.5% increase in the alcohol levy which MMB says will further cripple its operations. The recommendation for talks is contained in a report of the Economic and Development Cluster portfolio […]

Local News, News
March 18, 2025
1421 views 4 mins 0

Lesotho must embrace cleantech – Moleko

  Moroke Sekoboto LESOTHO must embrace clean technologies to ensure its energy security, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability, Energy Minister, Mohlomi Moleko, has said. Mr Moleko said like many nations, Lesotho faced the imperative of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. He made the remarks during the recent Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP)’s Lesotho Cleantech Innovation Awards, […]

Local News, News
March 18, 2025
1378 views 4 mins 0

DCEO no-show in Peka MP theft case

…as docket “mysteriously” disappears from court Moorosi Tsiane THE theft case against Peka constituency legislator, Mohopoli Monokoane, failed to resume yesterday after the court was informed that his case docket had gone missing. Adding to the controversy, the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) prosecutor, Advocate (Adv) Lebohang Motelle, who is handling the case, failed […]

Local News, News
March 18, 2025
1082 views 5 mins 0

Prosecutor challenges his arraignment over M1500 bribe

  Hopolang Mokhopi A BEREA prosecutor, Lefu Penane, who faces criminal charges of soliciting a M1500 bribe, is challenging the decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Hlalefang Motinyane, to try him before the High Court. He would rather be tried at the magistrates’ court which he argues has the power to hear “minor” cases like […]

Local News, News
March 18, 2025
1174 views 7 mins 0

Tšosane community up in arms 

…questions government’s commitment to dumpsite rehabilitation  Mathatisi Sebusi / Seithati Motšoeneng  THE community of Ha Tšosane has lost faith in the government’s promise to rehabilitate a local dumpsite, which has posed significant health risks for years.  Despite numerous assurances, including a statement in the budget speech that rehabilitation of the dumpsite is planned for the 2025/2026 financial […]

Local News, News
March 07, 2025
674 views 11 mins 0

Mahlala forms new party 

Mohloai Mpesi / Mohalenyane Phakela  BUSINESSMAN Bothata Mahlala has confirmed he is in the process of forming a new political party after initially denying that he would do so.  Mr Mahlala, who had in previous interviews vowed to remain a loyal member of the Democratic Congress (DC), said he had decided to quit and form his party […]

Local News, News
March 07, 2025
729 views 5 mins 0

Another failed coup “mastermind” jailed 

Hopolang Mokhopi  TABLES have turned on retired soldier, Colonel Thato Phaila, who has gone from being a Crown witness in high-profile cases against his former boss, Tlali Kamoli, to now facing charges alongside him.  Phaila, 67, appeared before the Maseru Magistrates’ Court this week, to be charged with treason and the murder of police Sub-Inspector Mokheseng Ramahloko. […]

Local News, News
March 06, 2025
533 views 11 mins 0

H.E. Emmanuel Hategeka, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to South Africa speaks on Women’s Day

Rwanda celebrating International Women’s Day under the theme – “Empowered Women, Stronger Nation” On this International Women’s Day, HE Emmanuel Hategeka, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, who also oversees relations with Lesotho, Namibia, Madagascar, and Mauritius, spoke to Silence Charumbira of Africa News 24. Rwanda has emerged as a global leader in gender equality […]

Local News, News
March 04, 2025
446 views 4 mins 0

Lesotho Housing sued for M15m 

  Hopolang Mokhopi  THE Lesotho Housing and Land Development Corporation (LHLDC) is facing a M15 million lawsuit for allegedly terminating its contract with Rendeals Four Consulting Pty Ltd “prematurely”.  LHLDC is a state-owned enterprise providing rental accommodation, houses for sale, and serviced land for commercial and residential purposes. It had entered into a M140,673,327.75 contract with […]

Crime & Courts, Local News, News
March 03, 2025
618 views 9 mins 0

Police urge Dr Mofubelu’s sexual harassment victims to come forward 

Moorosi Tsiane  ALLEGATIONS of sexual harassment against medical practitioner, Hlalele Mofubelu, have prompted more women to come forward, sharing their harrowing experiences with the doctor.  Dr Mofubelu made headlines last week after this publication reported multiple allegations of sexual misconduct during his medical consultations with female clients. Several women claim that the doctor, who has been practicing since 1998, engaged […]

Crime & Courts, Local News, News
March 03, 2025
678 views 2 mins 0

Teacher who “stabbed” student to represent himself in court 

Hopolang Mokhopi  A PHUTHIATSANA High School teacher accused of stabbing his student in December last year has chosen to represent himself in his trial before the Maseru Magistrates Court.  The 32-year-old Motlatsi Molise allegedly stabbed his student, Tšepiso Mabathoana, multiple times with “an instrument” and bit her lip at Borokhoaneng, Maseru, on 3 December 2024. […]

Local News, News
March 03, 2025
453 views 4 mins 0

LTDC drives tourism sensitization campaign 

—Engages Butha-Buthe communities, schools  Hopolang Mokhopi  THE Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) recently organized a pivotal event in Butha-Buthe to sensitize primary schools and local communities about the importance of tourism.  Led by LTDC’s Public Relations Officer, Molapo Matela, the initiative emphasized that tourism is a priority sector in Lesotho, crucial for economic growth and […]

Local News, News
March 03, 2025
408 views 3 mins 0

Govt bids to enhance service delivery 

Moroke Sekoboto  The government has taken steps to enhance accountability and transparency in service delivery by introducing client service charters for civil servants.  Speaking at the launch of the charters at ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre yesterday, Prime Minister Sam Matekane emphasized the need for public servants to fulfill their mandate efficiently and ethically.  Mr Matekane urged […]

Local News, News
March 03, 2025
403 views 3 mins 0

Minister of Natural Resources’ Site Visit Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project 

  MOKHOTLONG – The Minister of Natural Resources, Hon Mohlomi Moleko, undertook a comprehensive oversight visit to key sites of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) last week, reinforcing the Government of Lesotho’s commitment to the project’s successful implementation and long-term sustainability.  Accompanied by senior officials, including the LHDA Chief Executive, the Lesotho Highlands Water […]

Local News, News
March 03, 2025
411 views 7 mins 0

A critical examination of the 2025/2026 Kingdom of Lesotho budget

  Critical Analysis  Theme and Strategic Direction The theme, “Building Strategies for Inclusive Growth,” demonstrates a commitment to economic expansion, job creation, and resilience against global shocks (Ministry of Finance, 2025). The focus on private-sector-led growth aligns with global best practices for sustainable development (World Bank, 2024).  Macroeconomic Stability and Fiscal Prudence The budget presents […]

Local News, News
March 03, 2025
357 views 4 mins 0

Moradi Crushers, Mpeke community forge a new relationship 

Hopolang Mokhopi  IN a remarkable turn of events, Moradi Crushers has taken significant steps to strengthen its relationship with the Ha Mpeke community by addressing their grievances, particularly concerning electricity connectivity.   This newfound partnership marks a transformative journey over the past three years, as both parties have moved from conflict to collaboration.   With the new […]

Local News, News
March 03, 2025
367 views 3 mins 0

Global warming reaches new heights 

  Seithati Motšoeneng  THE world has officially recorded its warmest January ever, according to leading datasets from the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  This alarming trend has heightened concerns about climate change, especially as it occurred amid a La Niña event, which is typically associated with global […]

Local News, News
March 03, 2025
283 views 4 mins 0

  Hopolang Mokhopi  THE Lesotho Housing and Land Development Corporation (LHLDC) is facing a M15 million lawsuit for allegedly terminating its contract with Rendeals Four Consulting Pty Ltd “prematurely”.  LHLDC is a state-owned enterprise providing rental accommodation, houses for sale, and serviced land for commercial and residential purposes. It had entered into a M140,673,327.75 contract with […]

News
March 03, 2025
129 views 4 mins 0

Lesotho Housing sued for M15m 

Hopolang Mokhopi  THE Lesotho Housing and Land Development Corporation (LHLDC) is facing a M15 million lawsuit for allegedly terminating its contract with Rendeals Four Consulting Pty Ltd “prematurely”.  LHLDC is a state-owned enterprise providing rental accommodation, houses for sale, and serviced land for commercial and residential purposes. It had entered into a M140,673,327.75 contract with Rendeals […]

News
March 01, 2025
148 views 8 mins 0

Rwanda, the DRC, and the Weaponization of Aid: A Case of Western Double Standards

By Silence Charumbira For decades, Western aid has been portrayed as a benevolent force, a catalyst for humanitarian relief and economic development. Yet, recent events expose it as a strategic tool of control rather than a neutral force for good. Nowhere is this contradiction more evident than in the UK’s decision to freeze aid to […]

Local News, News
February 27, 2025
394 views 6 mins 0

Braveleo Couture: A Disruptor in Menswear or an Emerging Vision Still in Refinement?

By Silence Charumbira In the evolving landscape of luxury fashion, Braveleo Couture positions itself as a challenger brand, attempting to dismantle the Eurocentric monopoly on high-end menswear. Founded by Orugba Osima, the label presents a vision of African luxury that is both ambitious and compelling. However, while its aspirations are clear, the execution raises critical […]

Local News, News
February 24, 2025
424 views 8 mins 0

Malnutrition exacting a heavy toll globally – King

Seithati Mots’oeneng KING Letsie III has warned that malnutrition exacts a steep social and economic toll across the globe, with African countries bearing the brunt of this devastating issue. The King has also expressed grave concern over the staggering economic impact of malnutrition in Africa, noting that it causes African economies to lose between 1.9-16 percent of […]

Local News, News
February 24, 2025
365 views 3 mins 0

BAoL marks first anniversary

Moroke Sekoboto THE Bangladeshi Association of Lesotho (BAoL) marked its first anniversary with a vibrant and culturally rich celebration, reflecting on its achievements while setting ambitious goals for the future. The event, held in Maseru West on Thursday, brought together association members, distinguished guests, and dignitaries in an evening of camaraderie, cultural exchange, and appreciation. […]