Bereng Mpaki
UNITY is critical for the smooth operations of the security agencies, Bashoeshoe Pele chief executive officer (CEO) Poppie Madonsela has said.
Ms Madonsela said this at the recently held second instalment of the National Security Agencies Day organised by her car rental company Bashoeshoe Pele.
The event is aimed at promoting unity among the four security institutions namely the National Security Service (NSS), the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) and the Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS).
The celebration started with sporting activities at the LCS’ Juvenile Training Centre ground during the day through a partnership between the Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) and Bashoshoe Pele and ended with a gala dinner at Lehakoe Recreational and Cultural Centre.
The initiative is part of Bashoeshoe Pele’s way of giving back to the community.
Ms Madonsela said this year’s event was inspired by the positive impact the initiative has had on the security agencies.
“We have decided to hold this event again this year after observing its positive impact on the security agencies,” Ms Madonsela said.
She said the agencies worked together to hold a joint parade for His Majesty King Letsie III in 2018 in Butha-Buthe, as part of efforts to unite them.
Ms Madonsela said the kind of unity and harmony that has been created among the security agencies has gone beyond their professional duties, with some even meeting their future spouses.
“We can all attain peace and much more if only we come together as a society to face our challenges as a collective,” she added.
For his part, Lesotho Correctional Service Senior Superintendent Letlaka Banyane, who spoke on behalf of the security agencies, said harmony is critical among the country’s security agencies to keep crime under control.
Snr Supt Banyane, who is the head of Mohale’s Hoek LCS, said unity among security agencies augurs well for the country in terms of combating criminal activities.
Snr Supt Banyane said the event is taking them back to the basics of their profession.
“When we work together as security agencies, we improve our impact in addressing crime because no criminal will want to cross us.
“This initiative is actually taking us back to the past, when we used to work side by side with our counterparts holding joint operations such as roadblocks and even doing physical exercises together,” Snr Supt Banyane said.
He added that they have in the past attempted to stage such an event, but it was only limited to the southern parts of the country.
“Therefore, we would like to thank Bashoeshoe Pele for bringing back that spirit of collaboration among our security agencies.” Snr Supt Banyane said.
Pulumo Nchakha, who spoke on behalf of the LNOC, said the organisation has a function of aligning with anybody who uses sport to develop their lives.
He said sports are a powerful tool that can be used to unite people.
