…says he didn’t feel welcome in DC anymore
…but will continue voting with them until end of term
Moroke Sekoboto
DEMOCRATIC Congress (DC) proportional representation (PR) Member of Parliament, Mokherane Tsatsanyane, is set to rejoin the All Basotho Convention (ABC), citing a lack of support and belonging within his current party.
Mr Tsatsanyane left the ABC in June 2022 to join the Alliance of Democrats (AD) before later moving to the DC ahead of the 2022 general elections.
He served as the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport in November 2018. He then became the Minister of Transport in early 2019 when then Prime Minister Thomas Thabane divided the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. All this while he was still an ABC legislator for the Stadium Area.
Mr Tsatsanyane contested the Qoaling constituency under the DC in the 2022 elections but lost to Revolution for Prosperity’s Mohlomi Moleko.
In a recent Facebook post, he hinted at his return, saying he was “missing home” and expressing hope that the DC would host a farewell as he transitions back to the ABC.
Speaking to the Sunday Express on Friday, Mr Tsatsanyane confirmed his decision to leave the DC, although he emphasised that he would continue voting with the party in Parliament.
“I am returning home. I recently underwent a serious operation that nearly cost me my life. That experience made me reflect deeply.”
He said his illness, which began in December, influenced his decision, particularly the level of support he received during that period.
“I realised that I still love the ABC. It is the only party that showed me care, compassion and consistently checked up on me during my difficult time.
“DC never showed me love. While I was hospitalised for two months and even after returning home, no one from the party visited or checked on me. Only ABC members were there for me.”
Mr Tsatsanyane added that he was nearing retirement and had no strong desire to return to Parliament after his current term, unless persuaded by constituents.
“I am getting old and considering retirement. I will only return to Parliament if the people want me there. I am not rejoining the ABC to secure a position, especially since some residents of Stadium Area were unhappy when I contested in Qoaling,” he said.
He further said his health no longer allowed him to endure stressful political environments.
“I don’t want to be around people who stress me. Some DC members—not the leadership—were against my PR seat. I have never been at peace in the party, and that contributed to my illness,” he said.
Despite his departure, Mr Tsatsanyane clarified that he would not cross the floor in Parliament.
“I will continue to vote with the DC because the PR seat belongs to them. The ABC is also in opposition, so there is no conflict. I will not sell a PR vote,” he said.
He also dismissed speculation linking him to the Basotho Development Front (BDF), stating that while several parties had shown interest in him, he had chosen the ABC due to the support he had received.
“There are many parties interested in me, but I am not a BDF member. The ABC has stood by me, even assisting with my medical expenses,” he said.
Mr Tsatsanyane further revealed that he had been excluded from DC communication platforms for several months.
“I have spent nearly eight months removed from all WhatsApp groups, including the parliamentary caucus. I am no longer aware of what is happening within the party or in Parliament,” he said.
ABC spokesperson, Mphonyane Lebesa, said the party would welcome Mr Tsatsanyane back.
“We cannot say much at this stage because of the sensitivity around PR seats, but we would be very happy to welcome him back,” Mr Lebesa said.
DC spokesperson, Serialong Qoo, said the party had not received any formal communication regarding Mr Tsatsanyane’s departure.
“He has not informed the DC office about this. He often posts things on social media and later denies them, so we cannot confirm anything until he communicates formally,” Mr Qoo said.