Mohloai Mpesi
THE government has come under renewed criticism from civil society and political actors over alleged corruption, nepotism and failure to address unemployment.
In separate statements, the political party Yearn for Economic Sustainability (YES), which is not represented in Parliament, and civic organisation, Section II, accused the current coalition administration led by Prime Minister Sam Matekane of betraying public trust.
YES leader, Molefi Ntšonyana, said the government had failed to fulfil its promise to eliminate nepotism. He alleged that the recent census recruitment process exposed widespread favouritism, with some individuals already employed in government allegedly recruited again, resulting in double salaries.
He further argued that such practices undermine constitutional principles of equality and fairness in public service, and suggested the organisation could consider legal action to challenge the recruitment process.
Mr Ntšonyana also criticised the Labour Court, claiming it was failing to protect workers and that some court orders were not being enforced. He said this had left Basotho workers vulnerable, particularly against foreign employers and politically connected individuals.
On unemployment, Mr Ntšonyana said the situation remained dire, accusing the government of failing to deliver on its promise to create 70,000 jobs. He said rising joblessness was contributing to poverty, despair, and growing frustration among the youth.
He also raised concerns about freedom of expression, alleging that citizens face difficulties organising peaceful protests against the government.
Meanwhile, Section II raised concerns over what it described as systemic governance failures involving key state institutions.
The organisation cited reports that the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) allegedly subjected Advocate Veronica Matias to coercion during an investigation, claims it said would, if true, undermine the rule of law.
Section II also highlighted poor conditions within the Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS), referencing findings by the Ombudsman which pointed to overcrowding, inadequate healthcare and deteriorating infrastructure. It said the failure to implement recommendations reflected broader governance weaknesses.
In addition, the group criticised the alleged defiance of a Court of Appeal ruling by National Security Services (NSS) Director General Itumeleng Letsepe, saying the lack of action undermines the authority of the judiciary. The ruling had ordered the NSS to reinstate the 77 officers it fired in 2017.
Section II has called for an independent investigation into the DCEO, implementation of Ombudsman recommendations on correctional facilities, and enforcement of the court ruling against the NSS director general.
Responding to the allegations, Government Spokesperson Boitelo Rabale dismissed the criticism, saying political leaders were doing their job.
“Leaders of political parties are doing their job. We will let them be,” he said.
DCEO spokesperson, ‘Matlhokomelo Senoko, also rejected the claims regarding Adv Matias, saying those involved in the matter disputed the allegations.
Efforts to obtain comment from NSS spokesperson, Limpho Gugushe, were unsuccessful, while Mr Letsepe asked for inquiries to be sent to his office.