Govt renews commitment to empower DCEO

…urges youths to speak out, act on graft

…as Lesotho marks global Anti-Corruption Day

Moroke Sekoboto

THE Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offenses (DCEO), has seen its budget increased significantly under Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s administration, more than at any other time since the anti-corruption body was established in 2003, Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara has said.

Speaking at the commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day this week at the Mathabiseng Convention Centre, Ms Majara reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting integrity, strengthening the DCEO, and investing in young people as future leaders.

Commemorated annually on 9 December, this year’s theme for the International Anti-Corruption Day was ‘Uniting with youth against corruption: Shaping tomorrow’s integrity.

Ms Majara said the government is deeply committed to reversing corruption in the government, which poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of ordinary Basotho, including the youth.

“In recent months and years, we have taken concrete steps to empower the DCEO and expand its reach. The DCEO has been empowered by the government to launch new regional offices in the northern and southern regions, thereby bringing services closer to the people,” Ms Majara said.

She said that recognising that robust institutions alone are insufficient, the government has established an internal control mechanism, such as the Systems Integrity Committee (SIC) in ministries and public offices.

“In this financial year, the Ministries of Defense, Foreign and International Relations, and the Office of the Prime Minister have collectively launched the SICs to monitor and safeguard service delivery in their respective ministries. Our aim is clear: to build a transparent and accountable government, one that serves all Basotho equally, efficiently, speedily, and fairly,” Ms Majara said.

“We mark our progress and the challenges that lie ahead in the fight against corruption. The theme is not only timely but also inspiring. It acknowledges the truth we can no longer overlook. The fight against corruption will be won or lost by the choices our young people make and the institutions we build with them,”.

“The theme speaks directly to the future and also reminds us that the future of Lesotho lies in the hands of our young people. Corruption remains a serious threat facing our country.

She added that it was troubling when corruption penetrates all social structures, reaching schools, district offices, communities, service delivery spaces, and when it affects the daily lives of ordinary Basotho, including young people who look to the future with great hope and inspiration.

“At the heart of this year’s commemoration lies our youth. For that reason, the DCEO’s anti-corruption programme and the youth anti-corruption programme are central to our vision. These programmes aimed to instill a culture of integrity from an early age up to tertiary institutions. We encourage the youth to fully participate in these programmes.

“Through these initiatives, the government is aware that the Students’ Integrity Association are being established in schools across the country. District Anti-Corruption Committees have been reactivated in various districts, bringing anti-corruption awareness closer to the people,” Ms Majara said.

DCEO Director General, Advocate Brigadier Mants’o Sello, said the fight against corruption is not only a legal obligation but a moral responsibility.

Adv Sello emphasised that the fight against corruption cannot be won by the institutions alone; it demands a united effort and front. Adv Sello urged the youth to safeguard the opportunities that are destroyed by corruption, be there in decision-making, and make sure their voices are heard and not only heard but amplified and acted upon.

“The fight against corruption is not only a legal obligation but a moral responsibility. We have to reflect deeply on our central role of young people in building a future defined by integrity, honesty, and accountability. The theme invites youth participation in the fight against corruption,” Adv Sello said.

“Today, we are reminded of the power of young people as they have energy and courage, and must become a force of change in the narrative of corruption. The fight against corruption cannot be won by the institutions alone . . . We need the government, the private sector, civil society, and the communities to come to the party, and most importantly, we need the youth to come to the party in the fight against corruption,” Adv Sello said.

Addressing the youth at the same event, UNDP Resident Representative, Dr Jacqueline Olweya, emphasised that corruption thrives in silence, noting that young people have the power, the energy, and the future to fight for.

Dr Olweya urged youth to use their voices, expose corrupt practices, and ensure that people know what to do when they experience corruption.

Youth across different sectors discussed topics related to corruption.