Keiso Mohloboli
DEFENCE and National Security Minister, Tšeliso Mokhosi, has vowed to revamp the National Security Service (NSS) to international standards.
Mr Mokhosi made the pledge during a pass-out parade of 69 NSS officers at NSS Mphorosane Training Academy on Friday, adding he was determined to see the security agency equipped with the latest technology and highly skilled staff to ensure effective service delivery.
“The government of Lesotho is fully aware of the need to modernise the institution to international standards. It would be a way of showing appreciation for your good work and the need to have intelligence officers with the necessary skills to execute their duties effectively.
“I promise to soon visit NSS stations throughout the country to find out what challenges Intelligence Officers are facing as they perform their duties. Touring your stations and interacting with you will help me know how best to address your challenges.
“The nation is banking on your intelligence to be ready for any enemies that might want to attack us. The world is now facing the scourge of terrorism, human trafficking, dishonest politics and lies and we need your skills and expertise against these challenges,” Mr Mokhosi said.
The minister reminded the graduates, who underwent a five-month course, to always show commitment, respect, patience and confidence while on duty and to be ready to expose any acts that might threaten the country’s security.
“It is my prayer that you will all work hard towards respecting the country’s constitution in whatever duties you carry out,” he said.
“Terrorism, theft, human trafficking, dishonest politics and lies don’t only affect Lesotho but the whole African continent and the world at large. That is why I am going to make sure that your institution is not only equipped with all the resources you need, but that you also get the best possible training.”
NSS Training Academy principal, Lineo Ramathe, on her part, said the recruits had traversed a tough journey in their training, with the major challenge being the ever-changing weather of Mphorosane—a mountainous area between Ha Lejone in Leribe and Thaba-Tseka, where the school is based. This was the third intake to graduate at the centre as the NSS used to rely on other security agencies for its training.
“Because of the changing weather conditions, the trainers and trainees would often fall sick. On behalf of the academy, I would therefore like to humbly ask the Honourable Minister to assist in upgrading the college in terms of medical facilities because we depend on ‘Mamohau Hospital. Even though ‘Mamohau is very welcoming to us, we still need our own medical facility for the smooth-flow of training,” Ms Ramathe said, adding she was “very proud of the graduates’ conduct during their course.
On his part, NSS Director-General, Lerotholi Seeiso, advised the graduates not to engage in party politics as this brought the name of the NSS into disrepute.
“Let politicians excel in their field, and as for you, don’t engage in party politics because by so doing, you would be tarnishing the image of this institution.
“I wish you all good luck in your different duties and hope that you will not forget your responsibilities and vows you took to become professional and loyal intelligence officers,” Mr Seeiso said.
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