…urges nation to embrace reforms as a chance to rebuild nation,

…calls for peaceful 2022 elections.

Nthatuoa Koeshe

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Democratic Congress (DC) leader, Mathibeli Mokhothu, has called on the nation to embrace the ongoing multi-sector reforms, saying they give the country the much-needed opportunity to address endemic leadership challenges bedeviling it.

The country is in the process of implementing constitutional, security sector, judicial, media and governance reforms that were recommended by SADC in 2016 as part of efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Kingdom.

Delivering his Christmas message on one of the local radio stations over the weekend, Mr Mokhothu said the country at the crossroads and it was imperative for Basotho to continue the legacy of the nation’s founder, King Moshoeshoe I, who built the Kingdom on the values of love, unity and peace.

“We should strive for peace,” Mr Mokhothu said.

“It is easy to destroy than to build. Building needs dedication, truth, love, forgiveness, respect and prayer. We are implementing reforms and this is a chance to rebuild this country and overcome our differences. This is also an opportunity to strengthen the leadership of this country by building all the pillars which will help grow the nation”.

The DC leader made no reference to the infighting in his coalition partner, the Thomas Thabane-led All Basotho Convention (ABC). Early this month, the ABC’s national executive committee (NEC) voted to recall its deputy leader and current Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro and replace him with the now fired cabinet minister, Nkaku Kabi.

However, Dr Majoro refused to resign, saying only legislators could topple him through a no confidence vote in parliament. The ABC’s NEC has since invited the DC and all other political parties represented in parliament to a meeting to discuss the formation of a government of national unity to replace the current coalition anchored by the ABC and DC.

DC deputy leader and and Home Affairs Minister, Motlalentoa Letsosa, on Wednesday said his party “has always been opposed to a GNU because we don’t see how it will benefit the country and its people”. (See lead story on Page 2).

In his address, Mr Mokhothu did not speak on the matter. Instead, he expressed hopes that next year’s elections would be held in a peaceful atmosphere.

He said this year has been full of challenges fuelled by the Covid-19 pandemic which had not only affected the economy but also disrupting learning in schools and tertiary institutions.

“But in the mist of it all, we will keep fighting this pandemic to save this nation. I appeal to everyone take care and follow all the Covid-19 protocols. Every eligible person must get vaccinated against the virus,” Mr Mokhothu said.

He also paid tribute to Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) personnel who had been deployed in Mozambique as part of a SADC force to fight Islamic rebels who are waging a civil war against that country’s government.

“We should remember our soldiers in Mozambique and we should continue supporting them through our prayers. We are also mourning with His Majesty, King Letsie III after the loss of one of his soldiers who succumbed to malaria in Mozambique. We are also mourning with the bereaved family.”

He also hailed his party’s leadership for their success in recruiting new members this year. He said the party now had in excess of 300 000 members countrywide due to the success of its #Holisa-DC (grow DC) campaign which was launched in 2019.