Lesotho News Agency

05/01/2026

MCCI INCIDENT REQUIRES URGENT INTERVENTION- PRO

MASERU - The recent death of an inmate at Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI) calls for urgent intervention and introduction of food poison detection technologies to strengthen further security measures and ensure safety of inmates.

This was said by Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) Public Relations Officer Assistant Superintendent Pheko Ntobane in an interview with the Agency, following a report that the death of the said inmate was allegedly caused by poisoned food which was brought by one of his visitors at the institution. It was also reported that the deceased shared the food with his two fellow inmates who were rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

Assistant Superintendent Ntobane said as much as food brought to inmates by visitors is always checked, there is need for detection technologies especially for sealed food.

“Food is always checked at the institution for safety and security reasons, to the extent that some inmates dislike the process” he added, assuring that measures to prevent similar incidents in future are underway.

Meanwhile, in its report, the Commission of Inquiry on the Escape of Inmates earlier revealed that amongst others, security measures at MCCI are disintegrated and severely compromised, indicating that deficiencies emanate from the structure of some of the buildings and the perimeter fence, careless deployment of human resources which utter failure to follow routine procedural checks and failure to maintain a proper balance between the three key elements of prison security.

It adds that MCCI does not have a robust first line of defence to uphold the safety and integrity of the facility, indicating that the entrance gate and some of unnecessary gates at the maximum facility are not religiously manned.

It therefore emphasized the need for correctional officers to cultivate positive relationships with inmates instead of making them enemies as this would help to easily gather information to anticipate security risks.

The Agency has learnt that the deceased, who was from Nazareth, was one of the murders accused of Former Disaster Management Authority Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Caroline Mahosi and her Son.

Ends/LP/BM

05/01/2026

MCA CLOSURE TO IMPACT LESOTHO - MOKAOANE

MASERU --- Local Economist, Mr. Lefu Mokaoane says Basotho and Lesotho should be ready for socio-economic meltdown following the closure of Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Compact II.

MCA Compact II which through its development fund supported health, horticulture and business development in Lesotho was halted due to the executive order that was issued in January 2025 by the U.S President which mandated a temporary pause on all U.S foreign assistance programs. On November 19, Lesotho received final notice of termination while the official closure will be on April 18, this year.

He said the loss of the development fund which invested in above mentioned projects is a huge blow saying it is going to leave a wide gap economically.

He said due to lack or no investment, there is going to be a negative impact on employment and livelihood citing that small contractors engaged under the said projects are going to lose job opportunities.

"The end products of horticulture and health projects are going to be affected as people will lose their jobs. The horticulture project's aim was to help in the long run in foood security so there is going to be a challenge to establish stable food security within the country," he said.

He added that in the health sector, the compact was to enhance primary health care infrastructure saying with the closure it would pose a challenge to accessing health services which he said might result in health services declining.

Again, he mentioned that the business development sector which targeted women and youth will have devastating economic impacts.

On the other hand, Mr. Mokaoane highlighted that though the government has committed to continue supporting the projects, it might not be with the magnitude of the MCA.

"The government will not be able to sustain such projects even if they can find a new partner which is very unlikely," he said.

He indicated that the government might be left with an option of tapping more on tax or loans, however said with more tax other projects would suffer or there could be tax increase somewhere. He added that loans would also increase the country's debt which he said is not economically wise.

Earlier Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara had indicated that in collaboration with MCA-Lesotho Compact II, the government has made significant progress in restructuring the project to ensure it continues after closure.

She emphasized that improving health outcomes, supporting business development, and enhancing agricultural productivity remain top priorities for the country.

“We are committed to maintaining transparency throughout this process and will ensure that the nation is regularly updated on its transition to the government of Lesotho in taking over the funding and implementation of the program,” she added, acknowledging that this transition will require time, and urged the nation to be patient and understanding during this period.

The Compact II in Lesotho involved a significant investment, with the U.S. committing around $300 million (M4,963,647,000.00), matched by Lesotho's pledge of over $22 million (M364,000,780.00), focusing on health, food security (irrigation/horticulture), and small business growth over five years, with operations starting around March 2024.

Ends

05/01/2026

FACTORY WORKERS SETTLE IN BACK INTO ROUTINE

MASERU --- Life in Maseru is steadily returning to its familiar rhythm following the festive season, with factory workers from the industrial area and Ha Thetsane once again filling the streets in the early hours of the morning as they report for duty.

By dawn on Monday buses and taxis heading towards the Maseru Industrial Area were packed, while groups of workers in uniform could be seen walking briskly along main roads, lunch bags in hand. The scene marked a clear end to the festive season as production lines resumed after weeks of reduced activity.

Several factory workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the return to work had been demanding, with management already expecting them to meet set production targets despite the short break.

“We were given only a few days to rest during the holidays, and now we are expected to produce at full capacity,” said a machinist at a textile factory in Ha Thetsane. “The body is here, but you can still feel the festive fatigue. It takes time to adjust back to the routine.”

Another worker from the industrial area 'Mamothe Leupa said the pressure to deliver orders was immediate, as factories work to catch up on deadlines that accumulated during the festive season.

“From the first day back, supervisors reminded us about targets and delivery dates,” she said. “There is no grace period. We understand the work has to be done, but it is not easy after long days and nights during the holidays.”

Some workers admitted that the festive season, while joyful, had been physically draining, especially for those who travelled long distances to visit family or hosted relatives at home.

The holidays were busy and expensive,” said Mr. Rethabile Nyakane “You arrive at work tired, but you have to push yourself because you need the job and the money.”

Despite the fatigue, workers expressed determination to settle back into their routines, noting that January often comes with added financial pressure, including school fees and household expenses.

“Workers are committed to meeting targets, but management also needs to be mindful that people are coming from a demanding festive period,” he said. “A gradual adjustment would help morale and performance.”

As Maseru continues to shake off the festive mood, the return of factory workers signals a broader economic reawakening in the capital. Streets are once again busy during peak hours, businesses are reopening fully, and the city is settling into the steady pace of a new working year.

Ends/MP

05/01/2026

THE MINISTYR OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT APPOINTS NEW PRINCIPAL SECRETARY

MASERU --- The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police has appointed, Dr. Mpopo Ts'oele as its new Principal Secretary, with a commitment to strengthen accountability and improve service delivery for Basotho.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ts'oele, said the ministry, which he described as the face of government, must ensure that public services delivery is efficient and with dignity.

He said the Prime Minister of Lesotho had previously appealed to Basotho to grant him the mandate to govern through public service, making commitment to improve roads, stabilise the police service and ensure access to essential services and documents.

He said among these promises was an assurance that Basotho would no longer sleep at government offices while waiting for essential services such as passports and identity documents.

Dr. Ts'oele said the Prime Minister also promised traditional leaders that chieftainship offices would be strengthened and capacitated once his government took office, with the aim of improving service delivery at community level.

“Our responsibility now is to translate those promises into tangible results," he said, adding that civil service exists to fulfil political promises

He said he does not take his appointment for granted and is committed to ensuring that political directives are implemented.

Dr. Ts'oele added that the ministry is entering an era where accountability will be the reality, warning that management will take action where laws are violated.

District Administrator for Thaba-Tseka, Mr. Tlali Mphafi, welcomed the message, saying the country’s challenges are partly due to lack of accountability. He expressed hope that the new leadership would help improve service delivery across government.

He noted that it is now time for everyone to fully accept that each individual must take responsibility and account for what they do on a daily basis especially in public service.

Mr. Mphafi stressed that the government exists where public servants work, adding that accountability at workplaces directly reflects the state of governance in the country.

Dr. Mpopo Ts'oele succeeds Dr. Mamphaka Mabesa who previously held the position.

ENDS/MAMAJ

05/01/2026

BUSINESS SLOWLY PICKS UP AS MASERU RETURNS TO NORMAL AFTER FESTIVE SEASON

Maseru, Jan. 05--Life in Maseru is gradually returning to normal as the first week of January unfolds, with government offices reopening, private businesses resuming operations and hawkers once again taking up their usual positions along Kingsway Street.

After weeks marked by festive celebrations, travel and heavy spending, the capital is slowly settling back into its everyday routine. However, for many informal traders, the beginning of the year has brought a noticeable slowdown in business.

Along Kingsway Street, one of Maseru’s busiest commercial routes, signs of normalcy are clearly visible. Traffic has picked up, office workers move briskly between taxi ranks and workplaces, and public transport operators line the streets ferrying commuters. Hawkers selling fruits, clothing, phone accessories and cooked food have also returned, setting up their stalls from early morning as they try to attract customers.

Despite the increased activity, traders say sales remain low compared to the festive season. Many customers, they explain, are cautious with their spending as they recover from December expenses.

Ms. Mpho Rantšo, a 34-year-old hawker who sells second-hand clothes near one of the Kingsway bus stops, says the start of the year is always difficult. “In December, people buy a lot because they are preparing for Christmas and New Year,” she said. “Now it’s different. Most people don’t have money. They are paying school fees, rent and debts, so they just look and promise to come back another day.”

Rantšo returned to her stall on January 2 after spending the holidays at her rural home. While she is relieved to be back at work, she admits that earnings have been discouraging. “There are days when I sell only one or two items,” she said. “It’s not enough, but this is my livelihood. I have to show up every day and hope things will change.”

Nearby, fruit and vegetable seller Mr. Thabo Moletsane echoed similar concerns. Standing behind carefully arranged piles of oranges, bananas and apples, he said January is traditionally one of the hardest months for informal traders. “People are focusing on basic needs,” he said. “Fruit is healthy, but when money is tight, people see it as something they can postpone.”

Moletsane noted that although more people are now passing through Kingsway Street compared to the days immediately after New Year’s Day, many are still reluctant to spend. “They ask for prices, they look around, and then they walk away. We don’t blame them because everyone is feeling the pressure,” he added.

Despite the slow start, traders remain hopeful that business will gradually improve as the month progresses. In previous years, activity has tended to pick up once salaries stabilize and households adjust to post-holiday financial demands. Some hawkers are also counting on the reopening of schools and tertiary institutions to increase demand for food, stationery and affordable clothing.

Economists have long observed that January is a challenging month for many households, particularly in urban areas where the cost of living continues to rise. For informal traders who depend on daily sales to survive, the strain is often felt even more sharply.

Nevertheless, Kingsway Street continues to reflect the resilience of Maseru’s informal economy. Hawkers call out to passers-by, rearrange their goods and wait patiently for customers, determined to make ends meet.

For now, the atmosphere on Kingsway Street is one of cautious optimism, defined by slow business, quiet determination and a shared understanding that January is a month of endurance for many Basotho trying to recover after the festive season.

Ends/MP

05/01/2026

Maseru back to normal after the festive season

05/01/2026

CHURCH CALLS YOUTH TO WORSHIP

MASERU --- The Anglican Church of Lesotho (ACL), St. Mary and St. James Cathedral has called youth, especially boys, to worship this New Year and beyond.

This was said by the Dean, The Very Reverend Ralebakeng Ramabanta during the first Sunday service commencing the New Year.

According to the Dean, the Church acknowledges this year spiritually as a time for all to increase their faith, pray more and worship God.

He alluded that the major challenge facing the youth today, especially boys, relates to use and abuse of drugs, indicating the Church has a role to ensure that such challenges are tackled.

He explained that it is time the youth introspect their ways of doing things, and consider coming to Church as a refuge against drugs and other life threatening challenges facing them today.

"Nothing is too hard for the Lord, with one accord we can be able to reverse the situation amongst our future Leaders."

The Dean's point of view comes a few days after the Community of Khubetsoana through different opinion leaders took a stance and announced initiatives meant to tackle use and abuse of drugs amongst the youth.

The Agency has established that the Ministry of Health (MoH) is also making measures through youth drug survivors to campaign against drug usage amongst the youth.

Ends/AM

05/01/2026

INVEST IN YOUTH-PUTSOANE

MOHALE'S HOEK --- Councillor of Phamong Electoral Division, Mr. Molefi Putsoane has pleaded with the business community to invest in youth in order to protect them from engaging in alcohol abuse during festive season.

Mr. Putsoane stated this in an interview with the Agency following a soccer tournament titled Senqu Valley Soccer Giant Competition, held at Phamong Ha Putsoane, sponsored by GL Civils and Construction, in collaboration with Youth Enterprise, Sports and Communications, (YESCOM) aimed at removing youth from places which sell alcohol, by noting that businesses would collapse if the whole population of youth is consumed by drug abuse.

The latter further expressed his concerns about youth starting to use alcohol from as early as 13 years, noting uncontrollable consumption sometimes leads to unplanned pregnancies amongst young girls, adding it was the first time they hold such a tournament and that he hoped they would find another sponsor at the end of the year.

On the other hand, Reverend Gerald Lejakane from GL Civils and Construction as the sponsor, stated that youth is faced with various challenges, therefore the purpose of the games is also about showcasing talents and upgrading the standard of games in the district, while instilling patriotism in youth.

Furthermore, YESCOM events manager Mr. Moorosi Makhofola asserted that they have partnered with GL Civils and Construction which has been awarded a tender to rehabilitate Seaka to Ketane gravel roads, adding they have a programme in the pipeline to sponsor horse racing activity to be titled Senqu Valley Road Race, as well as taking tournaments to various schools in the district as a social responsibility, adding winners walked away with soccer regalia and balls, while the tournament was sponsored with M30,000.00.

End/MAMO

04/01/2026

HDF DONATES FOOD PARCELS TO THE ELDERLY

BOTHA-BOTHE - - - Hololo Development Foundation (HDF) has donated food parcels to elderly men and women in the Hololo Constituency. The food was purchased from local farmers across the constituency as part of efforts to promote agricultural production and create a market for producers.

Speaking at the event held at Khukhune Grounds, the Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Mr. Lesaoana Pitso, expressed his gratitude to the elderly beneficiaries and commended the work of nutrition clubs in Hololo for collaborating to fight poverty.

“By selling your produce to HDF, you have earned income that will enable you to increase production, knowing that there will be a market for your goods at the end of the year. I applaud your efforts and thank you for remembering the elderly, ensuring that they also have something to put on the table,” he said.

On behalf of the Hololo Development Foundation, its founder, Member of Parliament for Hololo and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane, said the foundation aims to improve the livelihoods of people in Hololo. He described the food donation as a meaningful initiative that also supports nutrition clubs.

“I commend the nutrition clubs for producing food that is now being sold to the foundation. As production increases and more people join these clubs, there is a need to establish an aggregation centre,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the elderly, Ms. Masebolelo Qoophe thanked the foundation for remembering them, noting that many elderly people no longer have the energy to meet all their daily needs.

She appealed to the foundation to continue supporting them with food so they can sustain themselves.

A total of 420 elderly people benefited from the initiative, while more than seven nutrition clubs in the constituency sold their produce to the foundation.The food donation initiative for the elderly has been ongoing since 2023.

Ends

04/01/2026

04/01/2026

QUTHING WOMEN DRIVERS OBTAIIN ESSENTIAL SKILLS

QUTHING --- More than eighty (80) women drivers in Quthing obtained car maintenance essential essential skills at a one-day free of charge vibrant Ladies with wheels training held at Liphakoe Pitso ground on Saturday (yesterday).

The initiative was organized by Quthing Women Empowerment Institute (QWEI) in collaboration with Technical Institute of Leloaleng (TIL) to build confidence and self-reliance among women drivers.

Outstanding women on public transport operations, driving school instructor and Motor Mechanics Teacher from TIL were also awarded gifts in appreciation of their work at the same event.

Addressing participants at the event, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport Ms Ts'epang Koele applauded organizers of the event, highlighting the it is inline with the Ministry's initiative 'Women Know Your Car campaign' launched last in August to mark Women 's Month celebration.

Ms Koele pledged that 2026 Woman Know Your Car campaign in commemoration of Women's months, will be held in Quthing where more women will be empowered to take the responsibility of knowing their cars, engage in public transport operations, motor mechanics and other activities in related fields.

She highlighted women are less involved in road accident which are mostly caused by driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving, adding that they should keep up the good work.

She further said in an effort to address a concern of road accidents, the Ministry currently engaged on review of Road Traffick Act of 1981. The new Act to encourage compliance with high charges is expected to be passed before parliament by the end of 2026.

A the same event PWC 'Mareatile Hlalele from Road Traffic Division of the Quthing Police Charge office, appealed to women drivers to ensure driving inline with Roads Traffic Act of 198. The Act prohibits drivers to among others drive without drivers' license. She added that most of drivers claim to forgotten such an important document at home when it has to be presented to the road traffic police.

She further encouraged women to familiarize themselves with the Act which readily available online.

TIL Principal Mr. Letsema Masenyane expressed gratitude for the event and commented organizers for recognizing that their local institutions could be used for improvement and protection of lives. He encouraged that in future the event should held for two days to ensure that participants understand the essential skills practicals.

Mr. Masenyane raised concern over low utilization of the institution by the local community, siting an example on lack of motor mechanics students that were not available when they for participation at the event as they have gone for school Christmas holidays outside the district. He appealed to Liphakoe to bring their children to the institution to acquire special technical skills of international recognition for self-emplyment, job creation and economic development.

The QWEI President Dr. Mamokhesi Ntho expressed gratitude for the high attendance.

Dr. Ntho said the skills are intended for empowerment of women with cars as they enhance their personal safety, boost independence and confidence, and helps breakdown gender stereotype.

She added that participants can now handle emergencies and avoid exploitation by dishonest mechanics.

One on the participants Mrs. 'Mamokheseng Marabe expressed gratitude for the training which has given light on essential knowledge on their cars such as understanding dashboard signals which are important for prevention of costly repairs and extending car lifespan.

The training among others covered changing a tire, checking vehicle fluids, jump-starting a car, and replacing wiper blades.

TIL also provided free car service to participants who brought their car service kit at the event as announced prior to the event.

Ends/NS

04/01/2026

FORMER PRINCIPAL SECRETARY PASSES AWAY

MASERU - - - Former Principal Secretary, community leader and senior member of the opposition All Basotho Convention (ABC), Mr. Malefetsane Nchaka, has passed away.

The news of Nchaka’s death was confirmed to the Agency on Sunday by ABC Secretary General, Mr Thebe Mokoatle.

In an interview Mr. Mokoatle said that Nchaka died late last night at around 23:00 after a prolonged illness.

He stated that Mr. Nchaka has been battling prostate cancer for some time, which ultimately led to his demise.

Mr. Mokatle described the deceased as a committed public servant who dedicated much of his life to serving the nation through public administration and political engagement.

Mr. Nchaka held several senior government positions during his career, including serving as Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

His tenure in public service was marked by commitment and diligence, noting his contribution to policy implementation and institutional leadership.

Beyond public service, Nchaka remained actively involved in the country’s democratic processes.

In the 2022 National Assembly elections, he contested as the ABC candidate for Thaba-Putsoa Constituency, reflecting his continued engagement in politics and community affairs

Tributes from party members and colleagues are expected to continue as the ABC and the nation reflect on Nchaka’s legacy in public service and politics. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.

Ends/NT