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Lesotho News Agency (LENA) was established in 1985 with a view to ensure full coverage of news.

09/09/2024

VULTURE COUNT DAY COMMEMORATED IN QUTHING

At least twenty-seven (27) vultures comprise of two (2) eagles have been counted at an event held to mark 2024 International Vulture Count Day at Ha-Tlhaku in Quthing.

The event annually marked on first Saturday of September is intended to raise awareness about the importance of vultures.

The day also promote important work carried out by conservationists around the world to conserve and protect these magnificent birds.

09/09/2024

MACUFE RESUMES WITH BLANKET EXHIBITION

The Morija Museum and Archives (MMA)has announced the official launch of Morija Arts and Cultural Festival (MACUFE) which is scheduled to be on September 25.

In an interview the by Mrs. ’Mamokuena Makhema, Curator of the Morija Museum and Archives said the launch will resume with the renowned Nanabolele Blanket Exhibition.

She said the Basotho blanket is an important cultural symbol for the Basotho people and is worn as a sign of protection against the cold weather, and a symbol of identity, heritage and status.

09/09/2024

DUMPING SITES CLEARED

Following cry out from community members on the rooming illegal dumping places around Hlotse, Hlotse Urban Council from last week is cleaning the said illegal sites.

This was revealed by Town Clerk Hlotse Urban Council Mr. Lesibo Molalle in an interview with the agency on Monday.

Mr. Molalle explained that the council’s cleaning is aimed at removing all the illegal dumping sites around town.

In addition, he indicated that after cleaning the council aims at mounting regulatory boards near such places with messages such as 'Do not throw garbage here,’ as to inform the residents. . .

09/09/2024

NUL POSTPONES GRADUATIONS

The National University of Lesotho (NUL) has announced the postponement of the graduation ceremony from September to October.

The NUL Registrar, Ms. Liteboho Maqalika-Lerotholi, in her communication to students and staff of the university said at its special meeting held on Monday, the Senate Executive Committee considered and approved a proposal for the graduation ceremonies for the 49th Convocation to begin on October 08 and not on the originally proposed date of September 23.

The original date for the graduations were set from September 23 to September 27.

The new dates show the commencement of the one week ceremony to be on October 08 to October 12, beginning with the Faculties of Law and Education on the first day, Faculties of Health Sciences and Humanities on the second day, Faculties of Science and Technology and Agriculture on the third day, fourth day will be Faculty of Social Sciences and end with the Institute Extra Mural Studies (IEMS) on the last day.

09/09/2024

RECRUITS INCREDIBLY BITTER – MAKHUNOANE

Bitterness is one of the things that makes the recruits pour out their anger on inmates.

This was said by Correctional Officer Tumelo Makhunoane when making submissions before the Commission of Inquiry on the escape of inmates, on the search exercise that was conducted at Maseru Central Correctional Institution (MCCI) on December 22, 2023, which resulted in the assault of inmates, leaving one paralysed.

Officer Makhunoane said they lack motivation as they earn little salary and have since been promised it would be reviewed.

“It has been five years since we arrived at the institution and promised every month that our salaries would be increased,” he said.

He further assured the Commission that what befell them on the above mentioned date would never happen again as it was unnecessary for them to have used force when searching inmates.

In another issue, Officer Makhunoane was implicated earlier by a number of inmates in their testimonies before the Commission by disclosing that they saw him in Block C when inmates were assaulted.

However, he insisted that he was not in that block during the search,” I only did the search in block A and maximum” he stressed.

Commenting on this matter, the Commission’s Chairperson Justice Realeboha Mathaba reminded Makhunoane that he did not cross examine inmates who insisted he was in block C when he was given a chance to do so.

09/09/2024

ROAD DIRECTORATE TO RECLAIM ROAD RESERVES

The Roads Directorate Senior Engineer says they are on an awareness campaign to reclaim the road reserve.

Mr. Lelecha Lebona stated this while addressing the Urban Council Community Councillors during their one-day training organized by the Local Government on Monday.

According to Mr. Lebona, they are mainly educating the nation about the Road Act of 1969 and the 2010 Roads Directorate Act which talks about preserving road reserves among others.

He said after the awareness campaigns are completed in November this year, they will start taking action and enforcing the law where there is a need, adding that they will be doing that with all the relevant stakeholders including the Lesotho Mounted Police Services.

09/09/2024

The Quthing Range Managemen Division in the Department of Environment and Forestry has raised concern over burning of pastures in various areas of the district.

The burning of pastures is a serious challenge facing the district as it impacts negatively on the environment that covers plants, animals, water sources and human beings.

In an interview, Area Range Technical Officer from the department Mr. Lisema Matsoso said, with the aim to address this change, Range Management Division staff in the district, strengthened with those from headquarters is currently engaged in a series of fire management campaigns to cover different villages in Mphaki Resource Centre this week.

He said the campaigns covers among others early warning, detection, suppression of unwanted fires, restoration and rehabilitation of burned areas.

09/09/2024

UNDP HOLDS STEAM CONFERENCE WEEK
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI) held Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) conference where innovators will pitch their ground breaking ideas.

When opening the conference, Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Nthati Moorosi, shared her deepest gratitude to UNDP for bringing the event to life.

“The theme for the conference is ‘Global Science For Global Wellbeing’,” she indicated.

She mentioned that when developing things, science has been at the forefront of everything...

09/09/2024

SANITARY TOWELS NOT A CHALLENGE AT MOHLANAPENG
Learners at Mohlanapeng, particularly girls, say access to sanitary towels is not a challenge at their school.

The Agency discovered this on Monday during a media tour currently going on in Thaba-Tseka.

These girls say different organisations including a good Samaritan often extend a helping hand, thus donate to them regularly and monthly.

According to a grade 10 learner, Rets’elisitsoe Mahloane aged 16 of Ha Ts’iu mentioned that despite issues of poverty and hunger affecting them daily, access to sanitary towels is not a problem...

09/09/2024

ATTEMPTED MURDER CASE GETS NEW DATES
A case in which four army members are charged with attempted murder of Former Editor of the Lesotho Times and Sunday Express newspapers, Lloyd Mutungamiri, has been scheduled to proceed on September 24- October 01 2024.

When the case was previously adjourned, the defence had requested a cell register, an occurrence book and detention form in relation to this matter. The request was made following information that the police deny that the accused were ever in their custody and signed the documents.

The defence has also challenged admissibility of evidence by Retired Captain Khotso Maanela who was testifying as the fourth witness for the prosecution. They also requested that a trial within trial be held to determine the admissibility of the evidence…

08/09/2024

SU***DE NOT SOLUTION-PUBLIC

Maseru, Sept.08 -- As the world will on Tuesday mark World Su***de Prevention Day, majority of members of the public have raised views against su***de indicating that it is never a solution.

Speaking to some of the members of the public on Sunday, Mrs. Mamosebo Mosebo stated that taking one's own life has never been a solution regardless of what one is going through. She pointed out that people go through different struggles therefore they should learn coping mechanisms.

She indicated that seeking help is always advisable. She however stated that the solution starts with oneself indicating that individuals should accept that they have problems which they have to deal with. She said professional help can only be effective when there is effort from a person receiving it. . .

08/09/2024

DPM DONATES FOOD PARCELS TO CONSTITUENCY PEOPLE

Maseru, Sept.08 -- The Member of Parliament for the Maseru Central constituency who is also the Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara through the Nthomeng Majara Foundation has on Sunday donated food parcels to the people of the constituency.

The 288 beneficiaries came from villages of Katlehong, Ha Hoohlo, Hills View, Florida, Lekhalong la Ha Thetsane, Lekhalong la Qoaling, Ha Ratjomose as well as Mankoeng.

While handing over the food parcels, Justice Majara mentioned that this is part of the initiatives of the foundation of helping the people of the constituency to improve nutrition and ensure that atleast the vulnerable gets something to eat. . .

08/09/2024

LEC SORRY FOR CONNECTION DELAYS

Maseru,Sep.08 -- The Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) has reported that it acknowledges with the customers' great concern on the delays in new electricity connections faced across the country.

According to the acting Public Relations Manager of the company Mr. Ts'epang Ledia, the delays are due to an unexpected shortage of critical materials required for new services connections.

He stated that the electricity company is resolving this issue as quickly as possible as they are working closely with their suppliers and partners to expedite the arrival of the mentioned material. ..

07/09/2024

LIKUENA ON THEIR FIRST TRAINING IN MOROCCO FOR 2025 AFCON QUALIFIERS MATCHES, WITH COACH LESLIE NOTS'I...

07/09/2024

COUNTRIES ENCOURAGED TO INVEST

As Countries throughout the world today observe the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on the theme: ”Invest in Clean Air Now”, they are encouraged to invest in clean air.

According to the United Nations (UN), collaboration across borders, sectors and silos can help reduce air pollution through collective investments of time, resources and efforts. It adds that it is through proactive addressing of air pollution that transformative change can be achieved and healthy air for all be secured.

The organisation says air pollution is the biggest environmental health risk of our time which worsens climate change and causes economic losses. It emphasises that everyone has the responsibility to protect the atmosphere and ensure the healthy air for everyone..

07/09/2024

SESSION TO COMMENCE

The 2024 second session of the Court of Appeal has been scheduled to commence on October 07 2024 and come to an end on November 01st 2024 when judgments will be delivered.

According to the Court of Appeal Circular No.5 of 2024, at least 40 cases have been registered for hearing during the session. It adds that there will be a roll call on the first day of the session in which all legal practitioners involved and litigants appearing in person are expected to attend.

Among the cases registered for hearing, those that have attracted the attention of the public include one between the expelled Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) Dr Retselisitsoe Nko and the Board-LTDC. Dr. Nko has been fighting for his reinstatement after he was dismissed by the LTDC Board in 2023. His dismissal came after he was charged for his involvement in a shooting which occurred in December 2022…

07/09/2024

NINETY SEVEN TO RECEIVE TOP UP MONEY AT PITSENG

At least 97 Pitseng high school learners will receive M1500 top up money for uniforms in addition to school fees assistance.

Addressing parents and guardians who converged for awareness raising on Basic Education Strengthening Project (BESP) top up, Bursary Administrator in the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development said grade eight and nine needy from Community Councils countrywide are targeted.

Mr. Seeisa Mohapi urged parents and guardians to adhere to project requirements that prioritises uniform for learners so as to boost their confidence. “This will help in improving academic performance”, he said.

According to Mr. Mohapi, they are currently increasing numbers of beneficiaries into BESP hence their visit to Pitseng, adding that the money will be awarded soon after completion of this exercise.

07/09/2024

QUEEN PRESENTS GIFTS TO QUTHING SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGE

Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeso on Friday presented gifts to children accommodated in Quthing SOS Children ‘s at the event held in the village premises.

The gifts that included maize and vegetable seeds, bread flour and maize meal ,football attire and hygiene buckets, were from Hlokomela Bana Queen’ s Foundation.

Speaking at the event, the Queen appealed to children in the village to effectively use the opportunity of SOS support, work hard in their studies and respect their teachers and guardians to achieve good academic results.

She highlighted that education is the key to a bright future as it opens doors of success in life.

The Queen said maize meal and bread flour will provide the children with food while seeds will be used for future food production…

06/09/2024

MOLOMO CLOSES VALIDATION WORKSHOP

Director in the Ministry of Finance and Planning Mrs. Phello Molomo has officially closed a 4-day Strategic Plan Validation Workshop held by the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Molomo applauded all officers who made time to partake in the initiative noting Basotho and the country need services and appreciated the Ministry of Planning for taking the front sit.

On the other hand, the Assistant Economic Planner Mrs. Maipato Morapeli echoed the same sentiments, by appreciating joint forces between officers in formulating the Ministry's document, while the Senior Economic Planner Mr. Mapale Mats'ela stated that after reaching such milestone departments are going to align their goals with the objectives.

06/09/2024

GOVERNMENT UNVEILS NEW SUPPORT INITIATIVE FOR MSMES

In a significant step towards supporting local entrepreneurship, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Business Development (MTIBD) has launched a linkage survey aimed at connecting suppliers with market opportunities, specifically targeting crops and vegetables Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

This initiative, spearheaded by the Small Business Department, is set to transform how small businesses engage with government procurement processes.

Mr. Kemong Masupha, Senior Industry Development Officer at the Business Development Department, explained that this initiative is part of the revised MSMEs Policy for 2024-2029. . .

06/09/2024

LHDA LAUNCHES TUNNEL BORING MACHINE NAMING CONTEST

In an exciting development for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has launched a public competition to name in Sesotho the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) for Phase II of the project.

This announcement was made to the Head of Departments (HODs) in Qacha’s Nek on Thursday.

The competition follows the recent arrival of the TBM’s first 15-truck fleet at the Caledonspoort border in Butha-Buthe, an event graced by the Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Mohlomi Moleko, and South African High Commissioner, Mrs. Constance Seoposengwe. . .

06/09/2024

COURT RESORTS TO RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

Instead of imposing a custodial sentence on a man convicted of culpable homicide, the High Court has sentenced him to a wholly suspended 9 years imprisonment on condition that he pays M30,000.00 to the family of the deceased as compensation.

Katiso Senoko of Ha Leutsoa in Maseru who was charged with murder of Kapotene Mokoma which occurred at Ha Moruthane in February 2019 was however found guilty of culpable homicide.

Evidence before court showed that the deceased and the accused previously had confrontations in which the deceased challenged him to a fight. In its judgment, the court stated that the actions of the accused when he killed the deceased bears reasonable provocation…

05/09/2024

QACHA’SNEK GEARS UP FOR LANDMARK MOUNTAIN MARATHON: A CALLS FOR SUPPORT FOR SUPPORT, UNITY

In a spirited appeal on Thursday, Mr. Mosiuoa Nthakong, spokesperson for Mountain Marathon 21 Pty Ltd and Manti Sehloho Construction and Projects (MSCP), rallied Heads of Departments (HODs) to lend their expertise in ensuring the success of the highly anticipated 21km road race.

Scheduled for October 26, 2024, this world athletics label race will span from Ha Noosi to Melele ground, attracting athletes aged 17 and up.

In a move to celebrate the 200th bicentennial, the marathon will also feature two additional races exclusively for Basotho participants: a 5km race for youths aged 14 to 16, and a public 5km race open to all age groups.

05/09/2024

DA INTRODUCES NEW ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMITTEE TO HODS

Today, Mr. Habofanoe Pheku, the District Administrator (DA) of Qacha’s Nek, introduced the newly-formed District Anti-Corruption Committee (DACC) to the Heads of Departments (HODs).

This introduction follows a three-day training session conducted last month by the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offenses (DCEO).

The 20-member DACC is chaired by entrepreneur Mr. Tankisang Mapuru, with the Head of Sub-Accountancy serving as the secretary. Mr. Pheku emphasized that the introduction aims to facilitate the committee's work in ensuring smooth operations and combating corruption. . .

05/09/2024

'Penya play' record label announces the launch of the 'Sesotho-fashioneng' concert which is scheduled for December, 28th.
The event is expected to bring together all Basotho artists that the founder of 'Penya play' record label Mr. Thaabe Letsie commonly known as 'Ntate Stunna' has had collaborations with...

05/09/2024

LEKITLA WANTS HLAELE OUT

Thabiso Lekitla, a Member of Parliament who is standing trial for murder, has on Thursday, through one of his lawyers Advocate Motiea Teele (KC) told the court that he wants a judge presiding over his case, Justice Mabats’oeneng Hlaele to recuse herself.

As it is practice, the defence and prosecution met the presiding judge in chambers where the defence revealed their intention to apply for the recusal of the judge.

Following the discussions in chambers, the Court directed that the defence file a formal application for the recusal after which both parties should file and exchange all necessary papers including heads of arguments. It further ordered that the hearing of the application will be on Friday next week…

05/09/2024

LMPS PLEADS WITH NATION TO RETURN ILLEGAL FI****MS

The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) has made a call to the general public to surrender illegal fi****ms.

According to Inspector ‘Mareabetsoe Mofoka of the LMPS Public Relations Officer, the initiative of voluntarily handing over illegal fi****ms , ammunition and other unlawful weapons to the authorities does not come with any arrests and does not need anyone to reveal their identity.

She mentioned that with such initiatives, the government will be able to get rid of illegal weapons which are used on matters that cause instability, tempering the nation’s safety and peace.

Inspector Mofoka further said anyone who fails to return their fi****ms will face legal consequences…

05/09/2024

EU DONATES EIGHT VEHICLES TO JUDICIARY

The European Union (EU) has donated eight vehicles to the judiciary with the aim of speeding up the wheel of justice.

Speaking at the handover event on Thursday, the EU Head of Corporation, Mr. Mario Varrenti said their collaboration with the government of Lesotho is extensive, from taking care of range lands to develop skills for the younger generation.

He indicated that none of these could have been achievable without firm institutions, hence they saw a need to enhance justice delivery through the initiative.

He said the EU affirms to make justice more accessible especially to the poor and marginalised with the guidance of the relevant ministries and the technical assistance.

Varrenti mentioned a number of initiatives such as training for magistrates, investigative workshop for new recruits of the Directorate of Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO)and office furniture for the judiciary…

05/09/2024

OMBUDSMAN HOLDS SENSITISATION WORKSHOP FOR ACCOUNTING OFFICERS

In efforts to strengthen and address issues related to poor service delivery that the general public is not happy with, the office of the Ombudsman held a one day sensitisation workshop for chief accounting officers in Maseru on Thursday.

The office of the Ombudsman organised the workshop with the support of the European Union through the ‘Support for the Reforms and Strengthening of Governance in Lesotho’ programme.

In her opening and welcoming remarks, the Ombudsman Advocate Tlotliso Polaki said in order to change the situation of poor service delivery in the country, officers should be held accountable for their work, actions and inactions as such malpractices leave the government with accumulative debts…

05/09/2024

CHINA READY TO WORK WITH AFRICA – XI JINPING

The People’s Republic of China President Xi Jinping says China stands ready to work with Africa to implement 10 partnership action plans to jointly advance modernization.

This he said while officially opening a three day summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on Thursday in the presence of about 52 African leaders.

The Summit began with a banquet on Wednesday night.

He said one-third of the world’s population lives in China and Africa saying there will be no global modernization without the modernization of China and Africa.

He said the 10 partnership action plans, to be implemented in the next three years, cover the areas of mutual learning in particular civilizations, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture and livelihoods, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, green development as well as common security…

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