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Mokhothu o khitla tente Thaba Phechela. Naa re ka bona Mokhothu a busa naha ea Lesotho?
24/06/2022

Mokhothu o khitla tente Thaba Phechela.
Naa re ka bona Mokhothu a busa naha ea Lesotho?

Makobotata a fa Moena oa Mokherane thomo
24/06/2022

Makobotata a fa Moena oa Mokherane thomo

24/06/2022

YOU WILL BE CHARGED TO VISIT EUROPE FROM 2023

The EU has announced the launch of its long-awaited visa waiver scheme, ETIAS, to debut in May 2023.

While ETIAS is not the same as a visa -- it is quicker, done online, and requires no biometric information -- there is still a procedure and a cost to acquiring it, rather like the United States' scheme, ESTA.

ETIAS, which stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System, had previously been slated for a late 2022 debut.

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How Brexit will change travel

EU travelers are exempt, and have freedom of movement around the bloc, allowing them to spend as much time as they want in many countries. EU residents will also be exempt.

But for everyone else entering the bloc from a country which didn't previously require a visa, the ETIAS will be obligatory. The move affects around 60 countries including the US and the UK, which lost freedom of movement after Brexit. Nothing changes for those who previously needed a visa to enter.

The application process will be via a "largely automated IT system," with approval granted "within minutes," for an estimated 95% of applicants, according to a new memo issued by the EU. The maximum time needed for approval could be up to a month in "very exceptional cases." Anyone whose application is denied will have the right to appeal.

ETIAS authorization be valid for an unlimited number of entries over three years. However, holders must abide by immigration and overstay rules. Currently, third-party nationals cannot stay more than 90 days in the bloc in its entirety, for every 180 day period.

SOURCE:CNN NEWS

24/06/2022

DCEO investigates "corrupt" fertiliser tender

THE Directorate of Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) is investigating a case of corruption in the awarding of the tender to supply the government with fertiliser for the 2022 summer cropping season.

The investigation follows a report by an anonymous whistle blower who suspected corruption after Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Marketing officials inexplicably failed to furnish him with answers as to why his bid had not been accepted despite that he had met the minimum requirements.

Another issue that prompted the probe is a letter said to have penned by frustrated agriculture ministry employees. The letter, which has since gone viral on social media, is addressed to Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro.

The letter reads: “The Right Hon Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro, it is our sincerest plea as officials of the Ministry of Agriculture that you intervene on the corruption that is rampant in our ministry.

“We are being forced to sign contracts for the supply of fertiliser which are highly inflated, and the minister (Keketso Sello) says you have instructed him to give Bishop (David Thakadu) Ramela the tender. He (Ramela) is charging R28 000 per tonne. In total, he is charging R42 million whereas three other suppliers charged R37 million each. All these figures exceed our budget. The same suppliers failed to deliver fertiliser on time in the last season,” the letter states.

It further states that part of the tender was awarded to one Tsunami Ntaote who is said to be aligned to Mr Sello. The workers allege that Mr Ntaote is in cahoots with principal secretaries, Nchakha Makara (Public Service) and ‘Mole Khumalo (agriculture).

They further allege that PS Makara received a Jeep vehicle for his part in facilitating the corrupt deal. They therefore want Dr Majoro to intervene.

DCEO spokesperson, ‘Matlhokomelo Senoko, this week confirmed that the anti-graft body was investigating possible corruption in the procurement of fertiliser which is sold to farmers.

Source:Lesotho Times

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