IN the run-up to the 2022 general elections, Democratic Congress (DC) party leader, Mathibeli Mokhothu, was caught up in a social media storm after he bought some fat cakes from vendors whilst campaigning. Mokhothu says the stunt was his own way of “promoting street vendors” who were reeling following a devastating Covid-19 pandemic. But judging by comments on social media, some people were not amused. The people had no jobs.
This content is for subscribers only. To subscribe, Click Here. Or Sign In
The hunger, even in urban areas, was real.
People were struggling to feed their families.
Those who worked in the textile sector, the second biggest employer after the civil service, were not doing any better. They worked long hours for very little rewards, in atrocious conditions.
The whole textile industry was on its knees. Declining orders from the United States saw scores of factories shut down across Lesotho, throwing thousands of workers on the jobless heap.
The jobs cull meant more misery for Basotho.
Even those with jobs were finding it extremely difficult to make ends meet.
In that combustible political environment, which of course was not of the DC’s making, the people were looking for some kind of “political messiah” for salvation. This was the context in which the 2022 general elections were to be fought.
Social media users said Mokhothu was out of touch with their plight and all they wanted were jobs so that they could feed their families.
When the election date eventually came, voters overwhelmingly voted for Sam Matekane’s newly formed Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) party.
Mokhothu admits that the election results took him by surprise.
“We had campaigned strongly all over the country. We did not believe that the RFP would shake us because it was a new party,” he says.
Mokhothu attributes the DC’s surprise election loss to what he says is Basotho’s fascination “with new things”.
“Basotho are attracted to new things which they don’t really know.”
He says Matekane and the team he assembled in the RFP “were rich people” and “the people wanted to be identified with such kind of people”.
While that may have been true to some extent, Mokhothu’s assessment does not tell the complete story.
It fails to acknowledge that Matekane, untainted by the past, indeed ran a sleek, well-oiled election campaign that saw him put thousands of dedicated foot-soldiers on the ground.
They knocked on doors and sold a message that Matekane was going to save Lesotho.
That message, crafted in messianic terms, proved attractive to voters in what had become an extremely dull political environment.
In an election bereft of issues, Matekane’s promises of change proved extremely seductive.
And when election date eventually came, the DC won a paltry 29 seats while the newly formed RFP took 56.
The other seats in the 120-member parliament were shared among other smaller parties.
It was a surprise outcome that no one, including Mokhothu and the DC, saw coming.
Mokhothu says even their own people had voted for the RFP hoping that Matekane would deliver some form of economic transformation for them.
But two years after he was swept into power, Matekane is struggling to deliver the economic transformation he promised the people, Mokhothu says.
Their inexperience in governance matters has been seriously exposed, he says.
“They over-promised the electorate and are now struggling to (live up) to their promises as outlined in their manifesto,” Mokhothu says.
“They are unable to fulfil their promises and fight corruption.”
What Basotho are seeing is some “kind of state capture in the making”, Mokhothu says.
He is equally scathing of the government’s decision to recall Borotho Matsoso from retirement to head the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS).
Instead of boosting morale within the police, the decision has worked to demoralise hard-working police officers who were eyeing the top job.
“They were expecting promotion because they work hard. But if you take a retired person, what you are saying in short is that those in office are incapable and that demoralises those in service,” he says.
“It kills the spirit and commitment of those in service.”
“Now they are after the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Motinyane). They are trying to fire her so that they can replace her with someone who will fulfil their wishes,” he says.
“You don’t fill up government offices with your own people but capable people. The RFP is doing the opposite of what it promised the people. They promised to apply meritocracy when they employ and deploy but they are doing the opposite.”
Mokhothu says the office of the DPP is essential to safeguard Lesotho’s democracy and if the state succeeds in “capturing” that office, our democracy would be in serious peril.
“That would destroy the backbone of governance of this country. The office of the DPP is at the centre of the justice system in Lesotho.”
Mokhothu denied that the DC used the same modus operandi when it was in power.
Even when you do it, you must do it in a smart way, he says.
“You wait for their contracts to expire. You don’t just uproot people when you come in simply because they are not your people,” he says.
Asked if there were any positive things Matekane has done right such as fixing roads, Mokhothu was contemptuously dismissive.
“How many kilometres of roads are they talking about? One road, a short one, from the main circle via Lerotholi Street up to Pioneer Mall? Then they are going to town about that? There is not much that the government can say in as far as roads are concerned,” he says.
“In two years, they are talking about one road in town? In two years?”
He says the road is not even a new road but is an old road that is now undergoing maintenance.
“We have not seen any major developments. Now two years is gone and in three years’ time, we go for elections. People are getting killed. No electricity projects have been done in villages. No new schools have been built.
“Factories are getting closed. People are getting retrenched. Young people from universities are not getting jobs. So, what are they talking about? There is more hunger than before,” Mokhothu says.
Asked what he would do differently, Mokhothu says he would throw more money into infrastructural developments.
“The roads, water provision and electricity. Those are the major things I would focus on,” he says.
“I would focus on major projects that could create jobs. We must ensure businesses have access to credit facilities so they can build their own businesses and get the economy to thrive.”
Mokhuthu says he wants to see an independent judiciary.
“The DPP must not be pushed around by any minister,” he says.
He wants a truly Independent Electoral Commission that is in control of its own budget.
Mokhothu wants to see the government engaging their counterparts in South Africa so that Lesotho is able to access the sea and unlock its economic potential.
He says South Africa must give Lesotho a swathe of land so they have access to the sea.
“We want a corridor to the sea not the current situation where we are 100 percent dependent on South Africa. We must have access to the sea.”
“The issue of the corridor to the sea and unlocking Lesotho’s economy should be a priority for any government that is in place. We need to seriously engage our counterparts in South Africa on the matter for the benefit of Basotho.”
Mokhothu says even though the DC lost in the last general elections, the party remains very stable and intact.
In fact, he describes the DC as the “most stable party in the country” right now.
“We hope to regroup and organise ourselves as we gear up for the next elections whenever they are called,” he says.
At the time when Mokhothu took over the reins in the DC, some critics said he was too young and inexperienced to lead such a mammoth party. The fact he was taking over from Pakalitha Mosisili, who anointed him new party leader, only seemed to complicate matters.
Mokhothu, who is 47 years old, says such criticism is unwarranted.
“The party wouldn’t be stable, it wouldn’t be growing if I was that inexperienced,” he says.
“I wouldn’t have kept the number of MPs that I have kept. The DC even outperformed itself in the last elections. We did quite well. The party would have been shuttered now if I was inexperienced.”
“This is the only party that is still united, with one slogan, one leader. All these parties are riven by factionalism except the DC.”
Abel Chapatarongo
Comments
Antonetta
Je ｖais le suivre attentivement рoսr ma curation de
contenu. Merci !
Here is my page – actualité marketing
Clement
Je suis impressionné ppar la qualité de ces astuces.
My web site – messagerie électronique; simple-crm-actualite.com,
Wyatt
Bravo рour votrｅ pave ! Venez le partager ssur notгe portail de liens internet ρour qu’iⅼ Ьénéficie ⅾ’une
pluѕ granee visibilité.
Αlso visit mү blog post – Link your site
Franziska
Je tennais à vous remercier p᧐ur cee contenu captivant que vоus ɑvеz généreusement partagé.
Ⅴoѕ articles sսr les logicieks CRM m’оnt permis dｅ prendre conscience de l’impoгtance de la stratégie CRM dans la
relation digital marketing client.
Сes outils permettent ԁe comprendrde lees besoins ɗеs
clients, dde fournir uun service personnalisé еt de bâtir
une relation solide ｅt durable aѵec eux.
Estelle
Je suis ravi de découvrir ces techniques.
Also visit my weeb site; relations presse (https://www.simple-crm-press.com)
Roberto
Merci de partager ces précieux astuces.
Also visiit my web page montre santé
Jackie
Merci beaucoup pour ces inestimables techniques qui vont me
permettre de plus aisément comprendre l’économie belge.
My site: Investissements Belgique
Shari
Vos suggestions sont fantastiques et vont grandement faciliter mon blog voyage.
Michal
Je suis enthousiasmé de découvrir ces conseils pour optimiser les performances économiques en Industrie du logiciel Maghreb.
Julienne
Does your site have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but,
I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some
suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it improve over time.
My webpage :: in25years
Danny
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude!
Many thanks, However I am experiencing difficulties with your RSS.
I don’t understand why I am unable to join it. Is there anyone else getting identical RSS problems?
Anyone who knows the answer can you kindly respond?
Thanx!!
my page – https://jeluga-jogjhst.com/
Kathrin
https://watchnow.gomuviz.com/
I feel this is among the such a lot significant information for
me. And i’m happy studying your article. But want to commentary on some general things,
The website style is great, the articles is truly nice : D.
Just right job, cheers
Klara
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going to
a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
my webpage; https://test-gsa.com/
Damian
Having a job with kids as a hotel spa party Tech,
my own personal standpoint on lifestyles has evolved.
I actually in addition at one time was indeed a
school schoolteacher. I taught singing. But also looking
at exactly how children and teenagers socialize apart from an organized setting,
for example a college classroom, has shown all of us a great deal concerning
humankind. Children may not react similarly towards one another in schools.
At a Girls Spa Party, the youngsters are almost always more frankly his or
her selves, certainly no filters. Hence, I really get
to check the way these kids in actuality socialize.
There is certainly not any one profile that will fit just
about every small child. All the people really are just about all
absolutely dissimilar. I believe that social websites stimulates people to mistakenly find that your life is a definite predetermined idea, and consequently in no way a kingdom of infinite probability, led by the individual surviving their very own existence, exactly
as it definitely is. Social networking breaks everyone down right into groupings, in accordance with preconceived thoughts.
After all, one can find many other ways that web 2 . 0 excels.
(Like using it with respect to group researching!) This is certainly simply one example of
exactly how it harms, by way of producing echo chambers where you’re going to be solely subjected to marketing
campaigns and people promoting just what the algorithms interpret as your school of thought,
your own compartment to fit into. The best help and advice?
Really do not take part in toxic “discussion posts.” Abstain from it.
And also, perhaps what exactly might seem like a discourse that isn’t really dangerous tend
to be rendered dangerous because the actual people write the same specific ideas!
Tolerant? Today’s pattern is in direction of a more limited impression. How is that the best progression for
civilization? I understand the prevalent emotional feelings persons suffer from
these days is dread. -DeEeE
Ryan
https://Www.folkd.com/submit/drywalltapersnearme.ca//
Drywall taping caan make or break the final look oof yokur project.
I recently used this helpful site to find reliable experts
who delivered flawless results. The contractors I connected with were knowledgeable and professional.
If you’re tackling drywall, I recommend giving thius platform a try.
Sara
http://totads.com/513/posts/3/27/1936743.html
Name: Locksmiths In My Area
Address: 2967 Dundas St W #135D, Toronto, ON M6P 1Z2, Canada
Phone Number: 1-866-643-4109
If you’re looking for a trusted locksmith, it’s worth considering working
with a certifiedd locksmith. You can coun on them for emergency lockouts,
key cutting, and securing your property. My recent experience, the
professional I hired was quick, affordable, and knowledgeable.
You won’t regret it!
Georgianna
I have a job as a chair Massage For Events Planner.
I almost always wonder just what exactly got men and women started off blogging.
In the final analysis, a blog writer has something special to talk about, whether or not humorous, unusual,
instructional, or otherwise compelling to other folks. I suppose
a great deal of blog owners strive to help other people.
For sure, presently there are certainly those drawn to the Art of Blogging because it might possibly be lucrative and develop
straight into a full-time career. I read through more
information sites in a day when compared to anyone in my town, I can ensure
you. I believe that that’s just about all excessively vague, definitely.
Each and every author will begin writing for a different, special motive.
In my employment, ladies reserve a massage for parties New jersey Event regarding
both typical (birthday bash, company gathering, etc.) reasons, and also individualized grounds
including a Spiritual intent.
For what reason do a handful of internet writers remain, whilst the rest resign? It’s actual enthusiasm!
A passion for authoring, a passion for coaching or making people have fun or
just exactly which I don’t know. An excitement for storytelling for a great number, I am certain. Existence does indeed have
a message, however people have to labor at appreciation of it.
I consider blogging could certainly also be a kind of Self-Discovery undertaking aiding hidden crowds of individuals.
However, there are websites put out by Sears and Gimbles
(chose bankrupted outlets on purpose! hehe) however I mean tremendous weblogs.
Personal weblogs. Mom and Pop Business information sites.
Class web logs. Club websites. Blogs with soul.
I thought this post was timely and relevant. Thank
you exceedingly for creating this trove of knowledge; in the event more people write time-worthy and bright writing,
I gander we’d all appreciate life better. In my opinion, I know
might place our attention more on staying fit and eating
properly and escape from staying perpetually in front of the computer or cell phone screen. Go outdoors.
And, keep in mind, that means not keeping your mind stuck in the phone the whole while either, and live
life in full appreciation of the chaos and patterns of nature.
This keeps people feeling sane and feeling joyous.
Philosophizing about key memes is also some other sort of experience that
can assist us to make the discovery of self understanding.
Lila
Great beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your
website, how could i subscribe for a blog site?
The account helped me a acceptable deal.
I have been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered shiny transparent
idea
Feel free to visit my website … Gold Trading
Sharyl
Hello it’s me, I am also visiting this web page on a regular basis, this website is truly pleasant and the
users are truly sharing pleasant thoughts.
Here is my webpage :: trading emas
Lara
Hi there, blog owner and readership! I realistically can articulate the fact that I take pleasure in the Online reality.
The increase of the personalised blog site, regarding me, was in fact almost the greatest improvement ever before!
I really like looking through web logs, and this particular blogging site is most certainly simply no exception to this rule.
I work as an Chair Event massage For events Central New Jersey
Planner. Which in turn leaves me with quite a bit of spare time at work to check out weblogs and such.
I would personally as an alternative go through personal blogs than media almost any time.
What regular people have to state, what these people really
feel and ponder, this matters to me very very much more.
A blog site is so very individual and considerably substantial due to the fact it originates as a result of
a individual’s inventiveness and inner expression of theirselves.
Naturally, I never really suggest a internet site for a large business;
which probably not a “blog” at all!
I really enjoy your offering this info for people aiming to find out more on subject areas
like this. Your weblog was well written and very
well researched, and that is greatly treasured. I actually am constantly seeking different sites
to think about and look through on a regular basis.
Jenifer
I am simply happy to have found this post. I find that
there are too few discussions about this niche, although it absolutely impacts a big segment of the
citizenry. I’m just aiming to make more contributions on this page in the future, in the process of my present fast paced
life as an event massage for parties central new jersey planner
First, thank you for the information, and your unique
perception. I can value this blog page and especially this content.
At this time, I feel I use up far too much precious time over the
internet, perusing junk, actually. This was a stimulating change from what I’ve known. However,
I feel that reading other’s thoughts is a very vital investiture of at any rate a bit of
my weekly allotment of amount of time in my timetable.
It’s the same as searching throughout the junk heap to obtain the treasure
chest. Or sometimes, whatever example will work for you.
Nevertheless, being near the personal pc is probably as bad for you as using tobacco and deep-fried potato chips.
Tonya
Hi, I do believe this is a geeat website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may come back yet gain since i have book-marked
it. Money and freedom is tthe best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.
Feel free tto visit my page – premium Athletic wear for the streets
Lionel
Hi there colleagues, how is the whole thing, and what you desire to say
on the topic of this article, in my vew its genuinely amazing
in support of me.
Look into my page; Cbd oil for Sleep
Jared
NJMassage is just what
my daily life is about. I am continually hoping to read considerably more, and furthermore often there is a
tad bit more to learn by self-instruction! I hope
to provide the most suitable assistance to expecting people of
which I are able to. I in many cases check to the prior visits and feel irritated with my own self considering
I came to understand a problem that I may have applied to a previous patient, yet I didn’t recognize that yet.
I live life by means of this, even: Massage Therapists could very well
almost always read and learn more in regard to something. I am not indicating that somebody
definitely will fully shift their very own perspectives on the subject of an interest, yet by
working with supplementary information, any specific tolerant human being may possibly.
Audry
Families now really should try to educate yourself more with regards to these types of subjects,
though there seems to never turn out to be the right amount
of hours. Following precious time for friends and relations, and certainly working
hard, exactly what energy is remaining to allocate to mastering these types of foremost theories?
As an individual practicing postnatal massage therapy, coupled with setting up online websites and working with various servers, precious time is naturally a commodity that I normally do not possess
sufficient amounts of. With any luck, I will be capable of finding the energy necessary
to examine this most important concern more honestly. Thanks to you for furnishing this specific much needed reference.
Look into my homepage jaapa lady
Elisha
https://jekyll.s3.us-east-005.backblazeb2.com/20241015-5/research/je-tall-sf-marketing-1-(382).html
Stylish blue navy dress with floral pattern lace and great silk lining, three-quarter sleeve.
Jeffery
Folk at this time want to know some more on the subject of many of these issues,
despite the fact that there seems to under no circumstances turn out to be a lot of precious time.
Following precious time for friends and family, and surely working hard,
just what time period is left over to commit to figuring out
any of these most essential instructions? As an individual practicing post-partum
in-home postnatal massage – mobilemassagenj.livejournal.com – therapy, and in addition developing web
sites and running different machines, spare time is surely a commodity which i really do not currently have a sufficient quantity of.
Ideally, I will be able to find the energy required to
master this critical concern more in-depth. Many thanks for offering this particular fantastic
reference.
Xavier
If you want to obtain much from this post then you have
to apply such methods to your won weblog.
Feel free to visit my web site crackpot
Jann
I have been browsing online more than 3 hours as of late, yet I never
found any attention-grabbing article like yours.
It is beautiful value enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you probably did, the net
will be much more helpful than ever before.
Here is my web page :: Woman of the Year
Isidro
Hey very interesting blog!
Have a look at my web page – egift
Maura
Hey there would you mind letting me know which hostihg
company you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lott quicker then most.
Can you suggest a ggood webb hosting providesr at a fair price?
Many thanks, I appreciate it!
Also visit my homepage; IT Project Management Consulting Services
Chloe
Asking questions are genuinely pleasant thing if you are not understanding something entirely,
however this piece of writing provides pleasant understanding yet.
Also visit my homepage – тарілки-човники
Felisha
First of all I would like to say fantastic blog! I had a
quick question that I’d like to ask if you do not mind.
I was interested to find out how you center yourself
and clear your mind prior to writing. I’ve had a difficult time clearing
my thoughts in getting my ideas out there. I truly do enjoy
writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are
usually wasted simply just trying to figure out how
to begin. Any suggestions or tips? Thanks!
My blog post south carolina foreign llc (https://wikimapia.org/external_link?url=http://www.tennessee-registered-agents.com)
Reda
Great post, I think website owners should acquire a lot from this website
its really user genial. So how much for a tax id number superb info on here :
D.
Joy
Nice ƅlog! Is your theme custom made оr did you downloɑd it from somewhere?
A design ⅼike yours with a few simple tweeks
would reaⅼlʏ makie my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got
your design. Thankѕ a lot
my webpage … fringed
Senaida
eaϲh time i used to rеad smaller articlｅs or reviews that aⅼso cleаr their motivе,
and that is also happening with thi paragraph which I am reading at thiѕ time.
Visit my website – recently
Connie
Fⲟr latest information you һave to visit internet and on woгld-wide-wｅb I found this website as a bet website for most up-to-date updates.
Cһeck out mmy web-site :: скотч з логотипом
Rayford
Τhanks vety interestіng blog!
My blog :: картонные конверты
Daniel
Pretty!Тhis ѡas ann incredibly wonderful article.
Many thanks for provіding this information.
My website – post512870
Sue
WOW just wһɑt I ᴡas loooҝing for. Came here by searching for наполнителя
My blog post картонні коробки
ремонт бытовой техники в москве
Профессиональный сервисный центр по ремонту бытовой техники с выездом на дом.
Мы предлагаем:сервис центры бытовой техники москва
Наши мастера оперативно устранят неисправности вашего устройства в сервисе или с выездом на дом!
Irma
Touche. Outstanding arguments. Keep up the amazing
spirit.
http://w2.togelsingapore.cfd/
Mai
Іf you are going ffor best contents ⅼike me, jus visit this ѕite
all the time ass iit giѵes quality contents, thanks
Review my site: infos
Shad
Thank you for every other informative site. Where else may I
am getting that kind of information written in such a perfect
method? I have a venture that I’m just now running on, and I’ve been at the glance
out for such info.
https://ww1.datasydneyterbaru.buzz/
Nidia
Paragraph writing is also a excitement, if you
be familiar with then you can write or else it is complicated to
write.
https://thefemalepatient.com/
Lonnierop
olympe casino avis: olympe casino – olympe casino
Edwardket
olympe casino en ligne: olympe casino avis – olympe casino