Mofomobe’s sarcastic ‘Award’ for PM Matekane
A corruption probe scandal and political warfare in the offing
‘MANTŠANG KHUTLISI
MASERU – In a bitingly sarcastic critique, Basotho National Party (BNP) leader, Machesetsa Mofomobe, has declared Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane “deserving of an award” for what he alleges is an unprecedented attempt to obstruct a corruption investigation into the Moshoeshoe I International Airport project.
The remark follows claims that Matekane directly pressured Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairperson, ’Machabana Lemphane-Letsie, to halt the probe, igniting a firestorm over governance, transparency and executive overreach in Lesotho.
Mofomobe alleges that Matekane contacted Letsie to interfere with the PAC’s investigation into financial irregularities at the airport project, which reportedly involves misallocated funds and inflated contracts. He has branded the move “historic” in its audacity, accusing the prime minister of undermining democratic accountability to shield allies from scrutiny.
This aligns with his broader accusations that Matekane’s administration prioritizes political survival over public interest, including past claims of weaponizing state security agencies against opponents.
The airport probe is not an isolated incident.
The country has a history of corruption scandals tied to infrastructure projects, which exposes government to risky debt clauses and kickback allegations. Mofomobe’s criticism taps into public frustration over recurring graft, exacerbated by Matekane’s unmet anti-corruption pledges during his first 100 days in office.
While Mofomobe frames his actions as defending democracy, critics argue that his tactics highlight performative politics amid Lesotho’s socioeconomic crises, and that his “award” jab underscores a pattern of using satire to galvanize public outrage against perceived executive abuses.
“No prime minister in our history has directly intervened in such a blatant manner. He deserves an award for setting a disgraceful record,” Mofomobe quipped.
In a fiery press conference on Wednesday held at the BNP Ntlo-kholo, Mofomobe levelled serious allegations against the government, accusing the executive of plotting to even boycott the National Assembly.
The bold claims have sparked political tension and raised questions about transparency, accountability, and the future of governance in the kingdom.
Mofomobe, known for his outspoken stance on national issues, said the idea that the executive might sidestep parliamentary processes poses a grave threat to democracy.
“As members of the opposition, we are deeply alarmed, and so are a number of government members who still hold the nation’s best interests at heart,” Mofomobe said.
He criticized certain government officials, accusing them of being out of touch with the responsibilities of governance.
“Some officials don’t understand politics, nor do they comprehend administration,” Mofomobe indicated.
According to Mofomobe, there are some in parliament who prioritize personal gain over public service.
“There are only a handful of government members who truly align with the people,” he lamented.
Mofomobe expressed support for lawmakers such as Mokhothu Makhalanyane, whom he claims was unfairly targeted for raising the controversial issue of the executive’s alleged plan to side-line the legislature.
“Makhalanyane raised a critical issue and I am sure he is going to suffer political crucifixion for it,” Mofomobe said.
The BNP leader also condemned the apparent blind loyalty shown by some legislators to a single powerful individual.
“These are adults, capable of making sound decisions for the good of the country. Yet, they follow one man into destruction, they lack the courage to stand up against injustice and wrongdoing,” Mofomobe indicated.
One of the central issues highlighted at the press conference was a controversial parliamentary report that is yet to be tabled.
Mofomobe claimed the report contains damning revelations implicating a current cabinet minister whose two private companies were awarded contracts by the very ministry he heads – in apparent reference to public works minister Matjato Neo Moteane.
Moteane heads has made headlines recently linked to his ministry’s awarding of a tender to his former company for the Moshoeshoe I Airport rehabilitation project.
Mofomobe emphasized the need for the report tobe debated in parliament with its recommendations unconditionaly implemented.
“The chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), ‘Machabana Lemphane-Letsie, must inform the public about the contents of the report,” he urged.
Drawing parallels with South Africa’s high-profile Nkandla scandal involving former President Jacob Zuma, Mofomobe warned that Lesotho may be heading down a similar path of institutional compromise and unchecked corruption.
He also alleged that other MPs have been lobbying Letsie, attempting to delay the release of the report. According to him, the pressure campaign included smear tactics and covert meetings aimed at tarnishing Letsie’s reputation.
He accused certain ministers of orchestrating a plot to undermine her integrity by circulating disrespectful messages through social media.
Mofomobe said this calculated campaign of character assassination failed to gain traction, thanks to Letsie’s unwavering stance.
“Despite these efforts, she has remained steadfast. But it shows the lengths to which this government is willing to go to cover up corruption,” he said.
He further alleged that the same minister involved in the controversial contracts had previously tendered for similar jobs and failed.
“Now that he is in power, his own companies are awarded the contracts, surprisingly with inflated tender sums, one can only wonder what changed, except his position of influence,” he mockingly noted.
The BNP leader concluded his remarks with a stern warning to Matekane, urging him to be vigilant about the people surrounding him.
“If he is not careful, he might find himself sharing the fate of former army commander, Tlali Kamoli, who ended up behind bars,” he said.
As the scandal unfolds and political pressure mounts, the nation watches closely.
The question is whether the government will uphold its democratic responsibilities or whether the country’s fragile political institutions will buckle under the weight of unchecked executive power and corruption.
The broader implications of actions such as these by the executive touch on the erosion of institutional integrity. The alleged interference with the PAC investigation raises concerns about the independence of oversight bodies.
Similar tensions have plagued governance in the country for ages, the recent being an Amnesty International’s 2023 report documenting impunity for police torture and killings under Matekane’s watch.
As a result, this administration faces mounting scrutiny both domestically and internationally. The recent USAID funding pause – criticized by Mofomobe as “the worst thing to happen to Lesotho” – has further strained the government’s credibility, exposing reliance on foreign aid and poor crisis management.
Mofomobe’s sardonic “award” encapsulates a broader struggle for accountability in Lesotho, and as the Moshoeshoe I Airport probe unfolds, the prime minister’s response will test his commitment to reforms pledged during his inauguration – or risk cementing a legacy of unfulfilled promises and democratic backsliding.
For opposition leaders like Mofomobe, the battle is as much about governance as it is about shaping the narrative in a polarized political landscape.
