12th boocamp grads
As LDF celebrates milestone
‘MABOKA RAMABELE
MASERU – July 11 marked the passout of 12th Edition of the Lesotho Defence Force Youth Development and Rehabilitation programme known as Boot Camp
This was Serial 12 of 2025.
The programme’s first installment was on April 2021 after the community outcry about the gangs known as “Manomoro” around the Khubetsoana, Koalabata, Motimposo and Ha Tšosane villages who terrorised civilians.
Youth programme director at the boot camp LDF, Lieutenant Colonel Bokang Melato, presented the Boot Camp Serial 12 of 2025 mentioning there were 193 males and 85 females. The training began on June 22.
Since the beginning of the programme in April 2021.
LDF has produced more than 3500 boot camp graduates and are proud to have achieved that milestone.
He further praised the boot campers for the hard work and described it as “not walk in the park.”
He urged boot campers not to forget that life is a war that requires three things perseverance, sacrifice and tenacity.
To be good campers they had to outsmart life challenges like soldiers by ruthlessly taking opportunities when present with.
He further praised the military instructors for demonstrating professionalism and acting as parents to LDF Youth Development and Rehabilitation programme boot camp Serial 12.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony at the Makoanyane Barracks, Prime Minister who is also Defence Minister, Ntsokoane Matekane, the guest of honour acknowledged the LDF’s commander and the military instructors for great job the LDF is doing with Youth Development and Rehabilitation programme.
Matekane also urged youth to withdraw from using drugs and focus on the school and rebuked those drug sellers “to halt immediately.”
Furthermore, he advised boot campers and the community at large to report drug sellers to make the country drug safe.
LDF boss, Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela, thanked the coordinators and businesses who sponsored the ceremony and further demonstrated the need for more sponsors adding “this will facilitate the growth of the programme.”
He further thanked parents for believing in Lesotho Defence Force.
Moreover, the commander of LDF also said the army aims to bring up future leaders with “great minds to rescue the country and instill patriotism in the boot campers’ hearts.”
The LDF leader showcased the vehicles bought by the government in support of the programme and said they “really appreciate the effort on the programme.”
He further pleaded to parents to welcome boot campers as changed individuals.
Boot camper Polokeho Malataliana thanked the LDF Commander for the opportunity saying she desperately needed it.
Malataliana further plead to her fellow campers to hold on to the values and lessons they were taught and carry their load wisely.
Thabiso Ntoi, a father of one of the boot campers, praised and thanked the LDF leader for allowing their children to be part of what he described as “a national youth service.”
Moeketsi Mafereka, the General Manager of Sasai Financial Services from Econet Telecom Lesotho, on behalf of the business community, praised boot campers for their hard work and notified them that the programme gave them exactly what the workplace needs.
He added that he was certain that they are ready to improve the business community.
He further stated that he is proud of the boot campers because they chose growth adding that when looking at then group he saw potential leaders, innovators, creatives and entrepreneurs.
Katleho Pefole, External Affairs and Public Policy manager from Vodacom Lesotho said from the beginning of their journey with LDF they felt they are obliged to continue to fully support the programme for Basotho Youth.
He further pleaded with other businesses to join and sponsor the programme as it is very important to the country.
Lieutenant General Letsoela and Prime Miniter Matekane gave awards to the best performing serial 12 boot campers,
among them were Jabulane Mhlanga who walked away with Best Overall Performance award and a M2 000 prize money from Lesana Financial Services.
The rest who walked away M1 000 richer were Polokeho Malataliana, Mamojela Moshoeshoe, Lerato Motšoane,
Ntšontšo Koloko, Tokollo Lebitsa.
The financial reward came from Lesana Financial Services.
Which also offered the boot campers the rare opportunity to intern at the company for a week for free.
Bootcamper Koloko was also given the opportunity to study for free at Dona @ Balos chef school.
