RFP youth furious over ‘secret’ embassy list
Call it a shocking breach on government trust
‘MANTŠANG KHUTLISI
MASERU – A storm is brewing within the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) as frustrated and sidelined youth members express outrage over a newly released list of embassy positions from the office of the party’s secretary general.
The list, purportedly secret, which has been circulating on social media, has ignited fury among many RFP loyalists who feel betrayed, neglected and deliberately excluded from the opportunities they believe they have worked hard to deserve.
In a now viral voice clip, one impassioned RFP youth publicly voiced his disappointment and deep resentment towards the RFP National Executive Committee (NEC), accusing it of turning its back on those who built the very foundation of RFP’s political success.
“I am content, yes, but I am not confident, our leaders do not consider us at all, they have completely failed to support and empower us through the opportunities we fought for,” he said with his voice trembling with a mixture of pain and rage.
He questioned the logic and transparency behind the diplomatic appointments, expressing disbelief that a majority of those selected for the high-profile diplomatic missions are not even affiliated with the RFP.
“How is it possible that there are no real RFP members, only a few taken to embassies, when we are thousands of loyal, competent and hardworking RFP youth who deserve these posts?” he furiously asked.
What struck a nerve among supporters is the perceived arrogance and disconnection of the party’s leadership, particularly the NEC.
The activist bitterly complained that not even positions such as kitchen assistants, drivers or gardener jobs often seen as entry-level or modest are being given to those who toiled day and night to secure RFP’s victory in the last elections.
“Even those positions that may seem small to others, they mean the world to us, we deserve the best and we are not asking for much, we are simply asking for what we have earned,” he stated.
The activist did not hold back in criticizing NEC’s attitude saying it continuously disregards the feelings and sacrifices of the party’s grassroots supporters.
“We have remained faithful, we have stood by RFP through thick and thin, is this how we are being rewarded? By being ignored and forgotten,” he asked.
Emotional, he questioned the criteria used in selecting candidates for embassy placements, hinting at favoritism and political betrayal.
“Who are these people being taken to embassies? What qualifies them over us the ones who sacrificed so much for this movement,” he asked.
He further urged the NEC to urgently introspect, rethink its direction and reconnect with the spirit of the RFP’s founding principles.
“If we are building RFP, then we must do it together, not isolation. The leadership must see and respect the very people who bled for this party, it is time for NEC to wake up before it is too late,” he lamented.
The young activist also highlighted the existence of national campaign team, a group he said played a vital role during the party’s grassroots mobilization and victory campaign. He expressed deep concern that even this team has been pushed aside and overlooked by decision-makers in favor of what he described as “foreign faces with no sweat on RFP’s battlefield.”
In an interview with the Government Secretary (GS), ‘Mateboho ‘Mokela, said the matter remains under thorough investigation and that more information will be disclosed at a later stage once all facts have been verified.
‘Mokela said appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Foreign Affairs minister, Lejone Mpotjoane, said this recent leak of confidential documents, reportedly originating from the GS’s and intended for ministerial secretaries, has sparked concerns over the trust and loyalty of some government officials.
The leaked document outlined sensitive cabinet decision information that is ordinarily held in the strictest confidence due to its national importance.
Mpotjoane said this questions the level of professionalism, accountability as well as commitment to state confidentiality among the highest ranks of government administration.
He said it is deeply troubling to witness individuals who are entrusted with safeguarding the inner workings of the state, individuals who hold influential and sensitive positions becoming the very source of such damaging breach.
Mpotjoane further stated that a thorough investigation is being conducted to determine how the document was leaked, who is responsible and what their intentions were.
As tensions within the RFP escalate, the party finds itself at a crossroads, one that demands urgent and decisive leadership.
When asked about the circulating voice clip of an activist expressing deep frustrations over the leaked embassy list, Mpotjoane responded cautiously, stating that he could not comment extensively on the matter as the views expressed in the clip reflect the activist’s personal opinions.
He emphasized that government appointments are based on the merit and specific requirements of the positions.
Mpotjoane added that the activist might be in better position to determine whether those appointed are indeed members of the RFP, but such claims remain speculative.
The embassy list controversy has become more than just a dispute over appointments, it has exposed deeper frustrations about recognition, loyalty as well as inclusivity.
