The United States says it won’t offer Lesotho a USD 300 million compact unless overhauled labour, health and safety laws are implemented in textile factories This is the second part of a five-part investigation by MNN into how Lesotho’s textile factories operate with a disregard for labour laws and with apparent
Author: news@lescij.org
Lekhetho is Founding Editor and Journalist at MNN Centre for Investigative Journalism in Maseru, Lesotho. He is 2016 First-Prize Investigative Journalism Award Winner sponsored by MISA – Lesotho and US Embassy – Maseru. Lekhetho has attended a three-month intensive investigative journalism fellowship with AmaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism in Johannesburg, South Africa, from mid-August to mid-November 2018.
During the fellowship, Lekhetho published in South Africa and Lesotho five “impressive” investigative articles about the beleaguered Lesotho’s wool industry, the country’s capture claims by Chinese community, how a Chinese business mogul in the country funded almost every politician and influenced state decisions.
Lekhetho has been commended by his editor and mentor at AmaBhungane, Andrew Forrest, as one of best fellows the Centre has enrolled.
Lekhetho is one of 37 contributors in the Southern African Muckraking – an anthology edited by Anton Harbor and launched during the 2018 African Investigative Journalism Conference in October.
Mokhotlong women sell their bodies to LHDA contractors
MNN Reporters Phase II of the Lesotho Water Highlands Project is well underway. It is billed as a project with significant financial benefit to Lesotho but it carries devastating social implications for women, including under-age girls, who are selling their bodies to contractors working on the project. Healthcare workers have noticed that
How South Africa’s water needs plunged Lesotho into food insecurity
PASCALINAH KABI Bertha Foundation Fellow Landlocked Lesotho, is currently experiencing severe food insecurity as a result of a deal to meet neighbouring South Africa’s ever-increasing water needs. The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) was billed as one that would bolster Lesotho’s position in the regional political economy and reassert its sovereignty. But, the
Majola’s liquidated company wins disputed Lesotho airport tender
A questionable tender to fix Lesotho’s dilapidated airport to meet international standards has been thrown into confusion – first by a liquidation order from a South African judge, then by a phone call from amaBhungane. Key Takeaways:• South African businessman Thulani Majola seemingly joined politically connected partners in Lesotho to win
Anti-Corruption investigates Women’s rights NGO
…former employees claim WLSA Management defrauded their combined M1.9 million in gratuities Billy Ntaote Two Women and Law in Southern Africa Research and Education Trust executives in Lesotho (WLSA) are under investigation following official complaints from other employees that they have been siphoning donor funds for their private use. The European Union as
“LEPOSA’s gun-scheme smacks of smuggling’’
…some given to top cops and politicians during the political turmoil BILLY NTAOTE and RETŠELISITSOE KHABO The acquisition of 1500 firearms by the Lesotho Police Staff Association (LEPOSA) during the 2014-2015 political and security instability appears to have been riddled with corruption, negligence, opaque arms dealing, and gifting of guns to government
Hands On Investigative Journalism fellowship starting from October 1, 2021
The MNN Centre for Investigative Journalism, with support from the Southern Africa Investigative Journalism Hub, IJ HUB , invites applications from print and broadcast journalists aspiring to undergo a three-month intensive investigative reporting fellowship with the Centre. This project is meant to cultivate, enhance and promote investigative journalism in Lesotho. The
Debt-ridden mine accused of abusing workers
By Billy Ntaote and Itumeleng Koleile Former employees of Liqhobong Mining Development Company, a subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange-listed Firestone Diamonds Plc, have accused the mining company of reneging on a re-employment promise after it allegedly demanded they withdraw their unfair dismissal lawsuit in exchange for their jobs. Liqhobong, a diamond
Zambian Elections, a media perspective
…Lessons for Lesotho’s 2022 polls Matiisetso Mosala In September 2022, Lesotho will hold general elections. In 2017 when the Kingdom had its last polls, Basotho knew what they wanted; they wanted Change. Basotho wanted to see their country develop, poverty eradicated and jobs created, especially for youth and the country just at peace
Sexual harassment survivor fired
Itumeleng Koleile A woman who worked for Alluvial Ventures, a sub-contractor to Letšeng Diamonds Ltd, a company majority-owned by the London Stock Exchange-listed Gem Diamonds, has been dismissed after pressing charges of sexual assault against her former supervisor. Sebongile Mokhele (29) believes her dismissal, allegedly on the grounds of insubordination, was an
