The European Union (EU) reaffirmed its commitment to deepening partnerships with African nations during a special luncheon held in Maseru on Wednesday, bringing together alumni of the European Union Visitors Programme (EUVP) and participants of recent regional journalism seminars in Brussels.
The event served as a platform for reflection, networking, and the celebration of the longstanding relationship between the EU and Lesotho.
Among the distinguished guests was Relebohile Lebeta, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and EUVP alumna. Lebeta was joined by journalists Khotsofalang Koloi, Kabelo Mollo, Thoboloko Ntšonyane, and Rapelang Radebe, who recently took part in the EU’s regional seminar for journalists in Brussels.
Participants shared their experiences from their visits to EU institutions, reflecting on the opportunities for dialogue and collaboration between Europe and Africa, particularly in governance, media development, and resource management.
Lebeta commended the EU for its continued support to Lesotho’s water sector, highlighting projects like RENOKA and Metsi a Lesotho, which aim to improve access to clean water, especially in rural communities.
She described her EUVP experience as eye-opening, especially in areas related to water governance, climate change, and capacity building. Lebeta also noted meaningful discussions on the Kimberley Process and the global diamond trade, emphasizing the growing importance of transparency and traceability, particularly in the face of synthetic diamonds.
Journalist Khotsofalang Koloi praised the EU programme for empowering Basotho media professionals with tools like access to the European Council Newsroom, enabling more accurate and comprehensive coverage of international affairs and high-level visits involving Lesotho officials.
Koloi added that this access helps local media overcome resource constraints, allowing for improved reporting on international developments.
He also reflected on one of his key takeaways: the mutually beneficial nature of EU-Africa relations, particularly around Africa’s natural resources and Europe’s ageing workforce, which could create new opportunities for African professionals.
Paola Amadei, Head of the EU Delegation to Lesotho, said the EUVP is designed to foster connections between Basotho professionals and their European counterparts. Amadei noted that the inclusion of Basotho journalists and officials in the programme reflects the EU’s growing investment in strengthening its partnership with Lesotho.
“The EUVP creates opportunities for knowledge exchange and long-term collaboration,” Amadei said, adding that such initiatives are essential for building mutual understanding and stronger diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties.
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
