In a candid interview, Lesotho’s Former Ambassador to Italy has raised critical concerns about the functioning of the nation’s foreign missions, highlighting a lack of strategic planning and missed development opportunities.
The Ambassador, who assumed his post on September 10, 2021, revealed a series of challenges and outlined a vision for a more effective approach to international relations.
Ntsoaki Motaung (NM): You mentioned a lack of a handover report upon your arrival in Italy. What implications does this have for Lesotho?
Thesele ‘Maseribane (TM): It is a serious issue. The absence of a handover report hindered my ability to immediately continue the mission’s work. Proper handover procedures are crucial for continuity and progress. It is essential for incoming officials to understand the ongoing projects and established relationships to build upon them effectively for the benefit of our nation.
NM: You were responsible for 14 countries. How did you develop a strategy to engage with them?
TM: We focused on aligning our strategy with Lesotho’s national development priorities, as outlined in Vision 2020 and the National Strategic Development Plan. These priorities include agriculture, tourism, technology, and job creation. We aimed to leverage opportunities in these areas through bilateral and multilateral engagements with countries like Italy, Turkey, Israel, and San Marino.
NM: You emphasised the importance of accessing international scholarships and training opportunities. What progress has been made in this area?
TM: We have made significant strides in building relationships with Italian universities and international organisations like FAO, IFAD, and WFP. We secured fully funded scholarships, including one named after His Majesty at Lewis University. We also facilitated a Memorandum of Understanding between the National University of Lesotho and an Italian institution. However, we have also seen instances where Basotho students missed out on opportunities due to financial constraints.
NM: You raised concerns about Lesotho’s low utilisation of its quotas in international organisations. How can this be addressed?
TM: We need to actively promote these opportunities and encourage qualified Basotho to apply. The information is readily available online. The government should also strengthen its foreign policy to facilitate more Basotho working and studying abroad. This would not only address unemployment but also bring valuable skills and experience back to Lesotho.
NM: You spoke about the potential for Lesotho to learn from Italy’s agricultural practices. Could you elaborate?
TM: Italy has adopted innovative agricultural practices, particularly in waste recycling and organic food production. They utilise treated waste, including sewage, for agricultural purposes, which boosts production. This is something Lesotho could replicate. Furthermore, Israel has expressed a commitment to supporting Lesotho’s agricultural sector, particularly in irrigation, which we must capitalise on.
NM: You also discussed the role of the private sector and the need to employ more Basotho in foreign missions. What are your recommendations?
TM: The private sector needs to play a more active role in national development. We should also prioritise employing Basotho in various positions within our foreign missions, including administrative and support roles. This will create job opportunities and ensure that our missions reflect the diversity of our nation.
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