Ntsoaki Motaung & Thoboloko Ntšonyane
Newly appointed Minister of Energy and Mining, Lejone Mpotjoane, has pledged to push Lesotho towards energy independence following a sweeping cabinet reshuffle that saw three new ministers sworn in at the Royal Palace on Thursday.
Mpotjoane was removed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations and reassigned to head the newly established energy and mining portfolio.
The move comes as Lesotho grapples with persistent electricity shortages, rising tariffs, and heavy dependence on imported power.
Speaking shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, Minister Mpotjoane underscored his commitment to serving the nation and hit the ground running with a strong focus on energy independence.
He said his immediate task is to accelerate ongoing efforts to provide electricity to Basotho households, particularly through the African Union’s ambitious Mission 300 project, which aims to electrify 300 million households across Africa by 2030.
“The work is already in progress. My job is to intensify the efforts that are already being made,” he said. He emphasised the need for Lesotho to move towards greater energy self-reliance by harnessing the country’s abundant natural resources, especially water.
“We cannot continue to have many households electrified while the cost of electricity keeps rising. We must produce our own electricity,” Mpotjoane declared.
He added that Lesotho should leverage its water resources to generate affordable, locally produced power, reducing dependence on external suppliers and stabilising electricity tariffs for ordinary Basotho.
On the mining front, the new minister acknowledged Lesotho’s global reputation for high-quality diamonds but expressed determination to explore and develop other mineral resources.
Mpotjoane also touched on the construction sector linked to energy and mining projects, stressing the importance of Basotho ownership and participation.
“We have seen that big construction companies in this country are mostly owned by foreign nationals. We must ensure that major construction firms are increasingly owned by Basotho so that when huge projects are implemented, they are led by local companies. This way, we will not be left vulnerable when foreign companies depart. The capacity must remain in the hands of Basotho,” he said.
The reshuffle also saw Limpho Tau, previously Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, replacing Mpotjoane.
‘Mamokete Ntšekhe takes over the Ministry of Health, while Voeswa Tsheka assumes the combined Home Affairs and Police portfolio.
Tsheka pledged to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the public, aligning her approach with the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) motto “Lepolesa Mothusi Motsoalle” (The Police is a Helper and a Friend).
She acknowledged ongoing challenges in the passport section but said she would prioritise solutions after settling into office.
Lebona Lephema was appointed Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development, replacing Mokhethi Shelile, while Thabo Mofosi was moved from Agriculture to head the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, taking over from Letsema Adontši.
Selibe Mochoboroane, who previously served as Minister of Health, now takes charge of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition.
‘Makatleho Motsoasele has been appointed to the Prime Minister’s Office, where she described her role as supporting leadership and coordinating key government functions, including disaster response.
“I am still familiarising myself with the role, but it essentially involves being the eyes and hands of the Prime Minister,” she said.
The proposed appointment of Nkhethoa Seetsa to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship fell through after he declined the position citing health reasons.
The changes extend beyond the political leadership. Several permanent and principal secretaries have also been reassigned, with Mpopo Tšoele moving to the Ministry of Defence and National Security, ‘Mabataung Khalane transferred to Local Government.
Summary
- Newly appointed Minister of Energy and Mining, Lejone Mpotjoane, has pledged to push Lesotho towards energy independence following a sweeping cabinet reshuffle that saw three new ministers sworn in at the Royal Palace on Thursday.
- Speaking shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, Minister Mpotjoane underscored his commitment to serving the nation and hit the ground running with a strong focus on energy independence.
- Tsheka pledged to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the public, aligning her approach with the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) motto “Lepolesa Mothusi Motsoalle” (The Police is a Helper and a Friend).
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