The newly elected leadership of the Sports Reporters Association of Lesotho (SRAL) said its three-year term will focus on giving sports journalists greater support and more opportunities to sharpen their professional skills, as the association looks to raise the standard of sports reporting in the country.
Radio presenter and sports photojournalist Thabo ‘Mthibo’ Rakhomo was elected President of SRAL for the 2026–2029 term following the association’s elective Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Maseru last Friday.
The elective conference, hosted at Green Lake Guest House and sponsored by Alliance Insurance Group, brought together members of the sports journalism fraternity to elect a new executive committee. The AGM saw a smooth transition of power from the outgoing committee to the incoming leadership, marking the start of a new term.
Speaking in an interview with the Agency following his election, Rakhomo outlined a leadership agenda centred on capacity building, saying his committee would work to ensure sports reporters receive the support and opportunities needed to grow professionally in a fast-changing media environment.
“I am humbled and honoured to be entrusted with this responsibility. It is not just about being elected; it is about serving the sports journalism fraternity and making sure that we address the challenges faced by sports reporters,” he said.
Rakhomo said one of his key priorities would be promoting unity among sports journalists while strengthening collaboration between SRAL and relevant stakeholders within the sporting fraternity.
He stressed the importance of capacity building, noting that the rapidly changing media environment requires journalists to continuously develop and adapt their skills.
To that end, Rakhomo said SRAL would seek to create platforms where sports journalists could share experiences, discuss challenges and collectively explore ways of improving sports coverage in Lesotho.
“We have a responsibility to work as a team. The success of SRAL will depend on the commitment of all its members and our ability to work together for the betterment of sports journalism,” he said.
He called on members of the association to rally behind the new executive committee as it embarks on its mandate for the next three years.
The new SRAL Executive Committee comprises Thabo Rakhomo as President, Thabo Mokobocho as Vice-President, Reitumetse Mabaleha as Secretary General, Palesa Rakhomo as Vice Secretary General, Relebohile Makosholo as Treasurer and Kekeletso Lesoetsa as Public Relations Officer. Other committee members are Seabata Mahao, Tiisetso Makhasane and Thokozile Mohaeka.
The committee’s focus on professional development was echoed by the AGM’s sponsor. Alliance Insurance Group, which backed the elective meeting, said its support was rooted in recognition of the role sports journalists play in growing the sporting industry.
Speaking on behalf of the company, Public Relations Officer Limakatso Mokobocho said Alliance Insurance Group believes sport has the power to unite communities and inspire young people, while the media plays a crucial role in ensuring that sporting achievements, challenges and developments receive the attention they deserve.
“Our decision to sponsor this AGM is informed by our belief in the importance of sports and the role played by journalists in promoting and developing the sporting industry. Sports journalists are an important link between athletes, sporting organisations and the public,” she said.
She said the company was committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the growth and development of sport and other sectors that positively impact communities.
“As Alliance Insurance Group, we believe in supporting initiatives that contribute to the development of our communities. Sport is an important part of society, and we appreciate the contribution made by journalists in telling the stories of athletes and promoting sporting activities across the country,” Mokobocho said.
She congratulated the newly elected SRAL executive committee and encouraged its members to work together to strengthen the association and promote professionalism in sports journalism.
“We congratulate the newly elected executive committee and wish them success during their term of office. We hope they will work together in unity and commitment to advance the interests of sports journalists and contribute towards improving the standard of sports reporting in Lesotho,” she said.
Mokobocho further encouraged the new leadership to prioritise unity, professional development and collaboration with stakeholders, saying these would be key to the association’s growth and long-term sustainability.
She added that Alliance Insurance Group hopes its support for the elective AGM will help strengthen SRAL and create more opportunities for sports journalists to develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to the growth of sport in Lesotho.
The newly elected committee will serve from 2026 to 2029, with expectations high that the incoming leadership will build a united and stronger sports journalism fraternity while advocating for professional development and improved standards of sports reporting across the country.
Summary
- The newly elected leadership of the Sports Reporters Association of Lesotho (SRAL) said its three-year term will focus on giving sports journalists greater support and more opportunities to sharpen their professional skills, as the association looks to raise the standard of sports reporting in the country.
- Speaking in an interview with the Agency following his election, Rakhomo outlined a leadership agenda centred on capacity building, saying his committee would work to ensure sports reporters receive the support and opportunities needed to grow professionally in a fast-changing media environment.
- Speaking on behalf of the company, Public Relations Officer Limakatso Mokobocho said Alliance Insurance Group believes sport has the power to unite communities and inspire young people, while the media plays a crucial role in ensuring that sporting achievements, challenges and developments receive the attention they deserve.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
