Theko Tlebere
The political landscape of Lesotho was recently shaken by news that Honourable Mootsi Lehata, the long-serving Member of Parliament(MP) for Makhaleng #50, has switched allegiance from the Democratic Congress (DC) to the ruling Revolution for Prosperity (RFP). While floor crossings are not uncommon in Lesotho’s politics, Lehata’s defection is particularly noteworthy. This is not a case of a junior MP seeking political survival; it involves a political heavyweight, a seasoned legislator of over 20 years and a known loyalist of former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili. The pressing question is: why would someone of Lehata’s stature abandon the opposition, especially under a party he helped build? To comprehend this political shift, we must look beyond typical assumptions of political inducements. Although positions, perks, and political protection could be motivating factors, Lehata’s departure seems to indicate a deeper disillusionment with the current leadership of the DC under Mathibeli Mokhothu.
Mathibeli Mokhothu assumed leadership of the DC in 2019, ushering in high hopes for rejuvenating the party following Mosisili’s retirement. A charismatic orator and youthful face of the party, Mokhothu was viewed as a link between the legacy of the Congress movement and a new generation of leaders. However, beneath this optimism, discontent has been growing. Senior party members, many of whom served during Mosisili’s administration, increasingly feel marginalised hence you see the likes of Dr ‘Mamphono Khaketla, Ntlhoi Motsamai and others to mention just a few, no longer actively visible in DC politics. The DC under Mokhothu has faced accusations of centralising power, sidelining veterans, and adopting a combative rather than strategic approach to opposition politics. Lehata, who has previously served as a Minister and is known for his legislative acumen, is not one to tolerate political irrelevance. His instincts, honed over decades in the arena, suggest that he would not have crossed the floor without significant reason. One can reasonably speculate that Lehata’s departure signals a crisis of confidence in Mokhothu’s leadership style, one that may lack sufficient consultation, ideological clarity, or strategic coherence.
Another key issue is the Democratic Congress’s identity. Under Mosisili, the DC positioned itself as a people-centered, policy-focused, and disciplined political force. It maintained its congress roots, committed to social justice, grounded in community support, and often inclusive in leadership decision-making. In contrast, critics argue that under Mokhothu, the DC has strayed from these principles, prioritising reactive politics over strategic policy engagement. Lehata, as one of the ideological guardians of the Congress legacy, may feel politically homeless in a party that no longer mirrors the values he helped promote. Additionally, there is a growing perception that the DC has become inward-looking, prioritising internal loyalty over expanding its political relevance. In this environment, seasoned political figures like Lehata may feel stifled or undervalued.
Of course, the RFP’s status as the ruling party offers undeniable political advantages. With access to state resources, influence over appointments, and control of legislative agendas, the governing party is always an appealing option for politicians striving to maintain their relevance. It’s not unreasonable to believe that Lehata may have been promised a strategic role or even a cabinet position. However, the more critical issue is not just what the RFP offered, but what the DC failed to do to retain him. Lehata’s departure should serve as a warning sign to Mokhothu and his allies. When your most experienced colleagues choose to leave, it often signals that the party is veering off course rather than merely reflecting the allure of the opposition.
Mootsi Lehata’s floor crossing is not just a setback for the Democratic Congress’s parliamentary strength, it is a symbolic indictment of its internal governance. Mokhothu’s leadership must examine why a veteran like Lehata, who previously stood alongside Mosisili during some of the country’s most challenging political transitions, now feels more at home in the very government he is meant to oppose. For a party that prides itself on loyalty and legacy, this defection represents a significant moment of reckoning. If the DC continues to alienate its own members, it risks becoming a hollow shell of its once-glorious past. The loss of Lehata is not just about numbers, it is about the very essence of the Congress movement. The Future is NOW!
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