Councillors want Tšoele back at local govt

Mohloai Mpesi

A majority of councillors from across the country have called for the return of former Local Government and Chieftainship Permanent Secretary (PS), Mpopo Tšoele, saying his brief tenure at the ministry brought hope for meaningful reforms.

The councillors made the plea during a meeting convened by Prime Minister Sam Matekane at the ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre yesterday.

Mr Tšoele served as Ministry of Local Government PS from January to May this year before being transferred to the Ministry of Defence and National Security after fallout with former Minister Lebona Lephema. Mr Lephema has since been dismissed from government after refusing a reassignment to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development. He swapped positions with Mabataung Khalane who moved from Defence to Local Government.

Several councillors praised him for what they described as decisive leadership and responsiveness during his short stint at the ministry.

A councillor from Mazenod, identified only as Malataliana, told Mr Matekane during that meeting that councillors had begun to see signs of positive change under Mr Tšoele’s leadership.

“We had hope when Mr Tšoele started shaking up the ministry. For the first time in many years, we felt there was a possibility of real change. But since his transfer, it seems we have taken several steps backwards,” he said.

“The person we believed would provide clear direction has been moved to the Ministry of Defence.”

Malataliana also highlighted the poor welfare conditions facing councillors.

“We have no welfare support. Even coming here today was a challenge. Getting food and preparing ourselves for this meeting was a struggle,” he said.

‘Mamotšoane Motsau, a councillor from Litjotjela in Leribe, said Mr Tšoele had maintained close contact with councillors and responded promptly to their concerns.

“Ntate Mpopo was approachable and always willing to listen to our complaints. Since the new PS took over, we have neither heard nor seen any significant action. We want Ntate Mpopo back for the remainder of this term so that we can see the results of the reforms he started,” she said.

Another councillor, Pule Ramaisa of Peka Constituency, argued that Mr Tšoele was uniquely qualified for the position.

“Mr Tšoele was the first Principal Secretary appointed to the ministry whose academic qualifications aligned directly with the portfolio. The changes he introduced within a short period were significant.

“We closely observed his work. He was accessible and regularly engaged with councillors. We even had a communication platform where we could raise issues directly with him,” Mr Ramaisa said.

However, while speaking to the Lesotho Times on the sidelines of the event, Mr Ramaisa expressed disappointment that Mr Matekane did not provide immediate solutions to councillors’ grievances.

“The real issues affecting councillors were merely noted, with the Prime Minister saying they would be addressed in future. Yet councillors continue to struggle with inadequate allowances,” he said.

He added that while government had highlighted increased funding for local authorities, councillors felt their welfare concerns remained neglected.

However, not all councillors supported calls for Mr Tšoele’s return.

Tšepo Makara of Tša-le-Moleka in Botha-Bothe told this publication that his opposition to Mr Tšoele’s return stemmed from the latter’s previous stance against councillors’ salary increases.

“Those calling for his return are largely his Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) allies,” Mr Makara said.

“Mr Tšoele and Teboho Sekata were among those who openly questioned why councillors needed salary increases and what they would do with the extra money. Now there is a campaign to bring him back.”

He argued that there was no evidence that the current PS (Khalane) had failed.

“They are simply advancing a political agenda,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Matekane said the government had increased funding to the Ministry of Local Government over the past two years.

“The budget allocated to Local Government has increased by 8.7 percent annually over the past two years,” Mr Matekane said.

“Investment in services such as roads and bridge infrastructure has also increased. However, according to Bureau of Statistics data, public dissatisfaction with local government services stands at 41 percent, which should concern all of us.”

He said the challenge was not solely financial but also related to governance and accountability.

“This is not only a matter of finances. It is also an issue of governance and limited accountability,” he said.

The newly appointed Minister of Local Government, Lebona Seetsa, urged both ministry officials and councillors to focus on delivering on promises made to voters.

“We promised Basotho that we would improve their lives. They voted for us because they believed in those promises. It is now time to honour them through service delivery,” Mr Seetsa said.

He revealed that Mr Matekane had instructed him to ensure that the government’s yellow plant machinery and other Local Government equipment were fully operational.

“The money is available and I will work hard to ensure that roads are repaired as promised.”

Mr Seetsa also warned against the misuse of public resources.

“I have discovered that some of the yellow plant machinery is being poorly managed. Councillors witness these problems. Stop damaging public property. Stop stealing fuel meant for public projects and using it for personal gain,” he said.

The post Councillors want Tšoele back at local govt appeared first on Lesotho Times.