MASERU- The principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Thabang Lekhela stated to the committee of the Prime Minister’s Ministries Cluster that the country does not have diplomats as an occupation as it should be. He said this in regard to how diplomats’ positions are occupied.
“Diplomacy as it is, is a dedicated field like a police service or defence service. Ever since I arrived here 30 years ago the hiring has been the choice of the government of the day, aligning with the Public Service Act,” said Lekhela. He said for the first time the current government tried to employ the diplomat correctly by publicizing vacant positions even though it was hard because where there is change, there are challenges.He concluded that the job in some way carries political party instructions of the government of the day.
In contrary, Mosele Majoro who is the Foreign Affairs Human Resources Manager indicated that about 18 people including ambassadors were hired in abuse of the Public Service Act. When responding to the asked question which claimed that the government hires on meritocracy as the ruling party promised in its elections strategy.
Majoro said all those selected since October 2022, were not hired according to the Public Service Act except the High Commissioner to South Africa, ‘Mathapelo Kanono. Kanono is said to be acting out very well where she is placed.
She added that only Kanono’s position was publicly advertised while 11 other positions were given to people hand-picked. Majoro also said that six positions were given to the present public servants with special capability.
“I was given a list of 18 people to authorize so that they leave for the foreign missions by the principle secretary. I was then told by the principle secretary that such people have special expertise,” said Majoro. She added that it has always been like this ever since she started working at the ministry and that they always get a list from the principle secretaries.
The questionable appointments include that of the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) MP, ‘Manthabiseng Phohleli, Social Revolutionary (SR) former deputy leader, ‘Mamarame Matela, Movement foe economic Change (MEC) MP Liteboho Kompi and Lesotho People’s Congress (LPC) Leader, Moipone Piet.
While questioned what skills Piet and Matela have, Majoro indicated that she does not know except that they are holding a minimum necessity of a degree, there is no indication of exceptionality.
