The atmosphere was tense from the moment Prime Minister Sam Matekane walked into the meeting room, flanked by Ministers Shelile and Nthati Moorosi. Before the meeting could even begin, the twenty RFP backbenchers, already agitated by weeks of political stalemate, told the two ministers to leave. Their message was blunt: they were not part of this meeting. The Prime Minister looked unsettled but complied with their demand. The ministers walked out in silence.
Opening Confrontation
Once the door closed, the MPs wasted no time. They accused Matekane of shielding corrupt ministers, listing portfolios they believed had become dens of rent-seeking, including Energy, Police, Home Affairs, and Local Government. They demanded that these ministries be cleaned up and new ministers appointed. Some MPs, notably Maretlane, Moroke, Dada, and Motsoane, dominated the exchanges. Their tone mixed frustration with defiance. They made it clear that until Matekane fired the implicated ministers, they would not return to parliament or approve the upcoming budget.
Matekane’s Defence
Matekane responded calmly at first. According to the recording, he told the MPs that the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) had advised him that “no one is corrupt unless they have been caught with bribe money.” He insisted he could not act on rumours or political pressure without tangible evidence. “You can’t expect me to fire ministers on hearsay,” he said, adding that the DCEO had trap money mechanisms for such cases, but none of his ministers had been caught.
He then turned defensive, saying he could personally vouch for the integrity of the very ministers the MPs wanted dismissed. He told them they were not corrupt, describing them as dedicated members of his cabinet. The room grew louder, with some MPs openly scoffing at his words.
The Phapano Question
Attention then shifted to the controversial figure of PS Phapano. MPs accused the principal secretary of wielding excessive influence and being part of the problem. Matekane dismissed their grievances outright. “Phapano is not going anywhere,” he declared. “He is very helpful to the government.” That remark drew groans from the MPs, some whispering that Matekane was protecting insiders while ignoring the party’s broader concerns.
On Coalition Partners
When pressed on the issue of firing coalition partners from the Alliance of Democrats (AD) and Basotho Action Party (BAP), Matekane’s tone hardened. He said the decision would not be his alone. “That is not my call,” he told them. “It is a party issue, not a government one.” The MPs murmured in disagreement, arguing that the coalition had diluted RFP’s power and allowed rival factions to thrive at their expense.
Power Play and Ultimatum
The discussion soon turned strategic. MPs said they wanted clear representation in cabinet, proposing that Dada, Motsoane, and Maretlane be appointed ministers. They argued that those who had stood by Matekane through tough times deserved to lead key ministries. The Prime Minister listened but offered no promises.
When it became clear that Matekane would not yield, the MPs took a collective stance. “You have seven days,” one of them said. “If we don’t get answers, we will not attend parliament or pass your budget.” It was a direct threat that could paralyze the government.
Closing Moments
As the meeting drew to a close, the air was thick with resentment. Matekane stood firm, maintaining that leadership required patience and due process. The MPs, however, left with visible anger and disillusionment. Some shook their heads as they walked out, others vowed to stand by their ultimatum.
By the end of the meeting, one fact had become clear: the Revolution for Prosperity is now divided between a Prime Minister who believes he must protect his ministers until proven guilty and MPs who believe he has already betrayed the moral high ground that brought him to power. The next seven days will reveal which side bends first.
