MASERU – South Africa’s Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has formally declined a nomination and invitation from African Leadership Magazine’s much-publicised “Persons of the Year” Awards, sharply contrasting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane, who is set to headline the same platform.
In an official position confirmed by her office, Justice Maya rejected both the nomination and participation in the awards ceremony, distancing herself from the event and its associated promotions.
Yet in a move that is already raising eyebrows, Prime Minister Matekane has accepted not only participation but is billed to deliver a keynote address after being recognised by the same publication for what organisers described as “reform-focused leadership” and “restoring institutional trust.”
Stark contrast
The contrasting decisions by the region’s two senior leaders have ignited debate about the credibility and standing of the awards platform itself.
Justice Maya’s refusal signals caution from one of Africa’s most senior judicial figures, whose office emphasised that she would not be associated with the event.
Meanwhile, Matekane’s acceptance places Lesotho’s Prime Minister at the centre of the same ceremony.
Credibility Questions emerging
While to the untrained eye these awards may appear noble, the claims being circulated demand far greater scrutiny. In one promotional video, the organisers assert that Prime Minister Sam Matekane has overseen economic growth of 4 percent. That claim does not align with Lesotho’s recent economic reality, which has been marked by slow growth, fiscal pressure, and persistent structural challenges.
For the Prime Minister’s team to have approved or allowed the release of such a video without correcting the record raises serious questions. It speaks not only to the credibility of the awards themselves, but also to the standards being applied by those willing to be associated with them.
