MASERU
Has the Pitsong Institute of Implementation Research overstepped its bounds, or is it strategically stress testing Lesotho’s governance structures?
This question emerges following Pitsong’s recent demand letter to the Government Secretary, alleging significant lapses in executing statutory and constitutional mandates.
The letter, dated July 9, 2024, calls for immediate action on performance management obligations within the public service, raising critical questions about the appropriateness of Pitsong’s approach and the broader implications for governance in Lesotho.
The demand letter outlines several areas of concern, primarily focusing on the Government Secretary’s failure to establish performance agreements with Principal Secretaries, as mandated by Section 97 of the 1993 Constitution of Lesotho and the Public Service Act 2005. Pitsong highlights the need for these agreements to have been in place by April 1, 2024, aligning with the budget processes for the 2024/2025 financial year.
A Misstep in Approach?
Critics argue that Pitsong’s direct demand to the Government Secretary oversteps its advisory role within the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit. Legally, the Government Secretary reports directly to the Prime Minister, making it more appropriate for the Prime Minister himself to address these concerns. By bypassing this chain of command, Pitsong risks undermining its credibility and authority.
“This letter of demand should have originated from the Prime Minister’s office,” said Tembo Lesupi a legal expert. “The Government Secretary is constitutionally obligated to report to the Prime Minister, not to an advisory institute. This move could be seen as an overreach by Pitsong, potentially complicating the already delicate balance of governance.”
Stress Testing the System
Despite the procedural misstep, Pitsong’s actions can be seen as a stress test of Lesotho’s governance structures. By demanding compliance with performance management mandates, the Institute is indirectly compelling the Government Secretary to implement the Prime Minister’s policy directives. This is a commendable effort to ensure that the lofty promises made by the Prime Minister during his inauguration are translated into tangible actions.
Pitsong’s demand letter references policy directives given by the Right Honourable Prime Minister during his inauguration on October 28, 2022, and the obligations mentioned in the Speech from the Throne on November 17, 2022. The Institute’s insistence on performance contracts aims to hold public servants accountable and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public service.
A Prime Minister’s Accountability
The broader question that arises from this episode is the Prime Minister’s ability to hold the Government Secretary accountable. Despite a litany of promises made during his inauguration, there has been little progress over the past two years. The lack of performance agreements with Principal Secretaries is symptomatic of deeper issues within the administration.
When interviewed by Lesotho Tribune on September 13, 2023, the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit (PMDU) stated: “The objective of the media engagement was to reflect on the Prime Minister’s inauguration speech as well as his vision in ensuring service delivery and accountability. Speaking at the event, PMDU member Mr. Mpopo Ts’oele said they want the media to collaborate with the Unit to ensure that the Prime Minister’s vision becomes a reality. He highlighted that the government, through the Prime Minister, is open for the media to criticize it where there is a need and hold it accountable.”
“The Prime Minister’s failure to ensure that performance agreements are in place reflects poorly on his leadership,” noted Manama Letsie a political analyst. “Pitsong’s actions, while well-intentioned, highlight a significant gap in governance. The Prime Minister must take a more proactive role in enforcing accountability within his administration.”
Conclusion
Pitsong Institute’s demand for compliance with constitutional and statutory mandates serves as a critical reminder of the importance of accountability in governance. However, the Institute’s approach in issuing the demand letter may have been legally and strategically flawed. The responsibility to address these lapses lies squarely with the Prime Minister, who must now take decisive action to ensure that his policies are effectively implemented.
In doing so, the Prime Minister has the opportunity to restore faith in his leadership and demonstrate a commitment to the principles of good governance. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether these demands will lead to meaningful changes or if they will be yet another unfulfilled promise in Lesotho’s political landscape.
