The Ministry of the Public Service, in collaboration with the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO), launched the Service Integrity Committee (SIC) on May 29, 2024. This initiative aligns with DCEO’s mandate to combat corruption.
The SIC aims to establish internal self-monitoring mechanisms within institutions, both public and private, to enhance service delivery quality. In addition, the DCEO continues to develop Students’ Integrity Associations (SIAs) to instill anti-corruption values among students, with the broader goal of integrating anti-corruption education into the national curriculum from preschool to tertiary levels through collaboration with the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC).
For off-campus youth, DCEO is engaging various sectors, including business, sports, churches, and politics, to involve them in anti-corruption efforts. At the national level, DCEO employs the National Anti-corruption Strategy and Action Plan (NACSAP) framework as a multi-sectorial platform involving the public sector, Legislature, Judiciary, private sector, and Civil Society Groups.
Litelu Ramokhoro of DCEO highlighted the critical role of quality service delivery in fostering economic development and socio-political stability, areas where Lesotho has historically struggled. The recent Auditor General’s report, revealing unaccounted billions of Maloti, underscores the urgent need for such initiatives.
The SIC will work closely with DCEO for technical guidance and law enforcement support while reporting directly to the Ministry’s principal secretary. The committee, supported by the Chief Accounting Officer, is tasked with monitoring the Ministry’s performance and identifying potential corruption areas, recommending corrective measures.
Makhoabane Lelimo, Principal Secretary and Chief Accounting Officer of the Ministry of Public Service, stated that the SIC’s journey included extensive sensitization sessions and workshops conducted by DCEO, resulting in a ready-to-implement action plan. Hon. Minister of Public Service, Mr. Stephen Mputi, expressed enthusiasm for the positive changes anticipated from this initiative and committed to supporting SIC’s goals.
