MASERU
The Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Machabana Lemphane Letsie, has declared that the committee is no longer a “toothless dog,” but a powerful watchdog that now bites where it must.
She said the committee, which once struggled to make an impact, is now operating with strength, authority and real results.
As she unpacked the committee’s role within the Southern African Development Community Organization of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC), Lemphane-Letsie said the PAC has transformed from a body that was once ignored to one that now commands respect and fear among public officials who mishandle government funds.
“There was a time when people viewed the PAC as a sleeping dog. Those days are over,” she said firmly. “Today, the PAC works and people know that we mean business.”
Lemphane-Letsie explained that in the past, the committee’s findings and recommendations were often disregarded, and those implicated in the misuse of public money faced no real consequences. But now, she said, the tide has turned.
According to the Chairperson, the PAC has strengthened its oversight role by demanding accountability from ministries, state-owned enterprises, and other public institutions. She said the committee’s sessions are no longer routine meetings but serious hearings where evidence is presented and tough questions are asked.
“People used to think PAC’s job was to make noise and do nothing,” she said.
“Now, they realise that we have the legal power to call anyone to account and to make recommendations that have weight.”
She added that the committee operates strictly within the law, following proper parliamentary procedures when interrogating witnesses or summoning accounting officers.
“We are accused of being harsh or overreaching,” she said.
“But we only apply the law as it is. Our responsibility is to ensure that taxpayers’ money is used for the purpose it was intended for, not for personal enrichment.”
Lemphane Letsie admitted that the committee’s firm stance has not been welcomed by everyone. Some individuals and institutions, she said, complain that the PAC has become too aggressive or political.
She dismissed such criticism, saying the committee’s duty is not to please people but to protect the public purse.
“When we summon people who misused funds, some claim we are targeting them,” she said. “But the truth is simple, if you manage public money, you must be ready to explain how you used it. That’s accountability.”
The Chairperson said it is unfortunate that some officials try to hide behind technicalities or legal excuses instead of simply telling the truth about how they handled funds.
“We deal with cases where millions of maloti go missing, and yet some people want to convince us that nothing happened,” she said.
“We cannot allow that. The era of impunity is ending.”
Lemphane Letsie highlighted that a strong and fearless PAC is crucial for restoring public confidence in how government funds are managed. She said citizens must know that Parliament is watching and that wrongdoing will not go unnoticed.
“People must trust that their money is safe and used properly,” she said.
“Every maloti collected from taxpayers must go to services, not to pockets.”
She added that the committee’s growing reputation for firm action is already influencing how ministries and agencies handle their financial records.
“We have seen improvement in how some departments prepare for audits,” she noted.
“They now know that if they ignore audit recommendations, they will have to face the PAC.”
Lemphane Letsie concluded by calling on all public servants to work with integrity and accountability. She said the PAC will continue to act without fear or favour, ensuring that every cent of public money is properly accounted for.
“The PAC is not your enemy,” she said.
“We are here to safeguard public funds for the benefit of the people. But if you misuse those funds, we will not hesitate to act.”
She said the committee’s effectiveness lies not in its power to punish, but in its ability to expose wrongdoing and push for corrective measures.
“Our job is to shine a light where there is darkness,” she said.
“When we do that, we make sure the system becomes stronger.”
With a renewed sense of purpose, the PAC under Mrs. Lemphane Letsie’s leadership has become one of Parliament’s most active committees, proving that it is indeed no longer a toothless dog, but a watchdog with both bark and bite.
