By Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MASERU- The Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) has refuted the allegations that its leader, Hon Mothetjoa Metsing, has been appointed as Prime Minister’s Ntsokoane Matekane ‘s Political Advisor.
Speaking to this publication on Sunday, LCD’s spokesperson, Apesi Rats’ele, distanced themselves from the allegations regarding their leader, who is also the former Deputy Prime Minister (DPM)’s appointment as the PM’s political advisor.
These rumors surfaced following the story of Metsing’s appointment spread across social media.
“I am not aware of these issues [of Metsing’s appointment as PM’s political advisor]; I saw them on Facebook,” says Rats’ele.
He continued: “What is true is that when the government came to power and the cabinet was formed, there were three coalition partners, and we chose to be the government’s allies to help and provide support and to ensure it does not collapse.”
He said Metsing is not given the office and neither is he earning the salary and enjoying the perks that come with being the Prime Minister’s political advisor.
Informative Newspaper understands that LCD’s leader is earning the salary of being the former DPM, which is 80 percent of the active DPM.
Rats’ele said Metsing will “stabilize” the government owing to his experience in government.
Metsing has served the government in different capacities. He served under both PMs’ Messrs Pakalitha Mosisili and Motsoahae Thabane as the Minister and the DPM.
Following the October 7, 2022, general elections that ushered in the 11th parliament, the new political kid on the block, Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) that had secured 56 seats and later became 57, entered into a coalition agreement with Alliance of Democrats (AD) with five seats and later became four, and the Movement for Economic Change (MEC) with four seats, formed a government as they commanded majority in parliament.
They were also joined by HOPE, LCD, United for Change (UFC) and the Lesotho People’s Democracy (LPC).
Metsing’s alleged appointment caused a stir, as some did not take kindly to his “appointment” since he is facing treason charges. It should be noted that Metsing, along with MEC’s leader Hon Selibe Mochoboroane and former Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) Commander, Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli and other soldiers are facing ranging from treason, murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault their case is ongoing in the High Court.
In 2021, while he was to appear before the court, Metsing fled the country and hid in South Africa and that prompted the High Court to issue a bench warrant for his arrest.
The former DPM then returned to the country last year before elections following agreement between his lawyer and the Crown. Several attempts to have the charges against him quashed failed.
Taking a swipe at the opposition, Rats’ele said they are angry that the government will not “collapse” adding that they remain unshaken in their position as government allies.
He said the opposition claims that their leader is the political advisor to the PM could have been sparked by the government-supporting parties and coalition members last week wherein the said meeting was meant to “iron out some issues”.
“If there was an office and salary, that would have been a different point,” he stressed.
“We act as advisors and allies, because we don’t want to witness the government we support failing. Behind closed doors, we caucus and map a way forward.”