By: Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MAFETENG
In the heart of Mafeteng, a district that has frequently made headlines for the wrong reasons due to its high crime rate, the women, daughters, and daughters-in-law of this district have refused to throw in the towel. Amidst all the negativity associated with their district, they have chosen to stand together. Some have lost sons, husbands, brothers, and partners to untimely deaths caused by violent crime, yet they have united in their quest for divine intervention.
Disturbed by the alarming crime reports that plagued the district in 2018, a small group of women decided to form a prayer group to intercede for Mafeteng.
From Facebook to WhatsApp, they connected and eventually approached the District Administrator (DA), the Principal Chief of Likhoele, and the District Commissioner of Police (DISPOL) to seek permission and protection to hold a prayer session at Ha-Raliemere, a small village outside Mafeteng notorious for violent crimes.
Their resolve was further strengthened by the attack on a prominent medical doctor, Dr Makoa, who was assaulted by criminals at his home, doused in methylated spirit, and severely burned during a robbery that also resulted in a fatality.
Building on the momentum of International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, the same day saw the launch of Makaota Ladies, an organisation dedicated to prayer and addressing the challenges afflicting Mafeteng.
At the heart of the launch were discussions on business and how to contribute meaningfully to the development of a district that has been overshadowed by reports of murder, rape, theft, and a persistently high crime rate. The formation of Makaota Ladies was met with much enthusiasm and celebration.
According to a Crime Statistics Report by the Bureau of Statistics (BOS), Mafeteng has consistently ranked high in certain crime categories compared to other districts.
The report indicates that the most prevalent crimes in the district include assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), murder, housebreaking, stock theft, and robbery. Mafeteng accounted for 7.7% of the country’s serious crime cases, ranking below Maseru Urban at 27.6%, Leribe at 15.2%, and Maseru Rural at 12.3%.
With a call to action for a more peaceful and prosperous Mafeteng, Makaota Ladies have formed a group with the mission to pray for their district and also to engage in trade. While some members reside in other districts, their love for Mafeteng has led them to join this movement, with a determination to change its negative image through positive publicity. They also pool resources together to support vulnerable members of the community.
‘Malineo Seboholi, a member of the organisation, noted that crime in Mafeteng persists despite the presence of both military camp and police personnel. She remarked: “We came to the realisation that this affects us, our sisters, our mothers. After holding a prayer at Ha-Raliemere, we decided to take further action by marching against the criminal activities in the district.”
With the launch of their now registered organisation, she declared that they were “celebrating Ebenezer”. Seboholi believes that their intervention through prayer and leading by example as patriotic citizens has helped reduce the crime rate in the district.
Her sentiments were echoed by the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), represented by Inspector ‘Mamosa Maile from the Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU) office in Mafeteng. While she could provide exact figures, Inspector Maile confirmed that crime in the district had declined.
She commended the women of Mafeteng for taking responsibility for their community’s well-being and urged them to continue their efforts.
Inspector Maile also used the occasion to educate the participants on marriage laws, reminding them that for a marriage to be legally recognised, it must be registered, whether it is a civil or customary marriage. She further highlighted the responsibilities of parents under the Child Protection and Welfare Act, stating:
“A child cannot be divorced. Even if parents separate, the law mandates that children grow up in a safe environment under proper parental care.”
She also warned that failing to report child abuse is a criminal offence.
A prominent businesswoman of the Mafeteng, Alicia Motšoane, presented an engaging business presentation. She shared valuable insights on business management and entrepreneurship, stating that:”Being a businessperson is a calling. Anyone can go into business, but success depends on choosing a path aligned with one’s passion.”
She cautioned against blind imitation, explaining:
“Just because you are a good cook does not mean you are suited to running a restaurant. Let’s not copy each other – let’s dream and dream big!”
Motšoane encouraged the women to learn financial literacy, master the art of spending wisely, and invest in education by taking short courses and attending business workshops and seminars. She also emphasised the importance of reading motivational books and the Bible to strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset.
All the way from Quthing district, Dorcas Seboko, who attended the launch, expressed admiration for Makaota Ladies and revealed that her own district faced serious social issues such as excessive drinking and poor education outcomes.
Inspired by the women of Mafeteng, she pledged that her group, Liphakoe Ladies, would work towards forming a registered organisation by the end of the year.
Similarly, ‘Mamosabela Phelane, also from Quthing, commended the unity demonstrated by the Makaota Ladies. She vowed to spread the message in her district, encouraging women to take a stand for their communities.
“From now on, we will ensure that anything affecting Quthing is addressed with the same passion and commitment,” she stated.
Mafeteng’s District Administrator, Bonang Moraanye, advised the Makaota Ladies to seek funding to help implement their aspirations for the district.
Certificates of recognition were awarded to several stakeholders that have traversed the journey together with the Makaota Ladies from its formative stage, including: the DA’s Office; Mafeteng LMPS; Mafeteng Community Radio; the Principal Chief of Likhoele, Lerotholi Seeiso, and the former Mafeteng DA, Motinyane Motinyane
The co-founder Finite Women Appreciation Awards (FWAA), Ntšepeng Tšita-Tikiso, encouraged the ladies to nominate and vote for those deserving of recognition in various categories, as nominations had officially opened.
The FWAA honour outstanding women across ten categories, recognising excellence in various sectors. Winners are determined through a voting process, with participants entering via self-nomination or nomination by others. The woman with the highest votes in each category is declared the winner.
The categories include Agriculture, Business and Entrepreneurship, Creative Industry, Energy and Technology, Health Services, Leadership and Development, Manufacturing, Tourism and Hospitality, Teaching, Training and Advocacy, and Security, Law and Order.
The event was graced by the presence of: Deputy Speaker, Hon. Tšepang Tšita-Mosena; Mafeteng MP, Hon. Moeketsi Motšoane; Phoqoane MP, Hon. ‘Matankiso Tekane and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, ‘Matšepo Ramakoae and ‘Maletšabisa Seeiso amongst other guests and participants.
Prophetess ‘Masesheke Ntlhakana delivered an uplifting sermon, nourishing the spirits of all present.
One of the organisation’s members, ‘Manthethe Mohapi, who joined in 2019, expressed appreciation for the transformative work of the Makaota Ladies.
“Whenever prayer is mentioned, I am there- it fills me with strength,” she said.
She highlighted the organisation’s generosity, recalling how they once donated adult nappies to a person in dire need after seeing their plea on television.
“This organisation has united women from all walks of life. There is respect, order, and a shared purpose,” she said.
Reflecting on International Women’s Day and its theme, “Accelerate Action”, she declared: “We will accelerate action by encouraging women to start businesses and build resilience. We are determined to improve our lives and our community.”