Media and local government
Lesotho held its first post-independence local government elections in 2005. Since then, however, the media has failed to report on, or provide information about, local government. This has contributed to lack of awareness among the public of the potential role and actual functions of various actors in Lesotho’s local governance system. With minimal citizen participation in local government, authorities are able to make decisions that do not have the support of the electorate.
In addition, media practitioners often poorly trained, or not trained at all which contributes to the lack of quality, ethical coverage of local governance issues. In turn, this results in a readership and listenership uneducated about local government and governance issues.
MISA Lesotho therefore seeks to increase citizen participation in local governance affairs by increasing both the quality and quantity of media coverage on the subject.
We do this by training journalists on local governance issues and how they can better cover such issues beyond simply reporting on local elections.
We also seek to stimulate local government institutions to make more active use of the media to inform the general public and actively engage the public in local governance matters. In this way, we can improve the environment for constructive engagement between citizens and local government on local issues.
MISA Lesotho has the following objectives with its media and local government programme:
- Build the capacity of journalists, community volunteer reporters, local government information officers and councillors, resulting in local governance having a higher media profile.
- Create a better educated readership/listenership of local governance, resulting in more people participating in local governance throughout Lesotho.
- Strengthen local structures to be more productive and improve service delivery.
Media and local government news from our chapters
Zambia’s Cyber Bills: A Cautionary Tale for Lesotho
By Lerato Lebakae As the digital landscape evolves, Southern African countries are racing to pass legislation addressing cyber risks, data protection and digital communication. The Zambia's Cyber Bills offer a valuable lesson for many countries in Africa pursuing...
Recent Attacks on Media by Public Officials
To All Media Houses The Lesotho Chapter of Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Lesotho) strongly objects to the recent remarks made by the public officials that undermine the essential role of the media in a democratic society, particularly their attempts to...
Radio must be a platform for progress, not a kangaroo court
Kananelo Boloetse On February 13, 2025, we celebrated World Radio Day, a moment to reflect on the profound role radio plays in shaping our society, informing public discourse, and driving national progress. This year’s theme, “Radio and Climate Change,” serves as a...
Lesotho’s fight against human trafficking
Maleshoane Ratsebe Lieketso Lerai, a young mosotho woman from Sehlabeng sa Thuathe, in Berea, is a victim of trafficking at the hands a woman who promised her a better paying job in Polokwane, South Africa. Lerai was later murdered by her buyer. (*For security...
Prof Mahao chastises media, CSOs over “capture”
Maleshoane Ratsebe Professor Nqosa Mahao, the leader of Basotho Action Party (BAP), has lambasted both the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) for “losing their independence” and gradually becoming irrelevant to society “for they are captured under the...