News and statements
Cost of Silence: Journalists Speak Out on Threats, Trauma and the Need for Care
What happens to the storyteller when the story itself becomes a source of trauma? On March 27th, MISA Lesotho convened a groundbreaking “safe-space” dialogue that moved beyond the typical press freedom debate to confront the human cost of journalism. From the shadows of intimidation to the weight of vicarious trauma, we explored why mental health and physical safety are not ‘luxuries’ for the media, but the very foundation of a free press. This is what happened when Lesotho’s journalists finally broke their silence.
MISA Lesotho Statement On the 2026/27 National Budget: A missed opportunity for media development
MISA Lesotho expresses concern over the omission of media reform, press freedom, and institutional media support in the 2026/27 National Budget. We believe this silence represents a missed opportunity to strengthen democratic governance, accountability, and transparency in Lesotho.
Organizations Advocate Ethical Use of AI in Broadcasting
In celebration of World Radio Day at Limkokwing University, MISA Lesotho, UNESCO, and the BMDA gathered to discuss “Radio and Artificial Intelligence.” The event highlighted how AI can bridge the gap between traditional broadcasting and the digital era. Acting National Director of MISA Lesotho, Nicole Tau, emphasized that while AI is a revolutionary “assistant,” journalists must prioritize rigorous fact-checking and transparency to preserve the public’s trust.
Does Lesotho really have the ‘highest suicide rate in the world’? Only if you rely on ranking data the WHO warns against
Lesotho is often said to top suicide-rate rankings. But the World Health Organization, which is consistently cited as the source of this claim, warns that the estimates are uncertain and not meant for country comparisons.
MISA/RSL Journalism Excellence Awards 2025 Celebrate Top Basotho Journalists
The MISA/RSL Journalism Excellence Awards 2025, themed “African Excellence,” celebrated media integrity by introducing a fully anonymised judging system for its record 53 entries. Rethabile Mohono was crowned Journalist of the Year for his rigorous social justice reporting, proving that excellence in Lesotho’s media remains “stubborn, bright, and undeniably present.”
Call for Judges: MISA/RSL Journalism Excellence Awards 2025
The Media Institute of Southern Africa - Lesotho Chapter (MISA Lesotho), in partnership with the Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL), is inviting applications and nominations for judges of the MISA/RSL...
Growing a Culture of Fact-Checking in Lesotho
“Fact-checking isn’t just a newsroom responsibility, it’s a civic duty,” says MISA Lesotho as it reflects on its first-ever CheckDesk, a milestone that has already debunked viral falsehoods, exposed scams, and planted the seeds for a lasting fight against misinformation.
MISA Lesotho Joins Regional Voices Advancing Digital Rights and Media Freedom at FIFAfrica 2025
At FIFAfrica 2025 in Windhoek, Namibia, MISA Lesotho added its voice to Africa’s collective push for digital freedom and inclusion.
FACT-CHECK: Lesotho Embassy Job Advert in Nairobi is a Scam
Officials warn the fake Facebook ad for 1,000 jobs at the Lesotho Embassy in Nairobi is a scam linked to fraud and human trafficking.