News and statements
Launching the 2025 MISA/RSL Lesotho Journalism Excellence Awards
Submissions are now open for the MISA/RSL Journalism Excellence Awards 2025! Journalists across Lesotho are invited to submit their best work by 20 October 2025. Winners in each category will receive M5,000 and a trophy, with the Journalist of the Year chosen from the category winners.
Fact-check: Statement addressing the issue of targeted politicians is from an imposter account, not Prime Minister Matekane
The prime minister’s office flagged the statement as fake.
FACT-CHECK: Viral TikTok Claim That Lesotho Has Only 600 Men and is Advertising for Husbands is False
Lesotho’s population is 49% men and 51% women and is consistent with global averages.
Statement on the arrest and detention of the Lesotho Times’ Editor Mohalenyane Phakela
The arrest and detention of investigative journalist Mohalenyane Phakela mark more than an attack on one individual, it signals a chilling attempt to suffocate media freedom in Lesotho. By criminalising journalism, the state is not only silencing dissent but also dismantling the very infrastructure that sustains a free and independent press.
PARTLY FALSE: This is not a cloudburst in Pakistan in 2025
The video was recorded in the Japanese town of Atami in July 2021.
Fact-check: One of the images in this post does not depict children learning outdoors in Zimbabwe
The image is of learners outside a local church in Malawi.
FACT-CHECK: Fabricated Mnangagwa Quote on South Africa is Recycled Disinformation
A review of official records and media archives confirms President Mnangagwa never made such a statement.
World Vision Equips Basotho Journalists to Intensify Fight Against Child Labour
Mrs. Mathabang Kose of World Vision Lesotho passionately appealed to journalists to become active agents of change. ‘One day, just wake up angry and run a program on the issues that affect children in Lesotho. What are the root causes? The effects? Who should do what? You’d already be doing Prevention,’ she challenged. ‘Writing in a newspaper and addressing these various issues, you’d be helping World Vision Lesotho as a partner.’ She concluded by framing journalism as a key tool for systemic change in the fight against child exploitation.
Fact-check: Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s interview, allegedly promoting a ‘new way to make extra income’ is a hoax
The controversial interview with the PM never took place.