The Senate has officially resolved to adopt the report on the training of Senate Whips and Committees’ Chairpersons, marking a significant step toward improving parliamentary effectiveness and ethical conduct. This resolution followed the presentation of the report by Chief Whip and Senator Khoabane Theko during a session held in the House on Tuesday.
Senator Theko delivered a concise but impactful summary of the training experience, which took place in Kenya several months ago. The delegation from Lesotho participated in a comprehensive programme organised by the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST), focusing on enhancing the coordination, leadership, and ethical standards of parliamentary representatives.
“The training was not only timely but extremely valuable,” said Senator Theko. “We were exposed to various models and approaches that can be implemented to strengthen our own systems here in Lesotho. It was particularly insightful in terms of how committees and whips can collaborate to improve legislative operations.”
According to Senator Theko, the training placed a strong emphasis on parliamentary ethics, transparency, and the role of committees in upholding accountability. He noted that CPST’s methods are rooted in regional parliamentary best practices and could serve as an ideal reference point for Lesotho’s ongoing parliamentary reforms.
The report adopted by the Senate highlights several key takeaways from the training, including:
- Improved coordination between Senate Whips and Committee Chairpersons
- The importance of structured leadership training for parliamentary leaders
- Practical strategies for managing legislative business efficiently
- Tools for promoting ethical conduct and parliamentary integrity
Senator Theko added that such capacity-building initiatives are vital in ensuring the Senate remains a credible institution that upholds the principles of good governance and democratic oversight.
“As leaders in the legislative arm of government, we have a responsibility to continuously learn and adapt. Training opportunities like these equip us with the skills to serve our country better and to raise the standard of parliamentary debate and operations,” he said.
Members of the Senate expressed support for the report and commended the participants for their commitment to learning and institutional development. Many echoed the sentiment that applying the insights gained in Kenya could bring about positive change in how Senate business is conducted in Lesotho.
Going forward, there are plans to expand such training opportunities to include more Members of Parliament and senior parliamentary staff. The goal, according to the Senate leadership, is to ensure that all arms of the legislature are aligned with modern standards of governance and parliamentary administration.
With the adoption of the report, the Senate signals its commitment to strengthening internal structures and fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous learning—core elements needed to enhance the effectiveness of Lesotho’s democratic institutions.
