Lesotho Defense Force Emphasizes Moral Leadership in Youth Development Programme

The Commander of the Lesotho Defense Force, Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela, has stressed that moral leadership should begin at home, not in formal education. He made the remarks during the pass-out ceremony of 375 Bootcampers held in Mafeteng on Friday.

Lt. General Letsoela said parents must model good leadership, warning that without strong family guidance, children could grow up undisciplined. He praised the Bootcampers for completing a three-week training programme focused on leadership, patriotism, order, and discipline. He highlighted the role of various stakeholders in the programme’s success and expressed satisfaction that the participants are now national assets, registered under the Lesotho Defense Force database, returning home fit and healthy. He thanked parents for allowing their children to participate.

Lieutenant Colonel Molefi Mosiuoa provided an overview of the Lesotho Defense Force Youth Development Programme, which began in 2021. The programme initially engaged seventy-one youth from Khubetsoana, known locally as the “Manomoro” group, who were involved in criminal activities such as assault and theft. Training for the first group, originally planned for two weeks, was extended to three months due to its intensity.

The programme later expanded to include 250 youth aged 12 to 22 from different villages and districts, aiming to reduce criminal behaviour while instilling discipline, patriotism, and leadership. To date, more than four thousand youth from thirteen groups have participated, with the 2026 cohort including participants aged 12 to 36.

Speaking on behalf of parents, Mrs. ‘Mamorapeli Tebejane reminded the participants of the value of discipline, leadership, and patriotism. She encouraged the youth to respect and support their parents and to understand that they now belong to both their family of origin and the Lesotho Defense Force. She urged them to return home as improved individuals, noting community concerns over youth misbehaviour.

Among the graduates, Letlotlo Lieta, the youngest participant, thanked the Lesotho Defense Force for the training and his parents for supporting him financially. He noted that the skills gained would help them become responsible adults and discourage engagement in criminal activities.

The programme demonstrates the Lesotho Defense Force’s commitment to youth empowerment and community development, providing training that combines leadership, patriotism, and discipline to shape the next generation of responsible citizens.