Government Reaffirms Commitment to Accountability and Service Delivery After National Leadership Forum in Berea

Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara has reaffirmed government commitment to improving leadership, accountability and public service delivery following the first National Leadership Forum held in Berea. The forum marked a major coordination moment for the country, bringing together senior decision makers across government and key national institutions. It focused on strengthening cooperation and improving how public services are delivered to citizens. The Deputy Prime Minister said the discussions were aimed at accelerating national development priorities under the Extended National Strategic Development Plan Two. The event signaled a renewed push to improve efficiency and measurable results across all sectors of government.

The forum brought together a wide range of leaders, including Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, principal secretaries, district administrators and heads of independent institutions. State-owned enterprises and members of the diplomatic community also participated, reflecting a broad effort to align national priorities. Justice Majara said this inclusive structure allowed participants to assess progress and identify challenges across key sectors. The discussions covered areas such as commercial agriculture, tourism revival, healthcare, public safety, water supply and digital connectivity. Electricity access, public financial management, justice and policing were also reviewed in detail to understand where improvements are needed.

According to Justice Majara, the government acknowledged that while progress has been made in several sectors, serious challenges remain. She highlighted issues such as youth unemployment, food insecurity and rising school dropout rates. Other concerns include inadequate infrastructure, limited implementation capacity and low domestic revenue mobilisation. The government also noted persistent challenges linked to corruption, weak coordination between institutions and poor reporting on performance outcomes. These issues were identified as barriers to effective service delivery and long-term development.

The Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized the role of oversight institutions in strengthening accountability and transparency within government. She pointed to the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences, the Ombudsman, the Auditor General, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney General as key players in supporting reforms. These institutions contribute to recovering public assets, improving access to justice and reinforcing governance systems. However, Justice Majara stressed that they require sustained investment and capacity building to operate effectively. She said strengthening these bodies remains essential for improving trust and accountability in public administration.

Leaders at the forum agreed that public institutions must place citizens at the centre of service delivery. They also emphasized the need to improve transparency and strengthen cooperation across government departments. Innovation and accountability were highlighted as critical factors for ensuring that policies translate into real and measurable outcomes. The government said service delivery must focus on practical improvements that directly affect the lives of Basotho. This includes ensuring that public institutions move beyond planning and focus on execution and results.

The forum also reaffirmed national development priorities under the National Strategic Development Plan. These priorities focus on inclusive economic growth driven by the private sector, human capital development and infrastructure expansion. Stronger governance systems and improved accountability mechanisms were also identified as key pillars for national progress. Participants emphasized that development efforts must be coordinated and aligned across all sectors. This approach aims to ensure that government programmes deliver consistent and sustainable impact.

Several key actions were agreed upon during the forum to accelerate development. These include expanding irrigation schemes to strengthen agricultural productivity and supporting small and medium enterprises to boost economic activity. Improvements in healthcare services and technical and vocational education were also prioritised. The government plans to expand digital public services and strengthen social protection systems. Infrastructure development will focus on roads, electricity, water supply and internet access, while oversight institutions will be reinforced to improve accountability and efficiency.

Justice Majara announced the establishment of a Delivery Unit within the Office of the Prime Minister to monitor implementation of forum resolutions. This unit will track progress and ensure that government commitments are translated into action. Ministries and government agencies have been instructed to develop clear implementation plans and assign responsibilities. Regular reporting on progress will be required to ensure accountability at all levels. This system is intended to improve coordination and ensure that reforms are implemented effectively.

She further stressed that the first 90 days following the forum will be critical for launching implementation efforts. During this period, government institutions are expected to begin executing agreed actions and setting measurable targets. The following twelve months will serve as a key benchmark period for visible improvements in service delivery. Citizens are expected to see tangible progress in key sectors during this time. The focus is on turning commitments into practical outcomes that improve daily life.

The Deputy Prime Minister concluded by calling on all public institutions to act with urgency, transparency and accountability. She emphasized that government must deliver real and measurable results for the people of Lesotho. The National Leadership Forum has set a clear direction for improving coordination and strengthening performance across all sectors. Success will depend on consistent implementation and strong institutional cooperation. The government now faces the challenge of translating these commitments into lasting development gains for citizens.