Lesotho Cabinet Reshuffle Approved by King Letsie III Under Advice from Prime Minister Matekane

Lesotho has entered a new phase of executive adjustment following the approval of Cabinet changes by King Letsie III Letsie III, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Samuel Matekane Samuel Matekane. The reshuffle takes immediate effect and reflects ongoing efforts to realign government departments with national priorities. The announcement signals a structured political adjustment aimed at improving service delivery across key ministries. It also highlights the constitutional process in Lesotho where executive changes are formalised through royal approval. The decision was communicated through official government channels and legal notices. This development has drawn attention due to the scope of changes within several strategic ministries.

The Cabinet changes include the release of Mr Lebona Lephema Lebona Lephema from his ministerial duties. Mr Motlatsi Maqelepo Motlatsi Maqelepo has been moved from the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development. Mr Mputi Mputi Mputi Mputi has been reassigned from the Ministry of the Public Service to head the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture. At the same time, Mr Moeketsi Motšoane Moeketsi Motšoane has been appointed Minister in the Ministry of the Public Service. These changes reflect targeted shifts in leadership across economic development, public service, and cultural portfolios. The reshuffle suggests an effort to reposition experienced officials into areas aligned with their administrative strengths. It also indicates a broader strategy to improve coordination within government departments.

The Office of the Government Secretary Office of the Government Secretary Lesotho confirmed that the swearing in ceremony for the newly appointed ministers will take place on Tuesday at the Royal Palace Royal Palace Maseru. The ceremony will formalise the appointments and mark the start of the ministers’ new responsibilities. The changes were officially announced through Legal Notices Numbers 49, 50 and 51 of 2026. This process reinforces the legal and constitutional framework that governs Cabinet adjustments in Lesotho. The reshuffle is expected to influence policy direction in several key sectors, including trade development, public administration, and cultural affairs. It also places emphasis on continuity of governance while introducing new administrative leadership. The overall transition signals a recalibration of government priorities aimed at improving efficiency and national development outcomes.