Lesotho’s MPs Propose Reducing International Travel to Combat Unemployment

Lesotho’s MPs, led by Tšeliso Moroke, advocate for reducing government-funded international travel and reallocating the saved funds to combat youth unemployment through various job creation methods. The debate emphasizes a need for prioritization of domestic programs and suggests case-by-case evaluations for travel cuts.

The member of the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), Tšeliso Moroke, advocated for the redirection of funds saved from reduced international travel towards tackling youth unemployment through various initiatives, including job creation and mentorship programs. This proposal emerged during the National Assembly’s 2025/2026 national budget debate. Moroke and other MPs emphasized that cuts to travel expenses should aim to address rising unemployment rather than simply serve as cost-saving measures.

A report from the Portfolio Committee on the Economic and Development Cluster had recommended a 50% reduction in government-funded international trips. Exceptions would apply to key offices such as the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Moroke expressed concerns regarding the increasing travel expenditures, highlighting that in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, these costs surged by 102%, followed by a 72% rise in the current year.

Dr. Moroke asserted that government officials’ international travel takes up a significant part of the national budget with minimal benefits. He urged a reevaluation of priorities, suggesting that improvement of domestic services should take precedence over foreign trips. Additionally, Democratic Congress MP, Thabiso Lekitla, raised the issue of travel class choices, to which Dr. Moroke responded that travel class does not affect officials’ work efficacy.

RFP MP Moeketsi Motšoane supported Moroke’s motion, proposing that savings from travel cuts should aid ministries with budgetary constraints. Machesetsa Mofomobe, leader of the Basotho National Party, questioned the value of certain trips, arguing that learning about street sweeping in different countries is an unnecessary expenditure of public funds, indicating a need for local solutions instead.

Mothetjoa Metsing, leader of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy, suggested a flexible approach to travel reductions. He argued for assessing each ministry based on individual travel budget increases, recommending that ministers justify their travel requests to the National Assembly, particularly emphasizing ministries linked to job creation such as agriculture and trade.

In summary, the debate among Lesotho’s MPs highlights a collective call for a reassessment of international travel expenditures by the government. The proposed strategy aims to redirect funds towards pressing issues like youth unemployment. Progressive arguments suggested a flexible approach, allowing for case-by-case evaluations of travel needs based on ministry budgets. The necessity for effective domestic strategies over international benchmarking underlines a pivotal approach in addressing developmental challenges in Lesotho.

Original Source: allafrica.com