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…says Lesotho crippled by unethical leadership practices
Mohloai Mpesi
Mokhethoaneng constituency legislator and Chair of Chairs of Parliamentary Committees, Mokhothu Makhalanyane, has decried the rise of corruption within government ministries.
The tough-talking Mr Makhalanyane said this at the Lesotho Institute of Accountants (LIA)’s 47th Council Inaugural Dinner held at Lehakoe Recreational and Cultural Centre on Friday.
Mr Makhalanyane urged accountants to resist unethical pressures in their work, underlining their critical role in curbing corruption and maintaining integrity.
The LIA dinner is an annual event that follows the organisation’s annual general meeting (AGM), serving as a platform to inaugurate a new president and council. This year’s event drew over 500 attendees, with participants from various institutions dressed to impress in their finest attires.
Mr Makhalanyane’s impassioned address focused on the detrimental effects of corruption and conflicts of interest, which he described as some of the biggest challenges facing the nation.
He said accountants played a vital role in combating corruption, stating that he would continue to condemn unethical practices, regardless of whether they stem from government or opposition members of Parliament.
“Accountants, I understand you work under very difficult circumstances at times. When asked to endorse actions you know are unethical, refuse! Keep showing up and don’t give up. Condemn corruption wherever it appears—whether in government or opposition. I will continue to do the same,” Mr Makhalanyane said.
He asserted that corruption and conflicts of interest were devastating Lesotho, not only undermining the country’s governance but also weakening political parties.
“This country is destroyed more by corruption than anything else. Conflict of interest and unethical behaviour among leaders are crippling our systems. Not only is the country suffering, but political parties are also being torn apart by these unethical practices.”
Mr Makhalanyane described accountants as the first line of defence against financial impropriety and stressed the importance of empowering them to uphold high standards.
“When accountants are empowered to maintain high standards, we are better equipped to prevent financial misconduct before it happens.”
He further highlighted the critical role of oversight institutions in sustaining governance.
“The oversight institution is one of the strongest pillars. Even when we, as politicians, fail, these systems ensure that the government continues with its national plans. They keep us on track, even when we are ‘drunk’ on power.”
Mr Makhalanyane called for corruption to be eradicated from government systems, the judiciary, parliament, and the private sector for the nation to thrive.
“We must fight corruption within the government’s executive branch and eliminate it among members of Parliament. Corruption must be removed from the judiciary and completely eradicated in the private sector.”
He stressed that this can only be achieved through the collective efforts of oversight bodies such as the Law Society of Lesotho, the Auditor-General’s office, the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO), civil society organisations, and the Central Bank of Lesotho.
“All oversight institutions must step up and recognise their strengths. Without their involvement, we cannot create the policies and laws needed to transform this country.”
Mr Makhalanyane underscored the need for coordinated efforts, including resource pooling, intelligence sharing, and collaboration, to build a stronger system that resists corruption.
“We must change our approach. Collaboration with oversight institutions should include intelligence scheduling, resource sharing for investigations, and interconnected efforts to strengthen systems against corruption.”
Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, offered a personal reflection, comparing his experiences as an accountant and a politician.
“The accounting profession is one of the most important professions. Since stepping away from the realm of accountants and entering the world of politics, I’ve realised how vastly different these two fields are.
“In the political realm, it often feels like being part of a perpetual smear campaign. This is something the accounting profession might consider addressing, perhaps by creating a code of conduct for politicians to adhere to.
“I no longer refer to myself as an accountant because, as a politician, even banks label you as a Politically Exposed Person (PEP). They keep their distance, as if you’re untouchable, which shows just how challenging it is to deal with politicians,” Mr Moleko said.
He continued, “On the other hand, accountants are incredibly hardworking. I retired in 2018, and only after leaving did I fully understand how stressful the work of an auditor can be. I have a deep appreciation for the profession and the dedication it requires.”
The Law Society President, Advocate Lintle Tuke, echoed Mr Makhalanyane’s sentiments, calling corruption a shared enemy of both the legal and accounting professions.
“Corruption erodes public trust. Lawyers and accountants must work together to expose and combat it wherever it appears. Our professions are aligned in promoting honesty, transparency, and accountability.
“The law and accounting share a natural intersection. Accountants ensure financial accuracy; lawyers ensure compliance with legal frameworks. Together, we can uphold the highest standards and create a society where fraud and corruption have no place,” Adv Tuke said.
For his part, Khosi Mokone, who was re-elected as the LIA president, said it required a collective effort to tackle corruption.
“The country’s most pressing issue has taken centre stage as the theme of the evening, underscoring the critical need for collaboration between professional regulatory bodies and the government to address this persistent challenge.
“Examining LIA’s mandate as outlined in the Accountants Act of 1977, it is clear that the institution possesses the authority and responsibility to combat the risk of financial fraud plaguing the nation.
“Lesotho is crying out for justice and is in desperate need of economic growth. Professional regulators stand as the country’s last line of defence, offering a beacon of hope to transform the current culture and reinforce much-needed controls.
“As you are well aware, the accountancy profession is no stranger to the challenges of misconduct and malpractice. It is our collective duty, as regulators, to uphold and safeguard the integrity of this vital profession,” Mr Mokone said.
