In the presence of the National Reforms Authority (NRA) Chairperson, Chief Pelele Letsoela and other members, Media Committee Chairperson, Mr. Nkoale Oetsi Tsóana presented a media sector report for consideration.
Issues for considerations comprised general principles of media in Lesotho, media council of Lesotho, independent communication authority, general principles of the public broadcasting corporation, freedom of expression of opinion, access to information as well as media freedom.
In his presentation, Mr. Tšoana highlighted the importance of diversity of content and media ownership in Lesotho, saying under the media council of Lesotho, the council will strive for professionalism in the industry and that there will be seven members with expertise in the areas of journalism, legal, labour matters, resolution mechanisms, civil society, human rights and one from the Ministry of Communications.
Talking about public broadcasting, he said each and every person despite their socio-economic status, political affiliation or religion has a right to be served by a public broadcaster.
Regarding freedom of expression, he said this does not include propaganda.
This report was adopted with a few amendments as members congratulated the media committee for work well done. However, NRA members that include Chief khoabane Theko, Mr. Tebello Metsing, Mr. Mohau Thakaso and Mr. Montoeli Masoetsa strongly appealed to those in the media profession to introspect for the success of the work already done by the media committee.
“As much all have a right to any political affiliation, it becomes unacceptable when the said behaviour is presented at a professional setting by members of the press,” Mr. Masoetsa commented.
Meanwhile, it is anticipated that other committees will also present their work for further deliberations and adoption as the Parliament has given NRA three weeks to submit the work.
The work of NRA emanates from the Multi-stakeholder National Dialogue Plenary II that was held at ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre from November 25 to 27 in 2019. Through NRA, the nation aspires to achieve one goal “The Lesotho We Want.”
 
Source: Office of the Lesotho Spokesperson 08/02/2022