The new 15 ministers have been sworn in thus cutting the number of ministries from 26 as the Prime Minister promised.
This was observed during the inauguration of ministers held at the Royal Palace in Maseru on Friday.
The Prime Minister, Mr. Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane is also the Minister of Defence, National Security and Environment.
Former Chief Justice Nthomeng Majara has been appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Law and Parliamentary Affairs. She is the first woman to be appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and was also the first woman to be appointed Chief Justice in Lesotho.
Mr. Mokhethi Shelile is the Minister of Trade, Industry, Business Development and Tourism while the Minister of Finance and Development Planning is Dr Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane who is the former Governor of the Central Bank of Lesotho.
Mr. Lebona Lephema is the Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, while Ms. Nthati Moorosi is the Minister of Information, Communications, Science Technology and Innovation.
Dr Ntoi Rapapa is the Minister of Education and Training while Mr. Selibe Mochoboroane is the Minister of Health. The Minister of Natural Resources is Mr. Mohlomi Moleko and the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition is Mr. Thabo Mofosi.
Mr. Mpotjoane Lejone is the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations and Mr. Neo Matjato Moteane is the Minister of Public Works and Transport.
The Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports, Arts, Culture and Social Development is Mr Pitso Lesaoana.
In an interview with the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr. Limpho Tau said he is grateful that he is trusted with the big responsibility, saying his office is mandated to monitor and push other ministries to implement their strategies within a record time.
He said the country has great strategies but fails to implement them, saying he going to work hard to ensure that implementation takes place during his tenure.
Also, in an interview with the Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Employment, Mr Richard Ramoeletsi said it is his responsibility to create employment and bring investors into the country.
He, therefore, promised to ensure that some jobs are for Basotho only, saying division of labour is very important.
He promised to serve all Basotho regardless of their political affiliations.
The swearing-in of the ministers comes after the inauguration of the Prime Minister on the 28th of October 2022.
The event was graced by the presence of Their Majesties King Lestsie III, Queen Masenate Bereng Seeiso, Prime Minister, Mr. Matekane, Judges of the High Court, government officials and families of the new ministers.
By staff Reporter: ‘Maphoka Likotsi
