Lesotho MPs are calling for significant cuts to government-funded international travel, suggesting that the funds saved be used to combat youth unemployment through various initiatives. This proposal arose during discussions on the national budget, highlighting concerns over excessive travel expenditures and their minimal returns. Some MPs argue for a blanket reduction, while others suggest tailored evaluations based on each ministry’s travel needs.
During a recent National Assembly debate concerning the 2025/2026 national budget, Members of Parliament (MPs) emphasized the necessity of drastically reducing government-funded international trips. Tšeliso Moroke, an MP representing Matala Constituency from the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), asserted that the funds saved should be redirected toward addressing youth unemployment through multiple initiatives including job creation, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support.
Several MPs collectively argued that the current expenditure on international travel is excessive and should be curtailed. They believe that any budgetary savings from travel reductions must be reallocated to programs that tackle the high unemployment rate in the country. A report from the Portfolio Committee on the Economic and Development Cluster suggested a substantial 50% cut in travel expenditures, with specific exemptions for key ministries including the Prime Minister’s Office.
Dr. Moroke highlighted that the funds allocated for international travel are substantial yet provide minimal benefits for Lesotho. He noted the troubling increase in travel costs, with a reported rise of 102% in the 2024-2025 fiscal year and a further 72% for the current financial year. He advocated for a shift in focus towards enhancing domestic service delivery rather than continued international travel.
Thabiso Lekitla, Democratic Congress MP for Mekaling Constituency, raised concerns about the appropriateness of business-class travel, to which Dr. Moroke replied that even economy-class travel would suffice, reiterating that international trips pose a significant financial burden with limited returns. He expressed the need for improved service delivery while indicating that various ministries often allocate excessive funds for travel instead of developmental projects.
Moeketsi Motšoane, another RFP MP, supported Dr. Moroke’s standpoint and suggested reallocating travel savings to ministries that face insufficient funding. He recognized the importance of government trips but insisted that a balance must be struck, advocating for a 50% reduction in international trips across all ministries burdened with low budgets.
Machesetsa Mofomobe, the leader of the Basotho National Party (BNP), critiqued the rationale behind certain government trips, particularly questioning the necessity of benchmarking visits for simple tasks such as street sweeping. Motšoane echoed his sentiment, calling for the government to develop its own methodologies instead of continually examining other nations.
In contrast, Mothetjoa Metsing, the leader of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD), proposed a more measured approach. He argued for case-by-case evaluations of international travel reductions to avoid undue penalization of ministries that had not significantly inflated their travel budgets. He proposed mandatory justifications for travel expenditures before the National Assembly.
Metsing highlighted the importance of prioritizing budget allocations for ministries that could stimulate job creation, emphasizing sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, trade, finance, and foreign affairs. He noted that the manufacturing sector alone could provide significant employment opportunities, suggesting that ministries responsible for attracting investments should be strategically considered for travel budgets.
In summary, the Members of Parliament in Lesotho are advocating significant reductions in government-funded international travel to redirect resources towards urgent youth employment initiatives. While some representatives question the rationale and necessity of such travel, others propose strategic evaluations to ensure essential ministries receive adequate budget support. Ultimately, the focus remains on enhancing domestic capacity and job creation rather than continuing current spending patterns on international trips.
Original Source: allafrica.com
