Lesotho Defence Force Soldiers Left Without Food Due to Contract Dispute

The Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) has been facing a food shortage crisis as vendors contracted to supply foodstuffs claim that Defence Principal Secretary Mpopo Tšoele has stopped placing orders on their contracts. As a result, soldiers have gone without proper food supplies for the past two weeks. The vendors, who approached the Lesotho Tribune with their concerns, allege that Tšoele's actions have left the LDF unable to feed its soldiers.

According to sources, the situation is dire, with soldiers stationed at outposts not being resupplied with food for over two weeks. The lack of food has affected the daily operations of the LDF, with sources telling the Tribune that soldiers have been going without, with no food in the kitchens. The vendors claim that Tšoele's decision to stop placing orders has severely impacted their ability to provide food to the LDF.

The Lesotho Tribune has learned that Tšoele allegedly told a management meeting at the Ministry of Defence that Attorney General Rapelang Motsieloa KC had given him the green light to terminate the LDF food contracts by not placing orders on them. However, when reached for comment, the Attorney General did not respond to the claim. Tšoele also did not provide a reason for terminating the contracts early, simply replying with two laughing emojis when asked about the allegations.

This is not the first time Tšoele has been embroiled in controversy. In January, an opinion piece published by the Tribune questioned whether his appointment as Principal Secretary for Local Government met the Constitution's requirement that principal secretaries be appointed by the Public Service Commission through a competitive process. Tšoele has also been involved in other controversies, including the LDF's planned purchase of uniforms worth M50 million from a Chinese state-owned manufacturer without a tender.

Tšoele's actions have raised concerns about his role in the Ministry of Defence and his decision-making processes. In October, LDF sources told the Tribune that DX Horizon (Pty) Ltd had been counting army houses for an electricity-saving system worth about M7 million on Tšoele's instruction. However, Tšoele denied that the ministry had contracted anyone for the work, stating that any future award would follow procurement processes.

The Lesotho Tribune has also reported that Tšoele was served with a show-cause letter over his absence from the Armistice Day remembrance ceremony at Makoanyane Square on 8 November. Sources in the Matekane administration alleged that he has refused to recognise Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara. Tšoele confirmed on his Facebook page that he had received the show-cause letter.

The situation has sparked concerns about the welfare of LDF soldiers and the management of the Ministry of Defence. The Lesotho Tribune will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. The vendors have expressed their concerns about the impact of Tšoele's actions on their businesses and the LDF soldiers who rely on them for food supplies.

Key points

• Defence Principal Secretary Mpopo Tšoele has stopped placing orders on food contracts with vendors, leaving LDF soldiers without food for two weeks.
• Tšoele claims that Attorney General Rapelang Motsieloa KC gave him the green light to terminate the contracts.
• The situation has raised concerns about Tšoele's role in the Ministry of Defence and his decision-making processes.