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Corruption Plagues Lesotho: Government Employees Accused of Illicit Means of Accumulating Wealth

Review Reveals Lack of Training on Good Values, Integrity and Humanity; Public Servants Own Companies without Declaring Interests

In a shocking exposé, a review has revealed that government employees in Lesotho are engaged in illicit means of accumulating wealth, including owning companies without declaring their interests. The report highlights the lack of training on good values, integrity, and humanity for public servants, which has led to widespread corruption.

According to the review, officers responsible for procurement processes award orders and tenders to businesses that pay bribes, while those in charge of payment processing can only process payments for which they received bribes. This creates opportunities for corruption, as businesses struggle to survive and officers take advantage of their positions.

The report also reveals that public servants are reluctant to report suspected corruption incidents due to fear of retaliation and the lack of protection for whistleblowers. Whistleblowers who do come forward often face intimidation and threats, making it difficult for them to speak out against corruption.

PESTELI Analysis

The review conducted a PESTELI analysis to identify external environmental factors that may affect the fight against corruption in Lesotho. The analysis revealed several key findings:

  • Political Factors: A lack of political will and interference in investigations hinder progress in combating corruption.
  • Economic Factors: High levels of unemployment, poverty, and a cash-based economy create an environment prone to financial crimes, including corruption.
  • Social Factors:
    • Urban migration has led to competition for access to public goods and services, creating opportunities for corruption.
    • The current education system does not instill principles of good ethics and morality.
  • Technological Factors: Lesotho’s lack of technological infrastructure and skills makes it vulnerable to technologically facilitated corruption.
  • Environmental Factors:
    • Inadequate environmental management expertise and rent-seeing behavior lead to poor enforcement of environmental laws, causing environmental degradation and health risks.
  • Legal Factors: Punishments for corruption do not adequately match the loss incurred due to corruption, making it difficult to deter corrupt practices.
  • International Obligations: Lesotho has subscribed to regional obligations on preventing and combating corruption, but can improve its application of anti-corruption legislation.

SWOT Analysis

The review also conducted a SWOT analysis to identify internal environmental factors that can be leveraged to prevent and combat corruption effectively. The analysis revealed several key strengths:

  • Strengths:
    • A small country with common language and culture, high literacy levels, and dominance of Christianity make it relatively easy to prevent and combat corruption.
    • Formal administrative structures and institutions provide opportunities for effective governance.

However, the review also identified weaknesses:

  • Weaknesses:
    • Lack of training on good values, integrity, and humanity among public servants.
    • Inadequate environmental management expertise and rent-seeking behavior.
    • Limited technological infrastructure and skills.

The findings of this review highlight the need for urgent action to address corruption in Lesotho. It is essential that government employees are held accountable for their actions, and that measures are taken to prevent corruption from occurring in the first place.