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Bantu sweat on new deals for star duo News you can use Tel.: 266 2232 5494 | [email protected] | [email protected] | Est. 2017 July 30 - August 5, 2020 >> Pg 23 TOUGH TIMES AHEAD IN LESOTHO’S ECONOMY>> Pg 2 The number one reason people fail in life is because they listen to their friends, family, and neighbors. ~Napoleon Hill The Metro, Florida Industrial Park, Ha Hoohlo, Maseru. P.O.Box 14129, Maseru 100, Lesotho. Thursday, July 30, 2020 2 NEWS

On This Day in Not 239 scientists one to shy away from the public course during happy and sad moments, the Matekane Group of Companies (MGC) saw Coronavirus as another public enemy to be fought within its usual social In an open letter published responsibilityF drive,ast albeit this time the pandemic is a global crisis. When the company led by Chairman Sam Matekane donated 3 000 History face masks and 40 containers of 25litre hand on July 6, 2020 in the sanitizers worth M250 000, it was just an appetiser. The main course did not take long beforeF it landed.A A M30C millionT upgrades of government laboratories to enable testing of suspected coronavirus cases which came journal Clinical Infectious Tough times ahead in in the form of equipment that would allow the health ministry to run a minimum of 1 000 tests 1988 per day. Diseases, 239 scientists from around the world urge WHO and other health agencies to be more forthright in explaining the potential airborne transmission Lesotho’s economy of coronavirus. In the letter, scientists write that studies "have demonstrated beyond any NEO SENOKO reasonable doubt that viruses are released [email protected] during exhalation, talking, and coughing in microdroplets small enough to remain aloft MASERU - Tough times lie ahead in air and pose a risk of exposure at distances beyond 1 to 2 meters (yards) from an infected of Lesotho’s economy as the rate of individual." inflation is expected to keep rising until 2022. King Hussein dissolves Jordan's Parliament, Jargon surrenders Jordan's claims to the West Bank to the That means consumers should Palestinian Liberation Organization. prepare for a continuous increase in the cost of living as the prices of Buster 1863 goods and services rise while the Business Plan value of money further declines. Henry Ford, the man who founded the Ford Motor This was reported by the This is your tool for demonstrating how you Company, was born on July 30. Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) on want to establish your small business and how you plan to grow it into good financial health. Directory Tuesday through its Monetary Policy When writing a business plan, it should Committee (MPC) that the rate of include financial, operational, and marketing 1. Child Helpline: 80022345 goals as well as how you plan to get there. The 2. Crime Hotline: 22313337 inflation increased from 4.0 per cent more specific you are with your business plan, 3. WASCO: 22262000 in May to 4.9 per cent in June. the better prepared you will be in the long run. 4. LEC: 52100000 This, the MPC says was mainly 5. Police Station: 22317262 6. Airport: 22350777 due to an increase in the prices of 7. MRTO: 2232 5494 food and non-alcoholic beverages, 8. Ombudsman: 22316425 clothing and footwear, furnishings, Cracks 9. Metro News Tips: 2232 5494 household equipment and routine CONCERNED: CBL Governor Dr Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane 10. Border Control: 22325740 maintenance of the house, recreation I Have Fallen Essentials and culture, education and alcohol Matlanyane said on Tuesday when Matlanyane said is conditional on and tobacco. publicising the MPC statement. developments related to Covid-19 A newly posted parish pastor discovered that 1. Trader’s License: M1000+/- everyone who comes to confess his or her sin 2. Company Certificate: Free In terms of the outlook, the The MPC notes that general containment. The recovery will is guilty of "I Have Fallen". 3. Travel Passport: M130 - M400 annual inflation rate is projected economic performance in the second also come largely at the back of a He waited to understand what the clause 4. National ID: Free to register 4.2 percent in 2020 quarter remained weak, with output strong rebound in the mining and could mean to the people. But all efforts on 5. Driver’s License: M200 before increasing to 4.7 percent declining by 1.2 percent in May construction industries and other the contrary did not help matters. He then 6. Car Registration concluded that the bad road in the vicinity Certificate: M135 - M265 and 5.2 percent in 2021 and 2022 relative to 1.3 percent decrease in domestic policy responses to the might be the reason for people to fall. 7. Number plate: M60 - M400 respectively. April. pandemic. As a result, he went to the Mayor to 8. Special permit: M60 - M400 The outbreak of Coronavirus The decline reflected restricted To support the dwindling complain about the roads in the Council: 9. Fitness: M120 - M400 pandemic has been labelled as one of domestic and international economic economy, the CBL has taken various "Sir, your roads are bad. My parishioners are always hurt. They keep confessing ‘I have the major economic setbacks not only activity due to lockdowns, it says. measures that include cutting its Fallen’". in Lesotho but across the globe. With the annual inflation policy rate from 6.25 in March to 3.75 The Mayor who knew what " I Have Technology “The outbreak of the coronavirus projection of 4.2 percent this year, in May. Fallen" meant for the people burst into pandemic continues to devastate domestic economy is also projected The rate has recently been cut laughter. The priest was embarrassed and to contract by 5.7 percent in 2020. again from 3.75 to 3.50 percent per said: communities and disrupt economic "Even your wife is a victim of the bad activities in many countries across “The output contraction is annum. road and you are laughing". the globe, more especially in major expected to be led by a decline in Set at this level, the CBL The man got mad because he understood and developing economies. economic activity in the textile and emphasised that the rate will ensure that his wife had cheated on him. “While Lesotho was the last clothing industry (-25.4 percent), that the domestic cost of borrowing "I Have Fallen" the people use to refer to sin of adultery/fornication. country to register confirmed cases construction industry (-20.9 per and lending remain aligned with the on the continent, the number of cent) and mining industry (-27.6 cost of funds elsewhere in the region. infections is rising exponentially and percent),” Matlanyane revealed. The Net International Reserves READ threatening to put pressure on the The domestic economy is (NIR) floor has also been increased www.maserumetro.com A new artificial eye mimics and may outperform Online human eyes healthcare system. however, projected to slightly from US$530 million to US$550 “Sadly, fatalities have also started recover in the medium-term and million. The NIR target remains • Liquor businesses urged to Scientists can’t yet rebuild someone with bionic body comply with regulations parts. They don’t have the technology. But a new to pick up. Indications are that the grow at an average growth rate of 5.1 consistent with the maintenance of artificial eye brings cyborgs one step closer to reality. worst of the pandemic is still ahead,” percent over the period 2021-2022. the exchange rate peg between the • Lesotho sees surge in illicit This device, which mimics the human eye’s the CBL Governor Dr Retšelisitsoe The growth recovery, loti and the South African rand. structure, is about as sensitive to light and has a cigarette trade faster reaction time than a real eyeball. It may not • Airlink, ICAO hand over PPE to come with the telescopic or night vision capabilities that Steve Austin had in The Six Million Dollar Man airport fire fighters television show, but this electronic eyepiece does have path by the middle of this decade, the potential for sharper vision than human eyes, Global growth potential tumbles Fitch said. researchers report in the May 21 Nature. “In the future, we can use this for better vision A weaker outlook for capital prostheses and humanoid robotics,” says engineer accumulation accounts for about and materials scientist Zhiyong Fan of the Hong Kong as jobless spikes, Fitch says University of Science and Technology. half of the revision to potential The human eye owes its wide field of view and Global potential economic growth productive potential growth is revised growth, the ratings agency said. high-resolution eyesight to the dome-shaped retina The remainder is explained by the - an area at the back of the eyeball covered in light- is set to drop in coming years due to down to 1.4% from 1.9%, the UK to detecting cells. Fan and colleagues used a curved fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic, 0.9% from 1.6% and the euro zone - the anticipated reduction in labor as aluminum oxide membrane, studded with nanosize amid a rise in unemployment and a weighted average of Germany, France, unemployment rises and average sensors made of a light-sensitive material called a hours worked fall, according to Fitch. perovskite (SN: 7/26/17), to mimic that architecture in cooling of investment by companies, Italy and Spain - to 0.7% from 1.2%, their synthetic eyeball. Wires attached to the artificial according to Fitch Ratings. it said. Cuts to estimated potential retina send readouts from those sensors to external The ten advanced countries The world economy entered GDP imply “catch-up” growth over circuitry for processing, just as nerve fibers relay signals from a real eyeball to the brain. - covered in its Global Economic the second half of 2020 still deeply the next five years will be far more The artificial eyeball registers changes in Outlook - showed an average weighed down by the pandemic. The subdued. Fitch projects US growth lighting faster than human eyes can - within about 30 to average just over 2% from 2023 to 40 milliseconds, rather than 40 to 150 milliseconds. decline in annual potential gross coronavirus recession is expected The device can also see dim light about as well as the domestic product growth of about to still see GDP levels in the largest to 2025, compared with more than human eye. Although its 100-degree field of view isn’t 0.6 percentage point compared with advanced economies remain around 3% if no adjustments were made to as broad as the 150 degrees a human eye can take in, Bloomberg it’s better than the 70 degrees visible to ordinary flat Fitch’s previous five-year outlook. US 3% to 4% below their pre-virus trend estimated potential growth. imaging sensors.

GIVE US NEWS Editorial Team If you have any News Tip you would liketo share with us, send an Business Reporter: - Mr Neo Senoko ([email protected]) email with your contact details and phone number to: Health Reporter: - Ms Lineo Mabekebeke ([email protected]) [email protected]. Sports Reporter: - Mr Teboho Jafeta ([email protected]) Facebook: Instagram: Florida Industrial Park, 5 minutes drive from Maseru Chief Sub-editor: - Mr Leboela Motopi ([email protected]) Metro News maserumetro border. Ha Hoohlo, P.O. Box 14129, Maseru 100 Tel: 266 22 325494 Graphics Director: - Mr Mothobi Malope ([email protected]) E-mail: [email protected] Graphic Designer: - Ms Ellen Ramangoaela ([email protected]) SUBSCRIBE TODAY Website: Circulation Director: - Mr Zacharia Liporo ([email protected]) www. maserumetro.com Twitter: YouTube: The Audit Bureau of ADVERTISING SALES The circulation of Free Metro newspaper is 35 000 copies on Thursdays @MaseruMetro Maseru Metro news Circulation Certified E-mail: [email protected] every week. publication Thursday, July 30, 2020 MARKETS INDICATORS NEWS 3 LOTI EXCHANGE RATE

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STOCKS Petrol Unleaded 93 p/litre M11.40 S&P500 3,236.76 Maize Meal p/kg M7.00 Eggs p/tray M45.00 NASDAQ100 10,638.10 Unleaded 95 p/litre M11.60 Nikkei225 22,657.38 Wheat Meal p/kg M10.00 Milk (fresh) p/litre M16.00 Dow Jones30 26,492.05 FTSE 100 6,129.26 Cabbage p/kg M14.00 Milk (sour) p/litre M20.00 Diesel 50PPm p/litre M11.95 JSE 56,488.00 Hang Seng 24,772.76 Potatoes p/kg M10.50 Rice p/kg M30.00 500PPm p/litre M11.95 PRECIOUS METALS PRICE (US$) Brown Bread p/loaf M10.00 White Sugar p/kg M22.00 Gold 1,948.97 Paraffin p/litre M6.85 Platinum 950.50 Silver 24.09 White Bread p/loaf M11.00 Brown Sugar p/kg M25.00 Water (Domestic) p/litre M5.53 Copper 6,447.04 Crude Oil / Brent Oil 41.07 Soghum Meal p/kg M25.00 Beef p/kg M85.00 Water (Industrial) p/litre M15.03 Electricity (Domestic) p/unit M1.38 EQUITIES Brown Beans p/kg M30.00 Mutton p/kg M90.00 Bonds 18.44 Electricity (Industrial) p/unit M0.26 Treasury Bills 3.67 Tomato M15.00 Interest Rates 7.67 Gas p/kg M20.00

before, but the situation has obviously been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Govt skeptical on Mothae’s The mine had revealed in the Lesotho Diamond Mining Industry Performance Report of 2018 that Mothae was operating at the backdrop of challenging conditions in the global diamond sector, which had put pressure on diamond sales proposal diamond prices and operating revenues. “There has been significant pressure on rough diamond prices from the highs of …The mine wants five-year direct untendered sales to LUCAPA 2013/14. A perceived oversupply of lower value rough diamonds, lack of financing in NEO SENOKO the mid-stream or manufacturing sector and [email protected] high polished diamond inventories have led to a reduction in rough diamond demand and MASERU - Significant pressures in the therefore rough prices. diamond industry, some caused by the “This is impacting all diamond miners. COVID-19 pandemic, have taken a toll on For most companies in the sector, sale prices Mothae Kimberlite Mine. being achieved are lower than forecast, directly The mine sells its diamonds in Antwerp affecting revenues and profit stability. For these Belgium, but with the world’s largest diamond reasons, the shareholders of Mothae and the hub closed due to the COVID-19, Mothae Mine is mine management team continue to pursue struggling to make ends meet. operational efficiencies and cost reductions to As a result, the mine has informed partners optimize costs,” the mine said in the report. - the government of Lesotho, of its intentions to On Tuesday, Qoo revealed also that in a sell diamonds to its mother company, Lucapa letter, the mine had asked for a postponement Diamond Company for a period five years in payment of royalties as well as the ground through a non-tendering process as is the rent from April 2019 to 2021 due to financial standard at international level. difficulties. Lucapa owns 70 percent of the high-value But government could not entirely agree Mothae Kimberlite Mine with Government with the mine. owning the remaining 30 percent shares. “We agreed that payment of royalties could That means Mothae wants to sell diamonds be postponed but not the ground rent. So we to its major shareholder for five years due to told them that they should continue to pay the struggles in the market. ground rent as per the agreement,” Qoo added. The government, through the Ministry The minister further refuted claims that of Mining is however, yet to respond to the government is the reason operations at the mine request, labelling it as a new phenomenon UNCOMPROMISING: Minister of Mining Serialong Qoo are weakening. altogether. Talks are in progress with relevant The mine representatives could not stakeholders, including the mine on the therefore a very sensitive matter. So we decided solution to this,” Minister of Mining Serialong comment on the matter, telling this publication possibilities, the ministry has said. to take our time and discuss the matter with all Qoo said during a media briefing on Tuesday. that people who are in a position to comment “This idea is the first of its kind and relevant stakeholders to come up with a proper Mothae has hinted on financial difficulties were not available.

NEO SENOKO [email protected] Proposed LCA law to improve and MASERU - The proposed amendment of rules and regulations by the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) could attract investment into attract investors to Lesotho the communications market in future. The move to amend rules by the LCA was easy entry into communications market in overcoming challenges currently contained in The new rules will be put in place once influenced by Parliament according to the Lesotho by allowing all categories of licenses the original rule. they have passed the legislative process and the authority. to be applied for at any time without need for “The challenge brought by the current rules public consultations currently underway are In a statement released on Friday last invitation from the authority,” LCA said in the is that applicants take time before getting into part of that process. week, the LCA revealed intentions to amend, statement. the sector because they have to wait for the LCA is a statutory body, established in specifically rule 3(2) of the its administrative The public and industry stakeholders authority to make an invitation first. June 2000 with the mandate of regulating rules, number 77 of 2016. have been invited to submit comments on the “In fact, it was the Parliament of Lesotho the communications sector in Lesotho. The One of the reasons for the amendment is proposed amendment. which directed that the authority should open mandate entails granting licenses to operators, to facilitate easy entry into communications The original rule states that an applicant the market for the ease of investors,” the LCA promoting fair competition, approving tariffs, market in Lesotho. shall submit application that meets the public relations manager, Tšiu Tšiu told this managing the radio frequency spectrum, “Acting in accordance with section 4(j) requirement as envisaged in sub rule (1) paper. empowering and protecting consumers. of the Communications Act No. 4 of 2012, the together with payment of application fees, He said the development should not be The authority has the powers to among Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) except that individual licenses shall be applied seen as a threat to those already in the market others facilitate new entry into the Lesotho hereby provides notice to the general public and for on invitation only. because there are still other requirements communications market and the provision industry stakeholders that it intends to amend Sub rule (1) on the other hand states that that will ensure that the right people enter the of new communications services, including rule 3(2) of the LCA administrative rules No. 77 the Authority shall prescribe application communications market. converged communications services as of 2016. requirements for classes of licenses and make “Individual licenses by their nature involve well as allocate resources for the provision “The Authority proposes to amend rule 3(2) them readily available to prospective applicants. a huge capital outlay and as such, investors who of communication services including radio by deleting the words ‘except that individual On Monday the LCA revealed in an enter the market have to do some ground work frequency spectrum and telephone numbers. licenses should be applied for on invitation’. interview with Metro that the proposed on the nature of Lesotho market and how the The Authority can also suspend or revoke The objective of this amendment is to facilitate amendment will go a long way towards return of investment will be,” Tšiu added. licenses. Thursday, July 30, 2020 4 MoneyNEWS&Business Taxi operators take PM to task STAFF REPORTER way because they have commitments today (Thursday) in which they … It never rains but it pours to fulfill such as paying staff as well have asked the court to consider new MASERU - local taxi operators as fuel and maintenance costs. prices for the services at the Ministry have once again expressed their He said Prime Minister Dr of Transport as unlawful. dissatisfaction over the COVID-19 Moeketsi Majoro knew that the The taxi operators rushed to regulations that they should scale factory workers would have to court after long talks asking the down the number of passengers that pay rents and fulfill other family government not to induce high prices their vehicles are normally allowed commitments. for services offered as the Ministry of to ferry. He said the COVID-19 pandemic Transport failed to bear the expected This is done to minimise chances has impacted negatively on their lives results. of spreading the infection to other as the public transport operators. Meanwhile, chairperson of people. He said they have not given Dr Maseru to Ladybrand Learners But the taxi operators say they Majoro a time-frame to answer their Transport, Napo Makubakube said want to be allowed to carry the full letter, but they just want to bring they have since been waiting for a capacity of passengers in their taxis to his attention that they are facing response from the government on and buses or else the government starvation because of the regulations. the progress made between them and should compensate them like it has As per the new regulations, a 4+1 their counterparts in South Africa. done with the factory workers. taxi is allowed to carry just three The Ladybrand taxi operators They want to be included in the passengers while a mini-bus carries stopped their counterparts from relief package that the government nine and a bus is mandated to carry Lesotho from transporting learners has established. 30 passengers. A 22-seater bus has to school in Ladybrand, arguing that Substantiating their argument, scaled down its carrying capacity they also wanted a share of the job. the taxi operators’ spokesman with nine passengers. This happened three weeks ago Lebohang Moea said the government At the time of going to print, but still there is no progress. knew for sure that the factory Prime Minister’s spokesman Mosito Principal Secretary of the workers would suffer because of Moqhekoana said the letter had not Ministry of Transport Thabo Motoko the COVID- 19 regulations and so reached his table. said his Minister Tšoeu Mokeretla it moved forward to save them a “I will get back to you as soon as I has written to Fikile Mbalula, the possible poverty they were facing. receive the letter,” Mosito said. South African Minister of Transport, Moea said they expect the Moea said they still have a case in informing him of what had UNDER FIRE: Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro government to also meet them half courts which they expect to continue transpired. Road traffic fees to be paid via bank MASERU - The newly implemented M150 Road Traffic (Amendment of • Tractor or truck used Certificates of fitness for Schedule) Regulations of 2017 exclusively for farming - M100 passenger vehicle: fees are to be paid through a bank • Motor dealer’s licenses, motor • Motor cars, 4+1, and driving - account to be announced. The below cycle for the first cycle - M250 M200 fees would later be paid also via eco- • For every additional motor cycle • Commercial passengers’ cash and mpesa telecommunications - M200 vehicles, if carrying capacity services, according to the Minister • Other motor vehicles for the first does not exceed 22 passengers - of Transport Tšoeu Mokeretla. vehicle - M1 000 M250 Scheduled fees according the • For every additional vehicle • If carrying capacity exceeds 22 Gazette: other than a motor cycle - M500 but less than 60 passengers - • Motor vehicle, trailers and M300 Registration Fees construction equipment • If carrying capacity exceeds 60 • Motor cycle solo with engine clearance fees: passengers - M350 of cylinder in capacity not • 0 - 750 kg: M150.00 exceeding 350 cc will cost • 751kg – 1 000kg: M200 Certificate of fitness for goods M100 • 1 001 – 1,500kg: M250 vehicles: • Motor cycle solo with engine of • 1,501 – 2,000kg: M300 • Where tare weight does not cylinder in excess of 350 cc - • 2,001 – 2,500kg: M300 exceed 3,500kg - M100 M150 • 2,501 – 3,000kg: M300 • Where tare weight exceeds • Motor cycle with side car or • 3,001 – 3,500kg: M300 3,500kg but does not exceed similar attachment M150, any • 3,501 – 4,000kg: M300 11,00kg - M150 motor vehicle if the tare weight • 4,001 – 4,500kg: M400 • Combination of vehicles - M150 does not exceed 1,500kg - M150 • 4,501 – 5,000kg: M400 • Trailers if tare weight does not • If the tare weight exceeds 1, • 5,001 – 5,500kg: M 450 exceed 5,000kg - M100 500kg but does not exceed • 5,501 – 6,000kg: M500 • If tare weight exceed 5,00kg - 3,500kg - M250 • 6,001 – 6,500kg: M600 M150 • If the tare weight exceeds • 6,501 – 7,000kg: M750 3,500kg but does not exceed • 7,001 – 7,500kg: M 800 Documents: 6,500kg but does not exceed • 7,501 – 8,000kg: M900 • Certificate of road worthiness 9,500kg - M400 • 8,001 – 8,500kg: M1 000 and fitness - M100, other motor • If the tare weight exceeds • 8,501 – 9,000kg: M1 000 vehicles licenses - M100 9,500kg but does not exceed • 9,001 – 9,500kg: M1 100 • Motor cycle not exceeding 11,000kg - M310 • 9,501 – 10,000kg: M 1 200 350cc - M50 • If the tare weight exceeds • 10,001 – 10, 500kg: M1 300 • Other motor vehicle licenses - 11,00kg - M360 • 10,501 – 11, 000kg: M1 400 M100 • Trailer other than trailer • 11,001 – 11,500kg: M1 500 referred to in part II item 3(a) • 11,501kg and more: M1 600 Application fees: Minister of Transport Tšoeu Mokeretla M30 • Learners license - M50 Motor Vehicle License Fees Examination fees for • Theory test - M50 • Public driving permit - M200 • Driving school permit - M420 • Motor Vehicle License Fees roadworthy certificates: • Driving test and re-test - M50 motor cycle with engine • Motor cycle not exceeding 350 • Public driving instructor’s test - Renewals of driver’s licences: Special Permit: capacity not exceeding 350 cc cc - M200 M100 • Motor cycle not exceeding • Initial issuance - M200 -M100 • Other motor cycle, tractor or • Driving school permit - M150 350cc - M120 • Renewal - M400 • Motor cycle solo with engine trailer - M200 • Learner’s license - M50 • Supply of information from the capacity in excess of 350 cc - • Light motor vehicle - M220 Issuance of driver’s license: • Light duty - M200 records - M100 M150 • Heavy commercial vehicles - • Light duty - M200 • Heavy duty - M250 • Duplicate of document - M300 • Trailer used exclusively for M300 • Heavy duty - M250 • Extra heavy duty - M400 • Transfer of registration number farming; if tare weight does not • Vehicle examiner’s prohibition • Extra-heavy duty - M400 • Driving instructor’s certificate - (section 12(2) of the act) - M150 exceed 500kg M100 for vehicle’s Un-roadworthiness - • Driving instructor’s certificate - M300 • Transfer of ownership - M100 • If tare weight exceeds 500kg - M350 M300 • Public driving permit - M200 • Set of number plates - M400 Thursday, July 30, 2020 Money&BusinessNEWS 5 Pension Fund and its roles pensioners. legislation. The tenure of office of members other than The prescribed retirement ages apply the ex officio members is five years. differently towards different services. For In the case of death of an employee, the rule discipline service, the retirement age starts at 55 is that family members will receive full benefits and 60 for Local Government and Public Service, on behalf of the deceased. A cash lump sum respectively. benefit will be paid. For the teaching service, the rightful age to This lump sum includes the Fund Credit retire is 65. plus a risk benefit equal to the deceased person’s A person may retire within 10 years from annual salary as at date of death. their prescribed retirement age. Government’s Fund Credit is the total value of the consent is also required for one to qualify for employee’s benefit in the Fund. It is made up of early retirement. the total contributions made by the employee and “A six-month notice is required from a government towards the retirement benefit. person who is willing to retire early. This is to For instance, if the Fund Credit at the time give the employer enough time to look into the of death was M47 000 and the annual income matter and ensure that and everything is in place was M30 000, the dependents will receive M47 when the day arrives. 000 plus M30 000, thus equal to M77 000. When an employer is satisfied that It also includes any amount transferred everything is in order, they then sent all the from the previous Fund if applicable as well as right documentation to the Pension Fund which investment returns earned and the past service will then begin with the process of payment,” liability reserve. Lebalele also said. CEO of Public Officers’ Defined Contribution Pension Fund Thabo Thulo The death benefit therefore, shall be paid It takes only eight weeks for Pension Fund to to the dependents and nominees as indicated release retirement packages to beneficiaries and NEO SENOKO Similarly, the government will also in the deceased’s nomination of Beneficiary only four weeks for someone who is fired. [email protected] contribute another M50 a month into the same Fund. Nomination forms must be completed and However, Lebalele warned that sometimes, account. regularly updated if necessary to ensure that the delays are caused because the file takes a longer MASERU - Life after retirement may be “These contributions will be recorded in the benefit is paid to the right person without any time than normal on the side of the employer due an exciting moment and interpreted as an Fund in your name exclusively for your benefit, delays. to the auditing processes and that means such achievement by most employees across the which together with the investment returns The benefits will be subject to tax as payments may be slightly delayed. board. It is seen as a time to finally relax, turn off earned, will be paid upon leaving the Fund or enforced by the Income Tax Act of 1993 At retirement, a person has the option to the alarm clock and engage in other exciting and during retirement,” Lebalele showed. amended. purchase an annuity with their full fund value or less time demanding projects. He said these contributions, unlike before, For people that resign or are retrenched for may decide to take a portion of a lump sum, 25 But then again for many workers, when it qualify for investment opportunities. any reason before they reach the Prescribed percent at maximum while the balance will then actually happens, the transition to retirement can The investment office within the institution Retirement age, such employees will be entitled be used to purchase an annuity. feel daunting. constantly looks into the best investment to a cash lump sum benefit equal to the Fund In terms of the Act, annuity may be defined It is during this period that some people opportunities from different registered entities in Credit, but excluding any Past Service Liability as a contract or policy sold by an insurance begin to worry about what is going to happen Lesotho and South Africa. Benefit. company designed to provide payments to the next. Most importantly, the financial aspect of The purpose of the investment committee is “When a person is fired for one reason or holder at specific intervals after retirement. retirement remains highly important. to provide an oversite function on behalf of the another, we also deduct all the amount that such With annuity, such person will receive a Without financial independence, retirement board over investment matters relating to the person may, for one reason or another be owing monthly salary every month for the rest of their age can be the most daunting and stressful, Fund. to the Government. Such amount may include lives. At this stage, a person is also at liberty many pensioners have said. Under the stewardship of Thabo Thulo - the the National Manpower Development Secretariat to choose where their monthly salaries should It is with this little background in mind chief executive officer, the institution also works (NMDS) debts and any other form of debts to the be deposited. One may choose to stay with the that the Government of Lesotho (GoL) decided hand in hand with the Central Bank of Lesotho Government if present,” Lebalele emphasised. Pension Fund or decide to work with any other to introduce the Public Officers’ Defined (CBL) through bonds and other liquidity facilities On the other hand, things are different for legally registered insurance company. Staying Contribution Pension Fund in 2008. that can be purchased by the Fund. people who stay loyal to their employer for with Pension Fund also means one may choose to The Fund was established with the After every three months, the investment the longest time until reaching the prescribed receive their monies either through single life or promulgation of the Public Officers’ Defined team submits reports to the investment retirement age as defined in the applicable joint life pension with guarantees thereof. Contribution Pension Fund Act of 2008. It came committee which subsequently reports to the about as a result of Government’s decision to board of trustees. change from the Defined Benefit to a Defined “It is also important to note that Government Contribution. takes care of all the expenses that may be Since 1964 during the colonial rule, the incurred in all these processes. That means, out Government of Lesotho has been running a of the 10 percent contributions made by both the pension scheme through a Pension Proclamation employee and Government towards the Fund, no and it was in the form of a defined benefit. further deductions will be made. The beneficiary However, government was confronted by gets all the money with interest,” Lebalele said. the situation where the economic activities are The investment committee within the Fund declining. Specifically, SACU revenues and other is made up of some members of the board. The economic benefits have been shrinking. board is made up of 14 members representing As a result, it was highly imperative for the different stakeholders. All committees within the establishment of this fund, since it gives both Fund report to the board. employer and employee a good opportunity to Out of the 14-member representatives of put money aside and get it invested so that the the board, five are from Government and are shrinking government coffers would not come at appointed by virtue of their positions in their a huge cost to future pensioners. respective ministries. Under the Public Officers’ Defined The Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry Contribution Pension Fund, a member’s of Finance automatically becomes the Chairman contribution in terms of the act shall be deducted of the Pension Fund Board. Accountant General by his or her employer from his or her salary or from the same ministry is another Government wages and shall, together with the employers’ representative within the board together contribution, be paid into the Fund’s bank account with another member from public service monthly in installments. who automatically joins in as the director of The employer shall ensure that the remuneration and benefits. contributions are paid to the Fund’s bank account Government is further represented by the on the first working day of the calendar month in director of TSD as well as a senior officer from respect of which the contributions are payable. one of the disciplined services in the country. “With this, government decided that it will Apart from those representing the contribute five percent towards each and every government, the board also consists of four employee’s fund, with each member contributing members who represent employees. These another five per cent from their salaries to representatives are also divided into four make up the required ten percent which then groups of teaching services, local government forms the retirement benefit,” said the Public services, public service and another one from the Officers’ Defined Contribution Pension Fund disciplined services. Communications Officer Machona Lebalele in an Moreover, four other members of the Pension interview with Metro last week Saturday. Fund Board are those representing members of For instance, if an employee earns M1 000 the public under the title - department trustees. a month, he will pay five percent of M1 000 Unlike other groups, those in this category are which equates to M50. That means M50 will be selected based on their level of expertise in deducted from his salary every month into the different areas. Fund. The last member is the one representing Thursday, July 30, 2020 6 MoneyNEWS&Business Thought Leader with Advocate Ndumo Skills Development and the Development of Different Professions in Lesotho

Head of Strategy, Project Management and Innovation at Alliance Insurance Likeleli Monyamane (left) with Advocate Mothepa Ndumo (right)

Likeleli Monyamane is the Head of Strategy, “emerging professions” which are reported to and for young professionals. It is my belief MN: If you were to stand before a Project Management and Innovation at the be expected to grow by 11% and this will require that in order to build Lesotho, its institutions, Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Alliance Insurance Company. She is also the re-skilling and up-skilling of employees. industries and to grow its economy, we have Skills and Professional Development the founder of Inspire Innovation Business Currently Lesotho has a range of challenges to build PEOPLE. or Dr Majoro's cabinet and give Consultants. Monyamane (LM) is passionate that exist that are closely related to the lack Human development is defined as them a wish list, practical policy and about using her skills, talents and resources to of a skills development policy or strategy at a “empowering people to participate in the implementation advice to address the contribute to solve some of the most pressing national level: improvement of their own well-being” and I deficits, what would that be? challenges that exist in our society and A mismatch between the skills developed can extend this definition to say, “empowered considers herself to be a servant leader. by the education sector and the skills required people not only improve their own well-being LM: The skills development challenge in She has served in various governance and by the labour market. but can improve the well-being of those the country is something that requires the oversight roles and is currently a member of An absence of incentives for the public and around them and of the communities within commitment and participation of multiple council at the Central University of Technology private sector to invest in skills development. which they live.” stakeholders. The government should lead in in South Africa. She was awarded the Top 35 There exists a misconception that, “if I train We currently have two programmes the development of a national skills policy and under 35 Award by the South African Institute someone and they leave the organization, then through Inspire Innovation Business a strategy that is aligned with the objectives of Chartered Accountants as its member and I have lost out and another organization has Consultants - one is a skills development of the National Strategic Development Policy is also a member of the Lesotho Institute of gained. Therefore, I would much rather not programme for entrepreneurs in which we II and the current and future needs of the local Accountants. In this wide-ranging interview, train people because I can’t guarantee that they support people with entrepreneurial abilities and global labour markets. Monyamane talks to Advocate Mothepa will stay.” by training them in skills that are relevant This policy must provide for the Ndumo (MN) on behalf of Metro on skills Our professional bodies in the country also to successfully run a business – operations, continuous learning and development of people development and development of different do not have clear skills development strategies, financial decision-making and digital skills. of all ages as well as the reskilling and up- professions in Lesotho. and therefore the quality of professionals is low The second programme is a skills skilling of people regardless of which careers in the country due to a lack of standardisation development and mentorship programme they choose. MN: What would say is the current state of professional competency and capabilities. that is designed to provide support to young Additionally, the government must develop of skills development and professional This results in a lack of trust in our professionals who have been working incentives to encourage investment in skills development in Lesotho? institutions and organisations, it results for more than three years in the areas of development for Basotho by local and foreign in multinational companies and non- personal development, career development companies. Finally the government needs LM: Lesotho is not immune to external factors governmental organisations importing skills and professional development. a strategy to attract highly-skilled Basotho that are shaping and influencing the labour from outside of the country. We also provide three skills development emigrants to get them back in the country so market. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic Lack of partnership between the courses throughout the programme in that they can advance their professions here or disrupted our usual way of doing business educational institutions (from primary school data-driven decision making, coding and to find ways to tap into their skills even if they and has highlighted some deficiencies in our up to university) and the public and private design thinking in order to ignite in them the continue to live and work outside the country. economic system. For example, we now see sectors that can enable sufficient investment curiosity to learn and to introduce them to Educational institutions in the country that there is a need to develop local industries in the right type of education and skills and skills they need to thrive and to be relevant should continuously develop their curricula using Basotho talent; there is also a need to ensure that there is a clear pipeline for students even as the world of work evolves due to and adapt such to the changing needs of the embrace digital transformation within business from school into the workplace (as employees, globalisation, technological advances and world. Professional development should in order to make products and services more entrepreneurs, artists etc.) relevant socio-economic factors. “start at home” so to speak, with teachers and accessible to the majority of Basotho. Through this programme we are professionals in academia keeping up with COVID-19 has also opened our eyes to MN: What moves have you made to intentional about bringing more experienced trends affecting their professions. In this way, the reality of remote work and the need for address some of the deficits? professionals to mentor younger we will ensure that our educators are relevant skills to manage remote teams as well as professionals to bridge the generational gap and are passing down relevant information to online collaborations. The World Economic LM: As someone who has benefited from the that currently exists in the country that also students. Forum has been publishing The Future of Jobs South African National Skills Development forms a cultural barrier to skills development. Lesotho’s different sectors, including Reports in the past few years and these reports Strategy through the South African Institute of We have recently launched a programme professional bodies, corporations, both public consistently show how the world of work is Chartered Accountants’ training programme, specifically focused on legal professionals and private, educational institutions and evolving as a result of emerging technologies. I know firsthand the benefits of such a that will have a great focus on ethics, digital government should deliberately create a skills These emerging technologies include structured programme in developing graduates and financial acumen, as well as leadership development ecosystem which will ensure high-speed internet, Artificial Intelligence, into skilled professionals who possess the development. competency frameworks for professional Big Data Analytics and Cloud Technology. We technical and professional skills that they need Similar initiatives have been mounted development within clear professional further need to grapple with socio economic to have a successful career in finance or in for the Lesotho Institute of Accountants that development strategies aligned to national, factors such as economic growth, expansion business. focused on the Future of Accountancy and regional and global developmental frameworks of education and a shift into a greener global Therefore, I tapped into my passion for what skills young accountants have to acquire and investment. Such an ecosystem would economy. people’s development to run a number of skills to ensure that they remain future-ready and require an articulation across the board These shifts have resulted in what they call development programmes for entrepreneurs relevant. including communication and collaboration. Thursday, July 30, 2020 Money&BusinessNEWS 7

or likely to prejudice the economic welfare of Basotho, such an individual will forfeit their shareholding Disrupting The Lesotho to a trust fund that will endow worthy corporate social investment initiatives nationally. We need to unapologetically build in no-nonsense accountability Economy Via Lesotho Inc. mechanisms if we are serious about addressing the malfeasance of the executive. In fact, if we think about future “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's generations and their economic welfare, such a sanction is hardly harsh. To capitalise Lesotho Inc, we dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” may purchase shares at a minimum share price of M10 per share and the Lesotho government = 10%. level in terms of engendering offloading of shares will have to be (Proverbs 21:20 – ESV) This will significantly reduce efficiencies in the executive arm strictly prohibited. the tax burden on Basotho while of government, a clause must be In other words, Lesotho Inc will ensuring full coffers at LRA House. inserted in the relevant regulatory not be a typical publicly listed entity, Furthermore, Basotho will enjoy frameworks that any member it will indeed be business unusual, unprecedented wealth passed of the executive will have their something that Basotho desperately down through the generations as shareholding held in trust by a fund need at this juncture where we direct participants and are saddled with broke, beneficiaries of their unaccountable, corrupt natural resource wealth. administrations of our Lesotho Inc will affairs. Like all ideas and further allow Basotho to BUSINESS proposals, I would wish play a more robust role to see Basotho debate in economic policy- Lesotho Inc, critique, making and holding UNUSUAL and enrich it further government accountable MOTHEPA NDUMO and, most importantly, for economic implement whatever solid mismanagement of formulation eventually state-owned enterprises emerges after exhaustive through Annual General Meetings, governed by a specially appointed deliberations. extraordinary meetings and other Council chaired by the King. Mothepa Ndumo is a Legal corporate governance essentials Where a member of the executive Academic at the National including any other innovations that has underperformed during his or her University of Lesotho, the nimble Lesotho Inc will see fit to five-year term or is found guilty of Industrial Sociologist and make. corruption or otherwise found to have Certified Executive Coach. www. To take Lesotho Inc to the next made a decision that has prejudiced higherselfcoaching.org

His Majesty King Letsie III

Government inefficiencies and The notion of Lesotho Inc is lethargy are quite legendary, so therefore relevant in unpacking the are corporate efficiencies and economic issues on the table and robustness when it comes to service delivering qualitative economic delivery, pivoting, new technologies, emancipation to Basotho. new products and research and What is Lesotho Inc? Lesotho development, etc. And yet, curiously, Inc is a publicly listed entity on the a nation state cannot be run like a Maseru Securities Market established corporate according to the reigning primarily by the Capital Markets orthodoxies in this debate. Regulations of 2014 read together There is enough noise about with the Companies Act of 2011. the exponential age, the Future of This, ladies and gentlemen is our Work, as well as the future of this and stock market and it holds immense that from top business publications potential for wealth creation for and institutions such as the World Basotho only if spaces are carved out Economic Forum. However, there for real and direct participation for is much less enthusiasm for the our people. notion of the Future of Government, Unfortunately, as of this date, especially in Lesotho. the Maseru Securities Market We have an evolving scenario does not have a single listing, but here in Lesotho, where instead of the regulatory and institutional disrupting the entire governance architecture is in place. A good system, an underwhelming national question to ask is, what are we reforms process has been hijacked waiting for? by narrow, self-serving, political Why do we have a non-functional agendas to effect cosmetic changes stock exchange, six years down which will not upset the applecart. the line, when the institutional and And yet, the Reforms Authority regulatory frameworks are in place? should, in fact, be leading thought and I digress, back to the energising debate on the Future of Government proposal of Lesotho Inc. Every single and the role of our partisan political Mosotho and Lesotho citizen will be a system in that future. shareholder in Lesotho Inc. In relation to Lesotho’s economic Lesotho Inc will, in turn, through development and pressing economic government policy and legislation, challenges, this debate around hold a predetermined bundle the Future of Government could of shares in every state-owned not be more apposite. One of our enterprise listed on the Maseru biggest problems as a country is an Securities Market. out of control wage bill resulting Where a private entity, foreign from a bloated civil service, or domestic, has invested in the which unsurprisingly turns in exploitation of our natural resources, underwhelming service delivery to Lesotho Inc will similarly have the long-suffering Basotho public shareholding split according to the year in, year out, regardless of which following formula: private investor administration is governing. = 50%, Lesotho Inc = 40% and the Thursday, July 30, 2020 8 MoneyNEWS&Business

This is MoneyMatters Lesotho… make it count … In News If you earn a commission, read this! JOON CHONG

Commission earners could make an argument to tax authorities that they should be allowed to deduct their normal range of business expenses, even if commission is no longer more than 50% of their total remuneration under the exceptional circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic. Commission earners who earn more than 50% of their total remuneration as commission income are not limited in the type of business expenses they can claim, as long as these are incurred in the production of their income and are not capital or personal in nature. For SARS to determine if these employees are entitled to claim business expenses, commission income recorded under code 3606 should be more than 50% of the total remuneration on the IRP5, which is the sum of gross retirement funding income (3697) Head of NACOSEC Thabo Khasipe and gross non-retirement funding income (3698). Total remuneration includes basic salary, medical The National COVID-19 Secretariat (NACOSEC) aid contributions, group life premiums and any has retracted from its Orange Level the decision retirement fund contributions made by the employer. licence and insurance costs. They should maintain expenses. These salaried employees should rather to restrict district to district movement A commission can be a flat fee or a percentage of logbooks recording business kilometres with dates, claim reimbursements for entertainment expenses after it found this would meet policing and transaction value. It is an amount paid for executing kilometres travelled and purposes of travel. The from their employers, based on supporting invoices. operationalisation challenges. The decision a transaction. Although a commission earner can logbook will assist in apportioning travel expenses As with any claims for deductions, supporting which was part of current restrictions gazetted be referred as an "agent" or "representative", the according to business versus total kilometres. documents in the form of schedules, invoices, was temporarily placed on hold while the individual is regarded as an "employee" in the Fourth These commission earners are also able to claim receipts, statements of accounts and calculations home office expenses proportionate to the area used with amounts on schedules reconciling with the secretariat was making more consultations Schedule of the Income Tax Act. Commission income is variable income. The employer is deemed to incur for business on rent, rates, water and electricity, source documents should be retained for five years on it. The retraction means there are no more the commission earned and the employee deemed interest and fees on the mortgage bond, cleaning, and submitted to Sars if the ITR12 return is selected restrictions on district to district movement of to accrue the amount in the month of payment, internet connectivity, and wear and tear allowances for verification. Bank statements or credit card people seeking essential services or for other regardless when the sales or turnover amounts on business equipment. Cellphone invoices with a statements are not accepted as supporting documents. important economic and social activities. forming the basis of the commission calculations have sample of business use relative to personal use calls An apportionment calculation of square meter of Services at health clinics and centres taken place. should be maintained for verification purposes. home office area relative to the total residence, with have returned to normal after a deal was In many ways, the deductions for business Repairs to the home office specifically will be allowed the same ratio applied to expenses such as rates and finally struck between the coalition of expenses available to these commission earners are in full. Repairs to the building in general, however, interest, must also be submitted. Expenses which are must not be included in total costs. not allocated a code on the ITR12 should be claimed health professionals and government on similar to those available to individuals who are sole proprietors or independent contractors. Typically, Unlike other salaried employees, the room using code 4016. major grievances that were posted. Normal these commission earners would apply for fixed containing the home office need not be regularly Unfortunately, the Covid-19 lockdown services had been disrupted at clinics and percentage directives using the IRP 3(b) form which and exclusively used by the individual to work for conditions have resulted in devastating reductions hospitals across the country as health services requires a detailed income and expenditure statement the employer from which they earn remuneration. in commission income for some of these individuals. professionals demanded to be provided with to be included with the application. The detailed These commission earners can claim for home office Where the anticipated commission income in the protective equipment against COVID-19 as well income and expenditure statement should contain expenses if their work performance and duties are 2021 year of assessment is likely to fall below 50% of as risk allowances of up to M7 000. projected income amounts, which can be based on mainly in their home offices, i.e. more than 50%. total remuneration due to the economic impact of the amounts earned in the latest year of assessment, Other expenses which commission earners can lockdown, there is an argument to be made that these adjusted for any increases, and a breakdown of claim include any service fees such as accounting, commission earners should still be allowed to claim … In Politics anticipated expenses with corresponding upward legal, administration, and sales and marketing all the business expenses regardless. This is because adjustments. The fixed percentage directives would fees paid to service providers. (Non-commission their remuneration is normally derived mainly from provide for the percentage of employees' tax (PAYE) salaried earners are only allowed accountancy fees commissions based on sales or turnover attributable that their employers should withhold on remuneration if they receive income other than salary, pension or to them. Covid-19 times are unprecedented, and the paid to them. annuities.) OECD has acknowledged this period is exceptional Commission earners can claim entertainment and temporary in nature, i.e. not normal. The Types of expenses claimed as deductions expenses for various sales and marketing initiatives. same should be the case in determining whether a Unlike other salaried employees, these commission It would be advisable to compile a spreadsheet commission earner meets the 50% threshold in the earners are able to claim actual travel expenses together with the names of clients and reasons for the 2021 year of assessment. as deductions even if they do not receive a travel expenses which reconciles with the relevant invoices, It would be a good idea to anticipate this issue in allowance or the use of a company vehicle from their receipts or statements of account. Notably, other a verification, to prevent Sars disallowing expenses employers. They will be able to claim wear-and-tear salaried employees who do not earn commissions at claimed and having to object to the additional allowances on vehicle costs, interest and fees on the all, or who earn less than 50% of total remuneration assessment. *Joon Chong is a Partner at Webber instalment sale agreements, and maintenance, fuel, in commissions, cannot claim any entertainment Wentzel. Personal Finance Out of The Ordinary

Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro’s A taste of democracy government has been under heavy firing since coming into office and has now started …South Korea’s 16-year fight for a green onion breakfast cereal to fire back with the former Commissioner of Correctional Services Thabang Mothepu SANGMI CHA AND JOSH SMITH by individuals, the company halted online voting, and featured a small child whose dreams of onion already given a marching out letter while the threw out duplicate votes and declared Cheki the cereal were crushed. Promotional materials included It is being hailed as a major win for democracy in winner. a faux political poster with an image of Chaka over Health Director-General, Dr ’Nyane Letsie has South Korea. After 16 years in exile, a president last Chaka fans cried foul, and decried Cheki’s former U.S. President Barack Obama’s campaign also been slapped with a suspension letter week triumphantly returned to claim his rightful subsequent 16-year rule as that of an illegitimate slogan “yes we can.” pending investigations. These are some of the place - on the front of a box of green onion-flavoured tyrant. Chaka remained in the public consciousness Limited edition cereals are usually on sale for recent moves that have been largely criticised cereal. via regular hashtags like #PrayForChex, and memes about three months, but that could be extended if as politically motivated in order for the Majoro The limited edition of the Chex cereal sold depicting the onion character as a freedom fighter. sales are strong, Kim said. The company had been administration to rid senior government desks out within two days when it hit online stores, “We never expected consumers would be working on developing the cereal for 15 years, of perceived political enemies of the new following years of almost ceaseless campaigning by interested in this product for over 16 years,” Kim but had struggled to find the right onion flavour, government. enthusiasts. Hee-yeon, a spokeswoman for Kellogg’s Korea she added. When it called for 50 “early tasters” it The long road to the cereal aisle began in 2004 said. “Every time we launched new cereals or had received more than 14,200 applications. The warring ABC factions have reportedly when Kellogg’s Korea launched a light-hearted promotional events, online communities would Traditional Korean breakfasts are often savoury found some temporary peace and have agreed to marketing campaign for Chex, a five-grain cereal, repeatedly ask for the flavour.” and even spicy, and many people seemed to envision work together in order to prepare for the coming asking South Koreans to vote on a new flavour. Chaka’s success was so momentous that on the the onion flavour as a potential bar snack with beer, 2022 general elections, at least as a united A TV commercial offered two cartoon day it was announced earlier this month it surged rather than in a bowl with milk. party. Local political analysts have, however, candidates in the presidential election for the Chex past North Korea’s bombing of an inter-Korean “I had adult-like taste in food since I was young, said the peace pipe smoking will not last for Choco Empire - chocolate-flavoured Cheki and green liaison office to become the top trending topic on so I love local food with garlic, green onion or long as the rift between the Mahao and Thabane onion-flavoured Chaka. South Korean social media. kimchi,” said food blogger Lee Soo-jeong, 24, who loyalists in the party is beyond repair except The PR stunt was meant to end in an easy “The cheating forces of Cheki were ousted and voted for Chaka as a child and was an early taster. victory for sweet Cheki. But the people did not agree. Mr. Chaka’s 16-year struggle has finally come to an Her verdict on the long-awaited cereal? for small and temporary peace deals, which will Votes for Chaka surged past those for Cheki, end,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “The green onion flavour is too mild.” only last until the primary elections are called. catching Kellogg’s unawares. Citing multiple votes A TV advertisement apologised for the delay Reuters Thursday, July 30, 2020 [email protected] NEWS 9 HEALTHYLivingSPORT There is no cure for COVID-19 Dr Letsie suspended yet – NUL Innovation Hub LINEO MABEKEBEKE tests and only if they pass the last …not allowed [email protected] stages will then be recommended for treatment. MASERU - The National University The reality of science is that the near her of Lesotho (NUL)’s Innovation Hub results may show that the mixtures does not have a cure for COVID-19 work or do not work against the office pending and has no mixtures in the market COVID-19 says the statement, that can cure the disease, the further emphasizing that whatever institution has shown. the results, they will be important investigations According to a press statement as they will add the knowledge of released by the innovation hub this medicinal plants used in the country. LINEO MABEKEBEKE week, whatever mixtures are in the The NUL Innovation Hub has [email protected] market, claiming to cure COVID-19 therefore strongly dismissed any and are associated with the Hub, have claims or association to medicinal MASERU – The Director nothing to do with the NUL team of and herbal mixtures that have General in the Ministry of Health scientists and chemists. surfaced on market shelves claiming Dr ’Nyane Letsie has been On July 13, the innovation hub to cure COVID-19. suspended with immediate effect gave an update regarding the status NUL’s Professor Narayan pending investigation for alleged of the research by a team of NUL Himanshu said the research is still on incompetence. scientists related to their efforts and has already passed successfully Her letter of suspension towards the COVID-19 treatment. through some of the initial stages of says the ministry is following However, the team clarified that testing adding that they are positive on allegations that Dr Letsie the herbal mixtures that passed but cannot claim that they have has habitually and deliberately toxicological tests were not a cure for already discovered the treatment. underperformed in her duties and COVID-19. As a result, the Ministry of responsibilities. “We said this then, and we are Communications, Science and She has been suspended on saying it now, there is no proven cure Technology in solidarity with the full salary payment. for COVID-19,” says the statement. NUL Innovation Hub also reiterated to The suspension letter dated It further states that the inform the nation that there is no cure July 28, 2020 and signed by plants used in the mixtures have for COVID-19 yet. Principal Secretary Lesimole been screened for their medicinal Basotho are urged to adhere to all potential and the mixtures made World Health Organisation (WHO) Moletsane orders Dr Letsie to KICKED OUT: Director of Health Dr ’Nyane Letsie promptly hand over keys to her from them have been tested for their life-saving protocols against the office to the acting Principal aimed at allowing investigations national Command Centre on toxicological properties. Corona virus, such as hand sanitising Secretary. against Dr Letsie to be carried out COVID-19 where she usually With the assistance of the and observing physical distancing It also states that during her without her interference. made statements and responded to Lesotho Government’s Department among others, the ministry advised suspension, she should neither However, she will be allowed to media questions of the state of the of Science and Technology, the while also pledging its support to the interfere with any matters of the enter such premises only with the infection in Lesotho. mixtures will undergo further NUL scientists’ continuing work. ministry nor enter the premises permission of the PS. All efforts to get further and deeper laboratory testing in Many Basotho were excited at of the ministry of health or any The news of Letsie’s suspension clarifications and update on the conjunction with South African the news of the university scientists’ health facilities with the purpose came as a shock to a number of suspension have failed with all laboratories and scientists. tests and reports of score of locals of carrying out any duties. colleagues around her after her the ministry’s lines either busy or The statement explains that if the harvesting some of the herbs and The move, the letter says is initial engagement at the then ringing unanswered. laboratory tests pass, the mixtures shrubs used in the tests have been will have to undergo pre-clinic alarming. Thursday, July 30, 2020 10HEALTHNEWS TIPS DECODING MEDICAL TERMS HUMAN BODY FUNCTION Germs repository Low Back Pain Respiratory System Function Keyboard and mouse of your computer is There are many causes of low back pain. Back The respiratory system takes oxygen from the full of germs. Eating while working on the pain may be due to overuse, such as playing environment and converts it into a form that computer is not such a good idea as it can one too many rounds of golf or lifting heavy cells can use. In humans, that means that our dirty your machine and can also make you weights. This kind of back strain usually resolves lungs take in oxygen, and rapidly diffuse it into susceptible to a host of diseases. If you share on its own without treatment. Rest and anti- the blood. The lungs accomplish this by passing a computer with others, the situation is even inflammatory medications can provide relief. Using large amounts of blood over gas exchange grimmer. proper form when exercising and increasing the membranes; the body’s whole blood volume duration of workouts slowly can help protect the passes over these membranes about once per back. minute!

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Eating disorders are real – on both physical and psychological well-being. As such, Rabolinyane notes that it get treatment is important that anyone living with an eating disorder receives care from a full LINEO MABEKEBEKE “These disorders can be life- team of multi-disciplinary professionals [email protected] threatening if not recognised and treated including a therapist, medical doctor or a appropriately,” she states. prescriber if necessary. If one is struggling with an eating She adds that the earlier a person If one is experiencing thoughts or disorder and wants to check the gets treatment, the greater the likelihood behaviours that are impacting the mental symptoms, Mpho Rabolinyane a local of full recovery. and physical health, she says such Psychologist says screening can help. She says: “Disordered eating and deserve a specialised eating disorder Rabolinyane says eating disorders dangerous weight loss behaviours have support. are real and could end up in situations unfortunately become normalised in our Because they are complex mental of complex medication illness that can culture.” conditions that are both psychological have serious consequences on health, Anyone can develop an eating and medical in nature, she says as such, productivity and relationships. disorder regardless of gender, age, race, they often require interventions that She says eating disorders and other culture or sexual orientation. focus on stabilising both the body and specified feeding or eating disorders are In many cases, Rabolinyane shows the mind. Eating disorders are illnesses bio-psycho-social diseases - no fads, eating disorders occur together with in which people experience severe phases or lifestyle choices. other disorders like anxiety, panic and disturbance in their eating behaviours People struggling with eating alcohol and drug abuse problems. and related thoughts and emotions. disorder, she shows often become Many of the behaviours associated People with eating disorders with each of the eating disorder typically become pre-occupied with food obsessed with food, body image and or Her Royal Highness Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso their weight. diagnosed can have dangerous impacts and their body weight. Food alone does not make life complete – Princess Senate

LINEO MABEKEBEKE can hardly afford hygiene needs due to [email protected] price escalation and other competing needs. Dr Marc Derveeuw from UNFPA said MASERU - The suffering and plight of the overall strategic objective is to ensure girls and young women should not only protection, mitigate the impact of the be looked at through one lens but from emergencies by tracking and analysing all spheres of negative impact on lives risk and vulnerability related to the during these hard times of poverty and the affected areas, specifically guaranteeing Covid-19 pandemic. equitable access to services for vulnerable This was a message from Her Royal groups in their different dimensions. Highness, Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso, He said it is no doubt that the outbreak who pointed that all can attest to the of the Covid-19 has worsened the plight of fact that food alone does not make life the peeple, especially women and girls. complete. He was hopeful that the dignity kits The princess said supplementary would go a long way towards helping hygeine items are to provide necessary young girls in Lesotho, particularly comfort to daily lives. during these difficult times of the Covid-19 This she said at the occasion where pandemic. she received 2 500 dignity kits procured The Secretary General of the LRCS, through a collaborative initiative between Kopano Masilo said the project was the United Nations Population Fund implemnted in response to the alarming (UNFPA) and the Lesotho Red Cross needs of young Basotho women and girls. Society (LRCS). He noted that after the declaration of The packages which consisted of state of food insecurity and emergency menstrual and hygeine kits, Princess because of drought, by the government Senate said they were intended to offer in 2019, all players conducted several a relief to her peers from the burden of projects in order to try and alleviate having to search for alternattive items to human suffering due to the persistent maintain a dignified life. drought. On behalf of her parents - Their He said different players have come Majesties, as patrons of the LRCS, to realise that when drought like any Senate was greatful to receive the great disasters struck any country, there investment to humanity from UNFPA. are groups of people who are severely The United Nations Central affected, especially girls and young Emergency Response F provided about women who go through a lot of pain, M1.4 million to the LRCS to offer life- because when there is drought, all saving education lessons on menstrual resources disappear, meaning more stress hygeine and education agaisnt gender to keep households running. based violence among other educational Masilo said through this contribution, messages that are being offered in there will be better citizens, because the Maseru, Mokhotlong, Mafeteng, Mohale’s women and girls will know how to resist Hoek and Quthing. as well as be more tolarant to challenges. Although the programme was The 2 500 recepients of the designed to respond to the drought supplementary hygeine items were situation in Lesotho, Senate said it is respresented by a group of 10 girls from even more appropriate and helpful under Maseru at the event held at the Royal COVID-19 situation where most people Palace in Maseru on July 23. Thursday, July 30, 2020 HEALTHYLivingNEWS 11

The healthcare professionals Heath care professionals to went on strike after their demands were not met by the government. In other news, healthcare workers also demanded their get PPE, risk allowances own quarantine centre together with their family members and LINEO MABEKEBEKE health facilities and the Queen as a result, the government has [email protected] ’Mamohato Memorial Hospital also arranged a facility at which will each receive M3 000 healthcare professionals will be MASERU - The government with nurses and doctors at the admitted and taken good care of. has responded positively to the isolation facilities pocketing M2 They had earlier asked for health workers and practitioners’ 000. a risk allowance equal to 30% grievances to provide Personal The COVID-19 risk to their salaries and for the Protective Equipment (PPE) and allowances could also be government to generally ensure risk allowances, an agreement extended for the duration of the their safety. that has immediately seen the pandemic. The Minister of Health suspension of the go-slow in the Besides the risk allowances, Motlatsi Maqelepo pleaded with s e ctor. health practitioners also the health workers to engage the Deputy Prime Minister, demanded to be given the in order ministry whenever they have Mathibeli Mokhothu, said health to be able to handle suspected complaints as opposed to going care professionals will receive COVID-19 cases without fear. on strike and further apologised risk allowances for a period of Mokhothu revealed that the to Basotho who did not receive six months starting from the first PPE that the government has services when the strike was COVID-19 case registration in bought to date include disposable on-going. Lesotho, which was in May. aprons, surgical masks and face Coalition of health He also said health care shields among others and still professionals’ deputy public practitioners working at isolation expecting to receive disposable relations officer Dr Mojakisane facilities will each get M3 cloths, shoe covers, head covers, Ramafikeng promised they will 500 while those stationed at sanitizers, fumigating liquids and work as expected since their PROMISING: Deputy Prime Minister, Mathibeli Mokhothu Christian Health Association scanners form the suppliers. grievances have been met now.

COVID-19 causes severe damage to lungs

LINEO MABEKEBEKE COVID-19. [email protected] He further noted that researchers also found the growth of new blood MASERU - Researchers are still vessels in the lungs of coronavirus learning about the novel coronavirus, victims, adding that patients with but also reveal that the most serious COVID-19 showed widespread blood cases involve severe respiratory clotting as well as new vessel growth symptoms that can damage a person’s - the latter likely a result of the body’s lungs. response to the virus. The deadly virus has been found He said in most people, the to damage lungs much more severely coronavirus causes only mild than the seasonal flu virus, attacking symptoms, but in some, it leads to the inner lining of blood vessels, serious lung inflammation and excess according to a research by a local of immune signalling chemicals. medical practitioner, Dr Retšelisitsoe As he further explained, lung Piti. damage is not confined to people He said a team of researchers who need ventilation; more severe compared the lungs of patients killed COVID-19 means more likelihood of by COVID-19 with lungs of people damage. who died from flu. Dr Piti said the damaged blood Both viruses, Dr Piti said belong vessels lead to other conditions to the same category and infect the caused by the virus, including stroke respiratory system, causing multiple and conditions like loss of smell. blood clots. Like many viruses, he said the “But the new coronavirus causes respiratory droplets associated with intensive damage to the inner linings COVID-19 attach to the back of a of the blood vessels in the lungs,” he person’s throat or nose and then move indicated. through the respiratory track then the As a result of the damage in human body responds to viruses by the capillaries’ inner lining, he said trying to fight them off, which causes the movement of carbon dioxide inflammation. transported by the blood from which He noted that up to now, social oxygen is extracted inside the lungs distancing is one of the most is blocked, causing shortness of effective means to fight the spread of breath, a distinctive symptom of coronavirus. 12 Thursday, July 30, 2020 TRAVELNEWS &FOOD MONEY Recipe Of The Week Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl This dish is made with juicy shrimp, Stir in some fresh cilantro and set sweet pineapples, and a beautiful aside. (Divide rice between two bowls sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce. when ready to serve.) For the sauce: mix together Ingredients pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, 3 cups cooked rice lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, and 1/2 Tbsp fresh minced cilantro cilantro. Set aside until ready to use. Salt Peel, de-vein, and rinse shrimp. Shrimp: Mix shrimp with lime juice, pineapple 1/2 lb shrimp juice, chili powder, and salt in a bowl 2 tsp lime juice and let it sit while preheating a 2 Tbsp pineapple juice cooking pan. 1/4 tsp chili powder Preheat a cooking pan with about Salt a tablespoon of oil over medium-high Sauce: heat. Once the pan is hot, sear shrimp 8 oz can of pineapple chunks drain but until pink and opaque on both sides. save the juice Take out and set aside. (You can save 1/2 cup pineapple juice the juice from marinating the shrimp 1 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce and add it to the sauce.) 1 Tbsp honey Add a little bit more oil to the pan Zest from 1 lime and add drained pineapple chunks. Juice from 1 lime Sear pineapple chunks until nicely 1/2 tsp chili powder browned. Lower the hear to medium. 1 Tbsp fresh minced cilantro Stir and add sauce to the pan. Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Instructions Quickly stir in shrimp and divide Cook rice in slightly salted water, the shrimp, pineapple, and sauce Jamaica launches domestic according to the package instructions. mixture over the two rice bowls. tourism campaign The Jamaica Tourist Board has There is also likely to be with their friends and family is a launched a Rediscover Jamaica more space, with American priority at this time. program to encourage local guests currently facing increased The rush of adventure, residents to taste, see, feel and restrictions when trying to travel the beauty of nature, pristine enjoy the tourism product. to the Caribbean island. horizons, or simply the relaxation The move comes as the island Renewing and upgrading the of the beach are experiences reopens using a phased approach tourism process for Jamaicans, so Jamaicans will enjoy on their to ensure the safety of everyone. they may safely enjoy the island staycation. Thursday, July 30, 2020 NEWS 13 14 Thursday, July 30, 2020 PNEWSublicNotices&Events Former Archbishop Bernard Mohlabisi O.M.I to be buried in church Tlholo) in Maseru The funeral service of Archbishop Mohlalisi will be held in an unusual manner, the church announced on Monday through Reverend Brother Sylvester Thabelang Mothibeng. The church has also publicised a list carrying 15 names of mourners expected to attend the funeral, as COVID-19 precautionary measures have to be observed at all times. A Holy Mass will start at 8am to be followed at 9am by speeches of condolences, which are expected to last for 30 minutes. The service is expected to end at exactly 10am. The rest of the nation has been invited to watch a live broadcast of the service on national television. The 15 mourners include bishops from the four country areas of the church; being Maseru, Leribe, Mohale’s Hoek and Qacha’s Nek along with a representative of priests deployed in Maseru, four members of the Mohlalisi family, a government representative and a member of the congregation. The late Archbishop Mosiuoa The late Archbishop will be Bernard Mohlabisi buried inside the church. Born in 1933, Mohlalisi was MASERU - Catholics will bid appointed archbishop on October 6, farewell to retired Archbishop 1990, a position he held until 2009 Mosiuoa Bernard Mohlabisi O.M.I when he retired. He was succeeded who will be laid to rest on Sunday in by Archbishop Tlali Lerotholi O.M.I. the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) at the Cathedral Area (Mofumahali oa MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE

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www.lesotho.eregulations.org Thursday, July 30, 2020 15 OBITUARIES + IN MEMORIAM NEWS Tributes to family and friends Andrew Mlangeni The last remaining Rivonia trialist is no more

DIED aged 95, Andrew Mekete are with the Mlangeni family Mlangeni, the last remaining Rivonia today and with all who have had trialist, died last week Tuesday night the blessing of meeting and being in Pretoria. touched by Bab’ Mlangeni’s passion He was laid to rest on Wednesday for achieving a better society as well morning at the Roodepoort cemetery. as his passion for a life that is well- His funeral service was held at the rounded, adventurous, healthy and University of Johannesburg Soweto embracing of people from all walks Campus. of life.” Mlangeni was last week Tuesday Mlangeni was a keen golfer, a admitted at the 1 Military Hospital sport he played well into old age. in Pretoria with an abdominal He was married to June who complaint. died in 2001 and the couple had 10 Announcing the African National children. Their three remaining Congress (ANC) stalwart’s death last children include Sello, Sylvia week Wednesday, the president of (daughter) and Moraine (daughter). the Republic of South Africa Cyril In 2002, Mlangeni told Ramaphosa said: “Bab’ Mlangeni’s the Sunday Times he was introduced dramatic life was a unique example of to the game in 1937 when, as a heroism and humility inhabiting the 12-year-old, he earned pocket money same person. Throughout his long caddying for golfers at Turf Golf Club, life he remained a beacon of ethical Johannesburg. leadership and care for humanity In 1947, after he had left in our own country and around the school (St Peter’s Secondary in globe.” Rosettenville, where he was taught Mlangeni was born in 1925 in by ANC leader Oliver Tambo), Johannesburg's Soweto, and left Mlangeni took up the game seriously. school at 12 to look for work and help He had played mostly at Soweto his mother take care of the family, his guilty of sabotage and sentenced "he continued to speak out against reconstruct during our democratic Country Club, one of the few golf father having passed away. to life imprisonment and spent 26 corruption, for morality and fairness dispensation. courses open to “non-whites” at the In the 1940s he worked in several years on Robben Island. Mlangeni within his beloved ANC and in “He was a champion and time. industries and factories where he was, however, released in 1989 when government". exemplar of the values we need to Earlier this year, Mlangeni experienced labour exploitation, negotiations between the ANC and Describing him as a principled build a South Africa that provides attended a SA Open pro-am at the culminating in his participation as the government began. and modest man who returned to live dignity and opportunity for all, and golf course. a bus driver in a strike for better He subsequently spent 20 years in his Dube, Soweto, home after his which takes its rightful place in the “Nobody ever dreamt that one working conditions and wages. in parliament and led the ANC's 26-year incarceration, the foundation global community of nations.” day we’d play the SA Open pro-am Mlangeni’s youngest son, Sello, integrity commission. said: "His passing sounds the last Ramaphosa's office said he in Soweto‚ and on a golf course said he was shocked by the death post on a courageous generation of had attended Mlangeni’s birthday’s belonging to the people of Soweto. of his father after being admitted to In 2013, in an interview with South Africans who forfeited their celebration last month in the When I saw this‚ I said to myself hospital. the Sunday Times, he denounced freedom, careers, family lives and company of former presidents Thabo there is nothing we cannot do if “He was fine. I thought he was corruption within the government, health so we could all be free. Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe as well we all have a common goal‚” said going to come back and just had a saying the Rivonia trialists did not go "It is now for younger hands to as veteran politician Mangosuthu Mlangeni‚ echoing the words of problem with his stomach and was to prison so that ANC members could pick up the heavy baton they carried Buthelezi, among other notable Springbok captain Siya Kolisi after just going for a check-up in hospital.” reap the rewards of freedom through and complete the journey to equal guests. the Rugby World Cup victory. He last saw his father on Friday. self-enrichment and greed. justice for all." Mlangeni was awarded Mlangeni spoke of the greatness “We were just talking. He looked fine, “Tenderism (sic) has destroyed Ramaphosa said Mlangeni's death Isithwalandwe Seaparankwe, the of South Africa's potential: “If we just a bit weak, but he was fine.” many of our honest people,” he said. “signifies the end of a generational highest honour from the ANC for don’t work together‚ we won’t be The late ANC veteran joined “People want to make money history and places our future those who have made an outstanding successful. So‚ to the people who the ANC Youth League in 1951 and quickly. That is not what we stood squarely in our hands”. contribution to the liberation want to leave South Africa‚ I would the ANC in 1954, according to his for. I did not go to prison for that.” “With his passing as the last struggle, in 1992. In 1999 he received say please learn from those who left foundation. In 1961 he was among the The Desmond and Leah Tutu remaining Rivonia trialist, Bab’ the Presidential Order for Meritorious and came back. Come back home. first to be sent for military training Foundation referenced this comment Mlangeni has passed the baton to Service: Class 1: Gold from former This country belongs to all of us outside the country - in China. On his from Mlangeni, saying even after his compatriots to build the South president Nelson Mandela. who are South African. Let’s build it return in 1963, he was arrested, found retiring in 2014 in his 90th year, Africa he fought to liberate and to Ramaphosa said: “My thoughts together.” 16 Thursday, July 30, 2020 MarketPlaceNEWS / Promotions&Auctions 2020 maize crop expected to increase by 37% - Reuters survey

TANISHA HEIBERG

South Africa will likely harvest 37% more maize in 2020 compared with the previous season after Upgrade your favourable weather conditions boosted yields, a Reuters survey of six analysts and traders showed on Monday. South Africa’s Crop Estimates Committee homestead (CEC) is expected to forecast the 2019/2020 maize production at 15.461 million tonnes, up from 11.275 million tonnes harvested in the 2018/2019 season, which was impacted by dry Fastback 9 Strip/Tape for less. weather conditions. Binding Machine - FB9

Condition: Brand new. Was bought in 2018 and The yields are only used once to bind samples. relatively good Specifications: 3.5 times faster than traditional punch-and-bind systems. Binds both soft and across the country. hardcover books. 250 sheet binding capacity. Machine Dimensions: 19.5"W x 11"H x 13"D. Already over 50% Maximum weight: 17 lbs (7.7 kg). Spine Lengths: 8.5", 11", A4, A5. Spine Thickness: of the crop has Narrow, Medium. Application: The Powis Fastback 9 binding been delivered to machine is one of the most compact and affordable systems on the market. With a commercial silos footprint of just 13'' x 19.5'', it's a perfect choice for even the smallest work desks, whether The estimate is slightly lower than the CEC’s in a copy shop or at home. The Fastback 9 is June forecast of 15.514 million. suitable for both tape binding and hardcover “The yields are relatively good across the book binding, and has a binding time of 35- country. Already over 50% of the crop has been 45 seconds - 3.5 times faster than traditional If you’re not 100% happy with your purchase, delivered to commercial silos,” said Wandile punch-and-bind systems. Sihlobo, an economist with South African we’ll #paybackthemoney. agribusiness association Agbiz. Price: POA The crop is expected to consist of 9.081 The equipment will be sold to the highest million tonnes of white maize, used mainly for human consumption, and 6.443 million tonnes of bidder. For viewing, and in order to place your yellow maize used mainly in animal feed. bid for this equipment, please contact the The CEC would give its sixth production owner: forecast of the summer crops later yesterday WhatsApp: +266 5180 1574 GREAT STUFF @ GREAT PRICES (Wednesday). Bloomberg Thursday, July 30, 2020 NEWS 17 SPORT Thursday, July 30, 2020 18 NEWS

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Thursday, July 30, 2020 NEWS 19

New contactless touchscreen technology developed by Jaguar Land Rover and the University of Cambridge will help keep drivers’ eyes on the road and reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses in a Touchscreen to help fight post COVID-19 world. The patented technology, known as 'predictive touch', uses artificial intelligence and sensors to predict a user’s intended target on the touchscreen – whether that’s satellite navigation, temperature bacteria and viruses controls or entertainment settings – without touching a button. The pioneering system, developed with engineers at the University of Cambridge, is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s Destination Zero vision – a desire to make its vehicles safer and the environment cleaner and healthier. In the ‘new normal’ once lockdowns around the world are lifted, a greater emphasis will be placed on safe, clean mobility where personal space and hygiene will carry premiums. Jaguar Land Rover vehicles are already designed to help improve passenger wellbeing, with innovations including a Driver Condition Monitor, engine noise cancellation and cabin air ionisation with PM2.5 filtration to capture ultrafine particles and allergens. New technology like predictive touch is another step forward as we address the wider landscape of mobility, from how customers connect with mobility services, to the infrastructure required to enable fully integrated, autonomous vehicles in our cities, like Project Vector. Lab-tests and on-road trials showed the predictive touch technology could reduce a driver’s touchscreen interaction effort and time by up to 50%, as well as limiting the spread of bacteria and viruses. Uneven or poor road surfaces can often cause vibrations that make it difficult to select the correct button on a touchscreen. This means drivers must take their attention away from the road, increasing the risk of an accident. The technology uses artificial intelligence to determine the item the user intends to select on said: “As countries around the world exit lockdown, on drivers and increasing the amount of time they interactive displays are something most people the screen early in the pointing task, speeding up we notice how many everyday consumer can spend focused on the road ahead. This is a key use multiple times per day, but they can be the interaction. A gesture tracker uses vision- transactions are conducted using touchscreens: part of our Destination Zero journey.” difficult to use while in motion, whether that’s based or radio frequency-based sensors, which railway or cinema tickets, ATMs, airport check-ins This software-based solution for contactless driving a car or changing the music on your phone are increasingly common in consumer electronics, and supermarket self-service checkouts, as well as interactions has reached high technology readiness while you’re running. We also know that certain to combine contextual information such as user many industrial and manufacturing applications. levels and can be seamlessly integrated into pathogens can be transmitted via surfaces, so this profile, interface design and environmental Predictive touch technology eliminates the need existing touchscreens and interactive displays, technology could help reduce the risk for that type conditions with data available from other sensors, to touch an interactive display and could therefore so long as the correct sensory data is available to of transmission.” such as an eye-gaze tracker, to infer the user’s reduce the risk of spreading bacteria or viruses on support the machine learning algorithm. The predictive touch technology was also a intent in real time. surfaces. Professor Simon Godsill from Cambridge finalist in the annual Jaguar Land Rover Innovista Lee Skrypchuk, Human Machine Interface “The technology also offers us the chance to University’s Department of Engineering led Awards which champions innovative ideas from Technical Specialist, at Jaguar Land Rover, make vehicles safer by reducing the cognitive load the project. He said: “Touchscreens and other across the business. Thursday, July 30, 2020 20 NEWS

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13. Female sheep 40. "I read you" 54 55 56 21. Extreme 42. 42. Tragic wave 22. " the season…" 45. Slanted 57 58 59 60 61 25. Destroyer destroyer 46. Remembrance Day mo. 26. Work out 47. Sailplane 27. Kind of wrench 48. Sidestepped 62 63 64 29. Listening device 52. Dangerous bacteria 30. Car ad abbr. 53. Recycle 65 66 67 31. Military call 54. Wrapped garment 32. Untwist 55. Depressed 33. Part of an act 56. Hightailed it 37. Managed 57. Video maker, for short 38. Tuesday (Mardi Gras) 58. Crackerjack ACROSS 35. Canvas 65. "M*A*S*H" extra 39. Citrus grove Defective 1. Priests' vestments 36. Release 66. Frost-covered 5. It's outstanding 38. Pardoned 67. Went out, as a fire 9. Window alternative 41. Open delight 14. Lampblack 42. Tropical root DOWN So You Think You are Geneius 15. Civil Aviation agency 43. Sawbuck 1. Pronto 16. Fruit tree 44. Loading platform 2. Prizefighter Joe 17. One for the road 49. Look at 3. Bungle Question (Answer next week) 18. Closed 50. Balsam 4. Stirs up 19. Picture 51. "When pigs fly!" 5. Shows off This is an unusual paragraph. I'm curious how quickly you can find out 20. Treat 54. Redeeming quality 6. Genuine what is so unusual about it. It looks so plain you would think nothing is 23. Beach souvenir 57. Conspiracy 7. Type of architecture wrong with it. In fact, nothing is wrong with it! It is unusual though. Study 24. Mideast ruler 60. Challenge 8. Emblems it, and think about it, but you still may not find anything odd. But if you 25. Today 61. Adorn 9. Queen's home work at it a bit, you might find out. Try to do so without any coaching! 28. A luxury car or house 62. Mites 10. Poetic foot 31. Greyhound, e.g. 63. Arab ruler 11. Health resort 34. Swedish rug 64. "If all fails..." 12. Fall behind

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Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, each column and each 3x3 square contain all the from 1-9

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Last Week's Solution Thursday, July 30, 2020 SPORTSNEWS 21 Rugby DISPROCO dismisses Matlama’s case TEBOHO JAFETA of the leagues as well as the extension of the LeFA statutes. federation [email protected] season to July 31, as well as the circulars related to Particularly given that all are affected by the the four options that both LeFA NEC and Premier COVID-19 pandemic, DISPROCO further ruled MASERU – The Dispute Resolutions Committee League Management Committee (PLMC) had that based on LeFA Statutes, Article 50 empowers appoints new (DISPROCO) on Friday dismissed a case in which proposed. the NEC to make decisions on this matter and the Matlama FC challenged the Lesotho Football LeFA’s lawyer Attorney Qhalehang Letsika decision to end the season with all other matters Association (LeFA) National Executive Committee submitted a Lesotho Government Gazette to are indeed correct and legal as per the statutes. sponsorship (NEC) for declaring Bantu FC premier league the effect that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The regulations cannot be regarded as champions for the 2019/2020 season. sporting activities including football have been the situation does not allow for normalcy, the Representing Matlama, Attorney Tumisang suspended. committee also noted. director Mosotho had argued that LeFA’s NEC meeting was Handing down judgment, the chairperson With regards the decision being fair, the invalid as the members did not form a quorum. of DISPROCO Advocate Shale Shale applauded DISPROCO ruled that Matlama FC did not He said he could not understand the logic Matlama for taking on the NEC on its resolution challenge the issue of procedure adding that the behind LeFA awarding the Good Play and Bad Play pursuant to their rights as members of LeFA. NEC had gone through the requisite procedure. at the same time by resolving that there would be He said the disputed issues are whether or not The DISPROCO further ruled that the NEC no relegations. the decision reached by LeFA NEC was supported was fair in its decision based on reasonability. Mosotho contended that if those by the law, whether or not it was fair and whether Looking at article 48 of LeFA regulations, circumstances were not catered for in the law, or not the NEC was properly constituted. Matlama stood on a point of NEC failing to LeFA could have amended the law to accommodate Regarding the NEC resolution, it was pointed amend the rules before making their decisions, the situation and not to take decisions that are out that Matlama failed to substantiate their claim but the DISPROCO dismissed it on account of parallel with the law. on NEC not forming the quorum. The DISPROCO retrospectiveness. For his part, Bantu’s lawyer Advocate Tefo ruled against this saying that Matlama brought In the hearing Manonyane FC were Rabolinyane referred to the FIFA circulars 1712 this matter up during the case. represented by Adv Dominic Metlae while CCX and 1714 that serve to create awareness about the With regards to the issue raised by Matlama FC and Galaxy FC were not represented. dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic. as to whether or not the decision was supported However, Galaxy supported Matlama's protest He further referred to the plethora of circulars by the laws of LeFA, DISPROCO ruled that LeFA while Bantu, Manonyane and were behind LeFA and press releases to the effect of the suspension NEC resolution was based on the provisions of the NEC’s resolutions.

FLR boss Litšitso Motšeremeli

TEBOHO JAFETA [email protected]

MASERU – The Federation of Lesotho Rugby (FLR) has finally filled the sponsorship director portfolio which appears in their structure and has appointed a South African, Vino Ralvin Frieslaar, to work in that role. FLR secretary general Litšitso Motšeremeli told Metro that the portfolio already existed in the federation administration structure but it had since not been effected. “This is the first time that we fill such portfolio. It has been in existence but was not operational,” he said. Motšeremeli said Frieslaar joins the federation on performance basis payment contract. “The sport is still voluntary in Lesotho, so our agreement with him states that he will be paid based on his performance. If he reaches a certain target we set, he will earn a certain percentage of the sponsorship he secured,” he said. “Frieslaar has pledged to help us secure sponsorship that will see our team, Kingdom Select play at the professional level in the Rugby Carrie cup. Kingdom Select, previously known as Maseru Select currently play in the Free State Rugby league in South Africa, which is the amateur level,” Motšeremeli added. He said playing in the Carrie cup is something Lesotho teams are far from reaching as local rugby is still at amateur level. The federation he said told Frieslaar to first focus on securing sponsorship for national teams and the administration before the Carrie cup follows. “We considered him for this portfolio because he is also a coach, we were also interested in his technical expertise, hence we plan to utilise him a lot in that department soon. “By playing in the Carrie cup, our players will be able to earn a living as they will be playing at a professional level where there are great financial benefits to both players and the technical team,” he said. For his part, Frieslaar expressed his excitement to be part of the federation as sponsorship director, saying he is already talking to several potential sponsors and is busy drawing up proposals. He said his aim is not just to grow the local rugby body to gain worldwide recognition but he is also keen to develop young players through setting up rugby clinics and programmes for them. “We are also looking at getting the sponsor for the outgoing tool for the federation so that we have a yearly outgoing to another country. I am very excited to be working with the federation and I just see good things lying ahead for us,” he said. Frieslaar showed he acquired his experience from organising rugby tournaments in his community and playing rugby too. He said the issue of getting Lesotho rugby to professional level is something that entirely lies with the players. “It might take three or four years but it is hard to tell. I cannot tell the future but I can see it. It is all up to the team,” Frieslaar added. Thursday, July 30, 2020 22 NEWSSPORTS NationalWeather NewsinSports

Several Matlama FC players have extended their of Lesotho will participate in the tournament. Some contracts with the team. On top of the list is of Lesotho's finest Candidate Masters like Tokelo Klass Lesotho's finest goalkeeper Monaheng Ramalefane and Chief Joang Molapo, Women Candidate Master who extended his contract with Tse-Putsoa for Maboloko Leboela and Women FIDE Master Lieketseng two years. Makume Theletsane is also on the Ngatane will compete in the event. Team Lesotho led list and will be with the team for two years as well. by Mona Mphetole only started competing on July 26 Likewise, Moteloa Khemisi’s new contract will last for starting at Level III. two years. The team’s new signings include Thabo Matšoele and Mohau Rammoneng both from Lesotho Olympian and top sprinter Mosito Lehata Liphakoe FC. (pictured) has expressed his opinions with regards the suspension of sports in Lesotho due to the COVID-19 Liphakoe FC publicist Tau Sebatli has confirmed pandemic. Writing on his facebook page, Lehata said that the club has released both Matšoele and he does not understand why the government cannot Rammoneng after their contracts expired in June. open the Setsoto stadium for non-contact sports, Sebatli said the management is currently in talks especially professional athletes. Part of his statement with other players whose contracts have expired reads, “I understand the situation we are all in now whom they still wish to keep. The team’s head but, we have the Olympic Games next year. We coach Tele Ntšonyane’s contract also expired last have athletes who cannot wait for South Africa month and Sebatli said they are negotiating a way to open its borders so that they can go and make MASERU forward with him. some money.” He said he is aware of thousands of shoppers who go to supermarkets everyday FRIDAY SATURDAY International Chess Federation (FIDE) on but is surprised that the government cannot 22°C / 1°C Tuesday announced that the 2020 Online open the stadium for less than 100 people to Olympiad will be held from July 22 to August 30. train. He accused the government of not SUNDAY The Online Olympiad is a national team event in wanting to make an effort to understand the 20°C / 0°C 22°C / 1°C which all federations affiliated to FIDE have the athletes’ situation because it does know what right to participate. About 12 members of the Chess Federation they go through. MAFETENG

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MOHALE'S HOEK

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SUNDAY 21°C / 3°C 24°C / 5°C THABA TSEKA FRIDAY SATURDAY 13°C / 2°C

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MOKHOTLONG

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BUTHA BUTHE

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LERIBE

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BEREA

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SUNDAY 16°C / 2°C 17°C / 5°C Thursday, July 30, 2020 SPORTSNEWS 23 Seetane new Kick4Life’s director of football TEBOHO JAFETA Seetane attended the Seetane spent his childhood in [email protected] Northwestern University on a soccer America from the age of 12 until 2017 scholarship where he was a starter for when he returned home. MASERU - Former Kick4Life four years. Tlopo said when Seetane midfielder, Lepe Seetane, has been In an interview with Metro, arrived in Lesotho in 2017, he joined appointed the team’s new director Kick4Life media relations officer Kick4Life as an operation intern and of football, a few weeks after his Reitumetse Tlopo confirmed Seetane’s was appointed country director of the predecessor Chris Bullock left the appointment, saying it occurred after Academy in 2018. post for an advisor role. Bullock’s contract expired last month. He also played for the senior The Northwestern University “Lepekola (Seetane) has been Kick4Life team from 2018 until the College Soccer Training Centre and appointed Kick4Life director of 2019/2020 football season ended. Political Science graduate takes the football, but I currently do not have Meanwhile, Maleshoane Mokhathi new role back home after a long spell his contract details as he is just has been appointed the country Kick4Life's new director of football Lepe Seetane in the United States of America (USA) meeting Kick4Life management director of Kick4Life Academy to fill where he pursued his high school and today (Thursday) to discuss his full Seetane’s shoes. long-term sustainable development in children and young people with varsity education. contract,” he said. Kick4Life are a football club the Mountain Kingdom. intensive academic support, football Before he returned to Lesotho, Tlopo showed that Seetane will be dedicated to social change. As a Kick4Life provide a wide range coaching and character development, he coached an American club, United given a mandate in that management charity and a social enterprise, its of social interventions around health with the aim of supporting 1996 FC, the team he played for, for meeting, adding that thereafter; they mission is to transform the lives of education & life skills, with their participants to genuine life-changing six years and which honoured him as will have further details regarding his vulnerable young people in Lesotho. flagship programme, the Kick4Life opportunities at international one of the best players it ever had. new role. In doing this, Kick4Life promote Academy providing vulnerable universities. Bantu sweat on new deals for star duo MASERU - Recently crowned “Like I have said, all the players 2019/2020 Econet Premier League are very important to the team and Champions Bantu are working I’m adamant that those that are yet around the clock to tie down out of to sign, will agree to new deals,” contract duo of Hlompho Kalake Mafoso said. and Tsietsi Khooa into new deals. Mafoso showed he had a chat The two are among several with both Kalake and Khooa and Bantu key players, whose contracts they told him that they are happy had come to the end with the to remain in the books of the 2019/20 season and the club has Mafeteng based outfit. since confirmed that stars such “I talked with them and they as Lindokuhle Phungulwa, Lazola assured me that they will remain Jokojokwana and Bokang Sello with the club and will sign new have already penned new deals. contracts. Of course, the worry Bantu coach Bob Mafoso told is to lose them to our rivals in the this publication Econet Premier that he is League, but we adamant that would understand Kalake and We had about 6-7 if they were to leave Khooa, will also for green pastures follow suit by of our key players outside the country,” signing new that were out of the Bantu mentor contracts to be said. part of the A contract at the “The update Matšo Matebele end of the 2019/20 I received from squad that will season and most of the club was that participate in the negotiations are at CAF Champions them have already an advanced staged Bantu against Matlama in past premier league tie League in the signed new deals and we are hopeful new season while that by the end of Phume of 700 Sports Management, also aiming to and I’m happy as this week all will be who is said to be working on different clinch back- the coach to keep completed. options for the hard-tackling defender. to-back league the core of the “I’m happy that Meanwhile, Mafoso further titles. the majority of the explained that club captain Thapelo He said both squad that won us players that were Mokhehle is still part of his plans players remain the league. out of contract have going into the new season despite important already signed new hardly featuring for the club during members of his deals because all of the 2019/2020 season. squad adding it would hurt Bantu’s them will play a key role going into The former Likuena defender brand if they are to lose them to the new season,” he added. has enjoyed a successful spell with their Econet Premier League rivals Kalake had trials with Bantu since joining from Matlama, with Kalake having been heavily Bloemfontein Celtic before the start but has seen little game time over the linked with a move to Linare. of the 2019/2020 season and has last two seasons with Mafoso opting “We had about 6-7 of our key also been linked with Botswana for younger players such as Sello, players that were out of contract at giants, Township Rollers, who have Motlomelo Mkwanazi and Khooa in the end of the 2019/20 season and been long admirers of the talented defence. most of them have already signed Likuena midfielder. “He is still contracted to the new deals and I’m happy as the Khooa on the other side club and will be part of our squad coach to keep the core of the squad recently signed with a South going into the new season,” Mafoso that won us the league. African football agent Lehlohonolo concluded. Bantu coach Bob Mafoso 24 Thursday,EVERY THURSDAY July 30, 2020 LegendsNEWS of Our Time July 30 - August 5, 2020 Chronicles of being a woman in football - Selepe

one of the main objectives she pursued during her time as the women football committee chairperson. Mokhosi is currently a member of the COSAFA Women Committee and is also part of the organising committee for COSAFA since 2017. She participated in the COSAFA women cup since 2017 as a match commissioner and also in the FIFA Olympic qualifiers in 2019. She attended the first Africa Women football symposium in Morocco in 2018. Senate Letsie, the Mountain Kingdom superstar remains Mokhosi’s favourite player currently. The former Kick4Life Ladies forward rose to the peak of her career with the Old Europa side. Her brilliant displays earned her a college scholarship to study in the United States of America. She remains the favourite forward in the country, though Boitumelo Rabale has won many hearts over as a player and captain generally. During her times though, Mpolokeng Tjopa was her favourite then. As a woman in the male dominated game, she also maintains that there are numerous challenges that women face as compared to their male counterparts. She explains the main challenges as societal, cultural and economic. “Our society still believes that it is inappropriate for a girl child to play football, they think it is boys’ only MASERU – Hailing from the dusty international matches include her and received a Level One coaching exceptionally well and that convinced sport,” she adds. village of Tšenola in Maseru, the debut in 1998 against Mozambique at certificate from the Lesotho Football the Mozambique team to propose a She also mentions the issue of legendary Puseletso ‘Selepe’ Mokhosi the Setsoto Stadium. She also recalls Association (LEFA). friendly game after the COSAFA as financial aid, adding that when it comes has come to be one of the greatest her last international match with She was later in 2010 appointed part of their preparation to host the All to women football, financially; they female footballers the Mountain Mehalalitoe in Zambia at the COSAFA assistant coach of the Under-20 women Africa games. struggle tremendously. Kingdom has ever had. cup in 2006. national team. In that role, she did In 2013, Mokhosi was appointed In terms of administration issues, She was raised in the notorious area Her career in the national team quite well and lasted for a couple of the assistant coach of Mehalalitoe and she says women football is very where being a gangster is considered lasted for a massive eight years. years until she was promoted to be the the team played quite a number of different from the men’s. She says with to a cool lifestyle but Mokhosi opted to Mokhosi relished most of her interim women senior national team international friendly games. men football, there is a clear technical play for a not-so-organised boys’ team international calls as an attacking assistant coach in 2011. She was then promoted to the team, but with girls, one person in her home village. midfielder. In the same year, she was appointed position of head coach in 2015 and coaches and does administrative work She was born in 1983 and is the “In my playing days, there were interim head coach of the same senior served in that position until 2017. simultaneously. third of the four children in her family - no junior national teams, so I started national team. She is currently the assistant coach She adds that there are also major two boys and two girls. Her journey in playing for the senior team as the Mokhosi has a collection of various of Kick4Life Ladies and has been with gender differences in how women football started at a tender age of five. Under-20 team was only introduced in football certificates. In January 2012, the team for the past eight years. When football is run. She began to play football in a boys’ 2010 while the Under-17 is only coming she attended a women coaching she first joined the team in 2012, she As much as she is so well- team and first played in a girls’ club together now,” she says. instructors’ course in Ethiopia where was the head coach but was demoted to decorated, she still maintains that when she joined Tšenola FC in 1995. In those days, Mokhosi recalls she acquired a certificate of attendance. the position of assistant coach in 2019. players must make it their mission After she proved her prowess on how they only played in the schools’ In July 2012, she attended women Mokhosi has made a mark and to see to it that they survive the life the soccer field, several other women’s tournament known as Confederation coaching instructors’ course in name for herself ever since she hung up beyond their playing days. clubs started lining up for her. of Schools Sports Associations in Cameroon and received a certificate her soccer boots. She was trained as the “The most important thing is they She did not remain long with her Southern Africa (COSSASA). of attendance. He also obtained a CAF instructor of coaches. Through being must go to school and do well while maiden team as she joined the now With about 30 caps under her coaching B Licence in April 2014. appointed the CAF match commissioner at it. Our football has just started to defunct Arsenal Ladies in 1999 before belt, she says there were not so many In November 2016, she attended the for the period 2019–2021, Mokhosi is be a career and the opportunities are she went on to play for the National international games back then as CAF 4th Refresher Coaching Course for the current match commissioner of the very limited. So, when they are at least University of Lesotho (NUL) team, compared to today. Elite Women Instructors in Cameroon local women football. educated, they can easily find good Rovers Ladies from 2001. Two years She was given the nickname and was recognised as a CAF Coaches One of her greatest achievements paying jobs or be self-employed,” she down the line, Mokhosi joined Maseru “Selepe” meaning - The Axe, due to her Instructor. She is so far the most highly as a woman in a male dominated sport says, commenting on the power of Celtic Ladies. rough style of play. qualified Mosotho female football coach. was being elected the chairperson education to everybody and not just From 1998 until 2006, Mokhosi did When she officially retired As assistant coach, she led of the National Women Football athletes. national service with the senior national from competitive football, Mokhosi Mehalalitoe to the 2011 COSAFA cup in Committee in 2017. Empowering Mokhosi is not married and has no team Mehalalitoe. Her most memorable enrolled for a coaching course in 2007 Zimbabwe where the team performed women in football administration is children of her own.