Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lesotho Times
Published on 2024-03-13 12:19:37
The Government Secretary, Teboho Mokela, has issued a strong warning to civil servants affiliated with the Coalition of Lesotho Public Employees (COLEPE) against participating in a go-slow protest planned for this week. COLEPE, an organization not officially recognized by the government under the Public Service Act of 2005, had organized the week-long demonstration to protest the government’s failure to implement a 25 percent wage adjustment as promised in the 2024-25 fiscal budget. Despite the government’s engagement with COLEPE for consultations on mutual issues, Mokela emphasized that civil servants should refrain from engaging in any activities that may disrupt service delivery.
The planned go-slow protest, scheduled from the 11th to the 15th of March, was in response to the government’s proposal of a mere two percent wage adjustment, which COLEPE deemed as inadequate. The organization claimed that Prime Minister Sam Matekane had assured them of the substantial wage increase, prompting them to mobilize their members for the protest action. However, it seemed that the demonstration did not gain traction as government services were operating normally when observed by the Lesotho Times.
In a counter-memo issued on the 12th of March, GS Mokela instructed all Principal Secretaries to ensure that civil servants refrained from participating in any disruptive protests. She emphasized that COLEPE lacked legal recognition as an official association, as outlined in the Public Service Act 2005. Mokela urged all public officers to focus on their duties and responsibilities to maintain service delivery.
Despite the government’s directive, COLEPE urged its members to disregard the warnings and continue with the protest action. COLEPE’s spokesperson, ‘Makatleho Mphetho, criticized the government’s two percent salary adjustment as inadequate and insulting to the civil servants. She highlighted the organization’s commitment to fighting for their rights and demanded further negotiations with the government to address their grievances.
The tension between COLEPE and the government escalated as the organization threatened to extend the protest if negotiations were not initiated promptly. COLEPE had initially planned a street protest but opted for a go-slow demonstration after being denied police clearance. The organization remained adamant in its demand for a 25 percent wage increase and expressed determination to escalate the protest if their demands were not met.
In conclusion, the conflict between COLEPE and the government reflects the challenges faced by public sector employees in Lesotho regarding fair wages and negotiation processes. The standoff highlights the need for effective communication and dialogue between the government and labor organizations to address issues of mutual concern and ensure the well-being of civil servants in the country.
Read the original article on Lesotho Times
