Fireworks expected at LCD conference

MASERU – TWO factions of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) are set to go toe-to-toe as the party meets for a much anticipated elective conference this weekend.

Party leader Mothetjoa Metsing, whose position is not up for grabs, is leading a faction that is fiercely opposed to another group led by embattled secretary general Teboho Sekata.

Sekata is seeking to wrestle the post of deputy leader from the incumbent Tšeliso Mokhosi, who is in Metsing’s camp.

Mokhosi told thepost, this week that party members should vote for him because he was a tried and tested cadre whom they know.

“They know that I work hard when given the opportunity,” Mokhosi said, adding that his party members know that he could also deliver.

He said he did not nominate himself and this shows that the people see him as a genuine leader.

He said LCD members see him as an important candidate to help the party go forward.

The Metsing faction is also rooting for Motšelisi Mokhethi to be the secretary-general replacing Sekata.

Another member in the Metsing faction is Dr ’Maseabata Ramathebane, a renowned nursing academic, who is vying to be the party’s treasurer.

The Metsing’s camp also has a former police officer, Mokete Moshanyana, contesting for the position of deputy secretary.

Thabang Pheko, who is the current party chairman, has been nominated for the same position by the Metsing faction.

Motlatsi Matipi is being touted to be Pheko’s deputy.

Apesi Ratšele, the current spokesman, has been nominated to retain the position.

Ratšele told thepost that he will work hard to unify and grow the party even more if voted back into office.

He promised to bring stability for the party, saying he has cordial relations with Lesotho journalists.

“I performed my job well in the past six years,” Ratšele said.

“I will continue doing that to help our party,” he said.

Pusetso Montšo is nominated for the deputy spokesman’s position.

Another nominated member, Lineo Tlali, has been nominated for the position of the first ordinary member of the national executive committee.

The second nominated ordinary member in the faction is Sehlooho Monatsi, a former MP who the party appointed a Senator, a move that saw Sekata writing a scathing letter to the party demanding that position.

The rival faction is pushing for Sekata to take over as deputy leader.

“I am busy campaigning even now,” Sekata said yesterday.

The faction wants ’Mamorena Beehle, the chairperson of the Stadium Area constituency, to take over as secretary general. Beehle promised to work selflessly for the party. She said for a long time party officials were driven by self-interests at the expense of the party.

“That is why we never elected the youth committee and the women’s league,” Beehle said.

She said the party has been losing support due to bad leadership.

“I promise to bring changes to the party. I will make sure that even those members who have defected return to the party,” she said.

Beehle said she will also work for unity “as politics is not war but a game to change people’s lives for the better”.

The Sekata faction has nominated Motlatsi Moletsane from the Qacha’s Nek constituency committee for the position of treasurer.

Moletsane says he will work to return the party to its old glory where it won many constituencies.

“We will work for the party’s unity,” he said.

“There is no unity now and we must ensure that everyone feels at home.”

Sefuthi Sefuthi has been nominated for the chairman’s position and is deputised by ’Maisaka Monyolo.

Molupe Sauli has been nominated for the position of party spokesman and is deputised by ’Maleshoboro Moshoeshoe.

Nkheli liphoto