By Kabelo Mollo
The sun is out, the birds are chirping and artists are releasing the festive hits. The mood is changing. Even Covid-19 infections seem to have plateaued. A popular eatery in Maseru has been celebrating spring with a photo wall for two weeks now.
It’s the best part of the year. All those “I love winter” tweets have been relegated to the dungeons they belong in. We are wearing our shorts and summer dresses. In his hit song ‘Summer Time’, Will Smith observes: “it’s like the summer’s a natural aphrodisiac…“ Make of that what you will, but ultimately it is incumbent upon us to ensure the good times begin. With any luck the executive will heed this call by stepping up the vaccine drive and then undoing the costly lockdown restrictions.
I said last week I want to focus my energies on positivity and good news stories. No sooner had I written that, it emerged that the draconian bill which set out to have every sim card and electronic device registered and put on a national database had been rejected by the committee in charge and will be reworked. You take whatever victories come! I was very pleased to hear common sense had prevailed and wondered whether it wasn’t spurred on by the column I wrote last week. I’m being facetious of course, but either way, when government listens to industry experts as well as its citizenry and acts accordingly it must be commended.
In this same week Machere ‘Cherino’ Seutloali was sworn in to parliament. This is great news in terms of representation, a young female will surely breathe new life and hopefully add much needed vibrancy to an otherwise geriatric parliament. In a recent conversation somebody told me the fascination with thinking outside the box doesn’t ever recognise who or what the box is. At some point you will become the box. You will revert to type. Innovation will make you uncomfortable, that’s when you know, so hopefully ‘MP Cherino’ will make those that have become the box in that august house uncomfortable.
In the midst of all that good news, I was a little uncomfortable when I read the communication from the COMPOL to his police men and women in blue. For a large part it was a common sense message, but there was an item there that related to WhatsApp, instructing all officers to exit any and all work related groups and to be mindful of the things they say in the platform.
First I wondered how that would be monitored? But second I wondered why the rights of officers should be curtailed simply because of what they do for a living? Why should it be acceptable that you cede your own rights for your occupation? It made me very uncomfortable indeed, and I hope it is reworked, ore reworded at best, so that our police officers are allowed to associate with whomever they wish so long as it is in the confines of the ethics and laws that govern our society.
This is the last time I write this column as a 36-year old. When I next write it I will be teetering right on the brink of old age. In 37 years I have seen, heard and experienced many ups and downs. I have been inspired by many, and disappointed by a few. I have wondered how this great nation lost its way, and been encouraged that it will one day find its way again.
When I blow out my candles next week Thursday, assuming there are candles to blow out, I will wish for a young leader that can inspire this nation to fulfil its potential. I’ll wish for a leader who’s will is for the people, whose aspirations are for this countries people to be great. If ever there was a time for inspired leadership, it is now. I hope that wish is granted, and I sincerely hope this great kingdom returns to its former glory.
