By Majirata Latela
The Southern African Development Conference (SADC) Lawyers Association last week presented a report on the independence of the judiciary in Lesotho. The report was presented to the relevant stakeholders in the judiciary and is meant to assist in reforming the Lesotho judiciary.
The minister of law and constitutional affairs, Nqosa Mahao, the Lesotho Council of Non- Governmental Organisations executive director, Seabata Motsamai and Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane were among the stakeholders who received the report. They said the report came at the right time when Lesotho is working on national reforms.
Sadc Lawyers Association president, Maxwell Xolani indicated that they compiled the report because Lesotho lawyers asked them to come and help them address disputes over the judiciary and to also help them deal with problems that may hinder them from delivering quality services that are needed in the country.
“Some of the problems that we were told of include the constant use of foreign judges, underpayment of judiciary personnel, lack of resources and many others; all these are addressed in the report.
“We came to Lesotho not to be judges but to help where necessary and also because we love Lesotho,” he said when handing over the report.
