Lesotho MPs are advocating for a notable reduction in government spending on international travel, urging that the savings be redirected to combat youth unemployment through various initiatives such as job creation and vocational training. They emphasize the need for budget cuts that not only save costs but also address the urgent unemployment crisis. The debate revealed the rising costs of travel expenses and the importance of reconsidering government priorities.
In Lesotho, Members of Parliament (MPs) have proposed significant reductions in international travel expenditures, advocating for the redirection of savings to combat youth unemployment through various initiatives. Tšeliso Moroke, a member of the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), emphasized this point during a recent debate regarding the national budget for 2025/2026, suggesting that the funds saved should enhance job creation, internships, vocational training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship support.
Several MPs expressed their concerns over the government’s considerable budget allocated for international travel. They argued that any cuts should not solely focus on financial savings but should be strategically reinvested to address the growing unemployment crisis facing the nation. A report by the Portfolio Committee on the Economic and Development Cluster recommended a 50% reduction in such trips, with exceptions made for specific ministries.
Dr. Moroke pointed out that international travel expenses have surged, consuming a significant portion of the national budget with minimal returns. He highlighted that travel expenses, which include per diems and allowances, have markedly increased, rising by 102% in the financial year 2024-2025, and another 72% in the current year. He urged ministries to focus on domestic improvements over international engagements.
Moreover, Democratic Congress (DC) MP Thabiso Lekitla raised concerns about the necessity of business-class travel versus economy-class tickets. Dr. Moroke contended that even economy travel would not impede ministers’ effectiveness, reiterating that international excursions pose a financial risk without corresponding benefits.
Moeketsi Motšoane, another RFP member, called for some funds saved from travel cuts to be redirected to underfunded ministries. He acknowledged the fundamental role of government trips but stressed that certain sacrifices are necessary to enhance budget allocations for ministries tasked with executing critical national projects.
Conversely, BNP leader Machesetsa Mofomobe criticized the logic behind certain government trips, citing examples like learning about street cleaning practices abroad. He questioned the value of such excursions, suggesting that local solutions should be prioritized.
In contrast, Mothetjoa Metsing, leader of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD), proposed a more nuanced approach to travel reductions, advocating that cuts should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis according to individual ministry needs. He argued for a justification process for international travel to ensure budget fairness, particularly for those ministries that have not dramatically increased their travel budgets.
Metsing further emphasized the importance of prioritizing funding for ministries that have potential for job creation, specifically in agriculture, food security, trade, and manufacturing. He noted that the manufacturing sector is particularly significant as it provides extensive employment opportunities, illustrating the need to attract investment and uphold domestic economic growth through careful consideration of international travel costs.
In conclusion, the debate among Lesotho’s MPs highlights a pressing need to reallocate government spending on international trips towards programs aimed at alleviating youth unemployment. MPs have voiced concerns regarding rising travel budgets and their impact on national development. The proposals put forth underscore the importance of prioritizing domestic initiatives and ensuring accountability in government expenditures to better serve the country’s socio-economic challenges.
Original Source: allafrica.com
