by Boitumelo Sekotlo | Mar 6, 2026 | Divisions, Latest
Quthing, 28 February 2026 — The Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS), working alongside Disaster Management Authority (DMA), and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has extended humanitarian support to a family devastated by a landslide in Mphojoa area at Ha Motsapi Village.
The disaster claimed the lives of two young boys, aged 8 and 6, after a huge rock rolled into their home, demolishing the house.
Following a rapid assessment, LRCS, DMA, MSD provided the bereaved household with food packages, cooking utensils, clothing and food for a newborn baby, as well as bedding.
The intervention was particularly urgent as the boys’ mother, who was heavily pregnant at the time of the incident, was also affected.
According to Mr. Maphoma Mosaola, Senior Branch Development Officer for Quthing, the assessment team endured a four-hour walk to reach the remote village, using a South African route due to the absence of road and bridge access after heavy rains washed away the local bridge.
“The heavily pregnant mother was taken to hospital where she gave birth, hence the assistance of newborn clothes and food by the Lesotho Red Cross Society,” he explained.
Mr. Mosaola further noted that the family had no alternative housing at the time and was later relocated to a nearby village with the assistance of the area chief.
Area Chief Mabakoena Motsapi shared harrowing details of the incident, explaining that the younger child was still alive when he was pulled from the demolished house.
Chief Motsapi noted that the child’s survival chances were dashed by the collapse of a nearby footbridge, which delayed urgent rescue efforts.
“Had it not been for the collapsed footbridge, the child’s life would have been saved,” he said.
The chief’s remarks have underscored the devastating impact of infrastructure challenges in rural communities, where collapsed bridges and unsafe structures can turn accidents into tragedies.
Mr. Vuyani Blayi, head of the bereaved family, expressed his anguish, saying he still struggles to comprehend the tragedy. Speaking with deep sorrow, Mr. Blayi said,
“I still cannot believe that I lost two children at the same time. It would have been better if they had fallen sick, because then I would have taken care of them, rather than losing two healthy children at once.”
The burial of the two boys is scheduled for 14 March 2026.
Through this intervention, LRCS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable families during emergencies, ensuring that immediate needs are met while communities begin the process of recovery.
by Boitumelo Sekotlo | Feb 19, 2026 | Latest
The Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) provided immediate assistance to 17 students during Career Expo outreach activities conducted for 10 districts. Of these, 16 learners were treated after fainting, while one student received support for an asthma-related condition.
All cases were promptly attended to by the LRCS First Aid team on site, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants throughout the event.
According to Ms. Paballo Thatho, LRCS First Aid Officer, the majority of the fainting cases were linked to hunger and dehydration.
“Most of these students came from far places, and when asked, they indicated that they were hungry,” she explained.
Ms. Thatho advised teachers and students to ensure that learners eat on time and carry water bottles during such events to prevent fainting and other health complications associated with hunger and dehydration.
LRCS participated in the event by providing First Aid coverage while simultaneously promoting the spirit of volunteerism among young people. Through live demonstrations and interactive engagements, LRCS showcased essential First Aid skills and emphasized the importance of being prepared to respond effectively during emergencies.
Ms. Thatho further noted that the Career Expo provided an excellent platform to reach a large number of students with practical First Aid knowledge.
“The Career Expo has been a great channel to talk to students and demonstrate First Aid skills, enabling us to reach more young people who can respond correctly during emergencies,” she said.
She added that many learners expressed strong interest in acquiring First Aid skills, a need that LRCS stands ready to address through its training programmes.
Beyond First Aid, LRCS also used the platform to encourage youth participation in humanitarian work.
The LRCS National Society Development Coordinator, Ms. Lintle Mathosi, highlighted the value of volunteerism in building resilient communities. She emphasized that volunteering in a humanitarian organization brings peace of mind, knowing that one is giving hope to the hopeless and assisting those in need.
A total of about 184 schools participated in the Career Expo activities, reflecting the wide reach and impact of the initiative across districts.
Through its participation, LRCS seeks to leave a lasting impression on young people by clearly demonstrating what it means to be a volunteer and why volunteerism plays a critical role in building safer, stronger communities.
The Lesotho Red Cross Society remains committed to empowering youth, strengthening community resilience, and promoting a culture of preparedness and service throughout the country.
The first leg of the impactful Career Expo commenced in Mokhotlong District on Monday, 9 February 2026, marking an important step in empowering young people to make informed decisions about their future.
Organized by Mind Liberation Psychology Consultancy, the Career Expo brings together key service providers and higher learning institutions to engage directly with high school learners. The platform enables students to explore opportunities available beyond high school and equips them with knowledge to choose career paths aligned with their interests and aspirations.
Among the tertiary institutions present were National University of Lesotho (NUL), Botho University, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Lesotho College of Education, Wits University, University of the Free State, Other tertiary institutions.
The keynote address was delivered by Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso, whose presence underscored the importance of education and youth empowerment in national development.
by Boitumelo Sekotlo | Feb 10, 2026 | Latest, Uncategorised
The Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to building safer, more resilient communities through strengthened First Aid capacity. On 5th February 2026, LRCS officially launched the “First Aid for All: Saving Lives, Sustaining Impact in Lesotho” project, marking a significant step toward decentralizing lifesaving knowledge across the country.
Speaking at the launch, LRCS Secretary General Mr. Sechaba Mokhameleli emphasized that First Aid is not only a global priority but also the foundation of the Red Cross Movement. He highlighted LRCS’s dedication to increasing both the number and the impact of trained First Aiders, who will in turn be equipped to train others.
“Life-saving work cannot be carried out by only a few people,” he said, underscoring the importance of ensuring that First Aid knowledge reaches every district in Lesotho.
Through this initiative, 100 community-based volunteers, ten from each district, will be trained to serve as frontline responders within their communities. In addition, 20 participants (two per district) will undergo Training of Trainers to ensure that First Aid knowledge and skills are sustained and continuously passed on at community level.
Mr. Mokhameleli also stressed the importance of integrating First Aid training with transport licensing, noting that many injuries occur as a result of road accidents.
“Too often, accident victims are rushed to health facilities while still alive, but due to a lack of basic First Aid knowledge, lives are lost along the way,” he said.
He further explained that the initiative comes at a time when LRCS has entered into several strategic partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding with key sectors. These include a five-year MoU signed in June 2025 with the Lesotho Defense Force to strengthen national emergency and disaster response, collaboration with the Ministry of Education to integrate First Aid training into schools, and growing interest from the Ministry of Health to train Village Health Workers. LRCS has also submitted a proposal to the Government of Lesotho to ensure that all vehicle users receive First Aid training, reinforcing the organization’s vision of safer, more resilient communities.
The launch event was attended by representatives from the Lesotho Defense Force, Lesotho Correctional Services, Lesotho Mounted Police Services, Disaster Management Authority, and National Security Services, among others reflecting strong national support for the initiative.
Stakeholders echoed the importance of the program. Ms. Ts’epang Maama, Stakeholder Manager at the Disaster Management Authority (DMA), emphasized that First Aid should be a universal skill across workplaces. “An emergency is not planned, it can happen anywhere at any time, and there would be a need to save lives. Saving lives is a responsibility of everyone,” she said.
Similarly, Mr. Muso Lehlokoa, Fire Chief, highlighted the vulnerability of certain communities. He explained that some villages are more prone to accidents, making it essential to train local residents in First Aid so they can respond effectively.
“There is a need to train members of those communities on First Aid to allow them to save lives by offering good First Aid rather than making matters worse.,” he noted.
With these efforts, LRCS continues to prioritize First Aid as the difference between life and death, ensuring that communities across Lesotho are better prepared to respond to emergencies and save lives. The project is supported by the Turkish Red Crescent to the tune of 450,000 Maloti, further strengthening its impact and sustainability.
by Boitumelo Sekotlo | Jun 9, 2025 | Latest
The Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS), in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Ministry of Defence, officially launched a four- day Local International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Committee training on 09 June 2025 at Thaba- Bosiu, Maseru.
The training brings together key national stakeholders- among them the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Local Government, and security agencies- as well as the National University of Lesotho and the Lesotho Red Cross Society. This initiative is part of a broader one- year IHL project designed to revitalize Lesotho’s Local IHL Committee and bolster humanitarian diplomacy.
In her opening remarks, the Principal Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Mabataung Khalane, emphasized Lesotho’s unwavering commitment to IHL, stating, “This workshop marks the intention and commitment of the government of Lesotho to observe the international law that regulates relations between states, international organizations, and other subjects that are party to international law.”
She further stressed that “The National IHL Committee must play a pivotal role in educating the nation and be the flag bearer for the protection of the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems, which are internationally recognised as symbols of peace.” Her remarks reaffirmed the government’s role in ensuring domestic implementation through legislative and administrative measures that uphold IHL obligations.
From the ICRC, Regional Legal Advisor Ms. Sarah Mabeza highlighted the importance of adapting humanitarian law to evolving global realities. “We urge governments to adopt and adapt IHL to changing circumstances,” she said, adding, “We will have the chance to discuss new technologies- how war is adapting and changing, and how the law perhaps needs to keep up with the realities on the ground.”
Highlighting Lesotho’s unique position, she noted: “Even as a peaceful country, Lesotho has shown great passion and leadership in supporting IHL. We are proud to continue our long- standing partnership.”
The training sessions will cover key themes such as the classification of armed conflict, protection of civilians, the role of the IHL Committee, and the intersection between IHL and human rights. It will also feature practical discussions on how to integrate IHL in national frameworks and security doctrine, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Lesotho Defence Force and LRCS.
This training marks a vital step in strengthening national capacity, ensuring that Lesotho remains a regional advocate for the principles of humanity, neutrality, and the rule of law- even in times of peace.
by Boitumelo Sekotlo | Mar 10, 2025 | Latest
With the support of The International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent (IFRC), Lesotho Red Cross Society is implementing a five-years (October 2024-Ocober 2029) Anticipatory Action for cold waves in Maseru, Mokhotlong, Qacha’s Nek Butha-Buthe, Quthing and Thaba-Tseka.
On Thursday the 06th March 2025, LRCS held an induction workshop to stakeholders; targeting Lesotho Metrological Services (LMS), Disaster Management Authority (DMA), Social Development, Forestry, Agriculture and Local Government at Maseru.
The AA project aims at addressing challenges posed by severe cold events occurring outside the expected winter season and can have detrimental effects on human lives and livelihoods. LRCS aims to address the critical impacts of severe cold, including supporting the provision of early warning messaging targeting public transport taxi associations, herders and community at large.
Provision of unconditional cash to support to families with school aged children and with very low income, who also suffer disproportionately in extreme cold weather due to lack of appropriate school shoes and clothing often resulting in children skipping school and contracting cold induced illness. This intervention will also provide 500 most vulnerable herders who are selected through community targeting and farmers association groups with winter clothing packs.
by Boitumelo Sekotlo | Feb 12, 2025 | Latest
Following the state of emergency that was announced by Lesotho’s Prime Minister as a result of severe heatwaves, the Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) implemented the Emergency Appeal project in five Southern districts (Maseru, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing and Qacha’s Nek with the aim of assisting 2500 households whose livelihoods are severely affected by drought.
The project provided the beneficiaries with unrestricted cash transfers of M1500 for 3 months per household, homestead gardening seeds (Rape, beetroot, carrots and spinach), field crops seeds (beans and maize), fruit trees (apple and peaches) among others.
Following the distributions, LRCS with the support of the International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) conducted a monitoring visit from the 28th to 30th January 2025 at Maseru, Mafeteng and Quthing with the purpose of tracking and provision of technical support and recommendations going forward.
It was revealed that the beneficiaries did not only use the funds for groceries, they also started some income generating activities such as small business so as to have sustainable income. “I planted the vegetables and I am able to feed my family and sell some to the community,” Mrs Molise. She further indicated that the source of capital was mainly from the second cash transfer received. As she concluded she also stated that she is now able to take her children to school and they no longer go on an empty stomach.
On behalf of the district project managers / Divisional Secretaries Ms. ‘Mabulara Motlomelo emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the implementation “We are working hand in hand with other stakeholders in ensuring that the project is successful. We would have not been this far if we were not working together for the betterment of the communities we serve.”
The project manager Ms. Sebongile Hlubi said the main aim of the project was to respond to the state of emergency of food insecurity by improving household food insecurity caused by drought.
“I see ourselves as LRCS together with our partners trying to contribute to various aspects. Talking of food security, we have managed to capacitate beneficiaries with climate smart agricultural practices such as trench, keyhole gardening, banana plots among others, which is already benefiting beneficiaries”. Said Ms. Hlubi.
She further indicated that seeds were distributed to 2500 households although they were delayed. She concluded by indicating that the project is doing very well and hopes throughout the implementation, the implementers will be at a stage to say they really achieved the objective.
