by Boitumelo Sekotlo | Jun 7, 2026 | Latest
Maseru, Lesotho – 28 May 2026, Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS), through its Restoring Family Links (RFL) Programme, conducted a humanitarian visit to Maseru Central Prison on 28 May 2026.
During the visit, LRCS distributed hygiene kits to vulnerable inmates identified in collaboration with the Lesotho Correctional Service. The kits contained essential personal hygiene items, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, roll-on deodorant, body lotion, and face towels. These items are intended to promote personal hygiene, health, and dignity among inmates.
In addition to the hygiene support, LRCS provided vegetable seeds to encourage winter gardening within the correctional facility. The initiative aims to enhance food production, promote self-sufficiency, and contribute to the nutritional well-being of inmates through sustainable gardening practices.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Mr. Sechaba Mokhameleli, Secretary General of the Lesotho Red Cross Society, explained that at the Lesotho Red Cross Society, they believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, regardless of their circumstances.
“Through the provision of hygiene kits and support for food production, we are helping to improve the well-being of vulnerable inmates while reinforcing our commitment to humanity and compassion. Small acts of support can make a meaningful difference in restoring hope and dignity,” he said.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Deputy District Commissioner Leluma Mahlelebe expressed his appreciation to the Lesotho Red Cross Society for the support provided to the correctional facility.
“We are grateful to the Lesotho Red Cross Society for this timely and meaningful donation. The hygiene kits will contribute to improving the well-being and dignity of inmates, while the seeds will play a significant role in strengthening our food production efforts. Given the challenges we face in providing adequate food for the growing inmate population, this support will go a long way in supplementing our resources and enhancing food security within the facility,” he said.
The activity forms part of the Society’s humanitarian efforts to address the needs of vulnerable populations and uphold the dignity of individuals in places of detention. By providing practical support and fostering opportunities for food production, LRCS continues to contribute to improving the living conditions and well-being of inmates.
The Lesotho Red Cross Society extends its appreciation to the Lesotho Correctional Service for its cooperation and support in facilitating the successful implementation of the activity.
Through initiatives such as these, LRCS remains committed to its humanitarian mission of alleviating suffering, protecting human dignity, and providing assistance to those most in need.
by Boitumelo Sekotlo | Mar 26, 2026 | Latest
The Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) has partnered with Eagles Fire and Safety Protection and the Road Safety Health Shield Organization to strengthen emergency response capacity in the country. The initiative, unveiled at a press conference held at the Correctional Training Centre, focuses on providing first aid and fire safety training for taxi and mini-bus drivers, who are often the first on the scene in road accidents.
Mr. Molefe Ratsoane, Public Relations Officer for Eagles Fire and Safety Protection, emphasized that taxi drivers carry thousands of lives daily. Training them in first aid and fire response will enable them to save lives that might otherwise be lost in accidents. He referenced tragic incidents, including a car accident in Kolonyama and a school bus fire at Lakeside, to highlight the urgent need for such interventions.
On the other hand, Mr. Atang Molefinyane, Chairperson of the Road Safety Health Shield Organization, explained that the program will cover both first aid and fire safety. He noted that other than that, many drivers struggle to access health services due to time constraints and financial pressures, underscoring the need for tailored support. This was revealed by the research they undertook as an organization. The partnership will secure funds, design strategic plans, and implement training that directly addresses drivers’ needs.
Mr. Nordeen Goolam from Eagles’ training department stressed practical safety measures, urging drivers to avoid smoking in vehicles, ensure proper wiring, and keep fire extinguishers mounted within reach rather than locked in the boot. He emphasized that careless driving and lack of preparedness often turn accidents into fatal tragedies.
On the other hand, Ms. Paballo Thatho, First Aid Training Officer at LRCS, highlighted the importance of First Aid kits in every car. She explained that proper training ensures that first aid helps rather than worsens a situation. LRCS will provide certified training and motorist first aid kits to drivers who successfully complete the program.
Representatives of taxi associations voiced strong support for the initiative. Ntate Letsie suggested that first aid and fire safety training should be integrated into traffic law, making it a requirement before obtaining a driver’s license.
This partnership marks a significant step toward reducing fatalities from road accidents in Lesotho. By empowering taxi drivers with essential emergency response skills, LRCS and its partners aim to build a safer transport system and protect lives across the nation.
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.
