“We need digitisation to combat corruption” — Moorosi 

Mohloai Mpesi 

FOR Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Nthati Moorosi, digitisation is no longer a luxury for Lesotho — it is a necessity. 

From online government services and digital addresses to cyber security laws and artificial intelligence, Ms Moorosi believes technology could transform how Basotho access services while closing loopholes that enable corruption and inefficiency. 

But she admits the journey has been anything but easy. 

In an exclusive interview with the Lesotho Times this week, Ms Moorosi spoke candidly about the frustrations of bureaucracy, the slow pace of government systems, the challenge of digital inclusion, and her vision of turning Lesotho into a fully digital economy. 

Toughest assignment 

Reflecting on her three years in government, Ms Moorosi, who turns 50 this weekend, described public office as far more demanding than many people assume. 

“People think being a minister is glamorous, but for me it is the toughest assignment I have ever had,” she said. 

“To be trusted with changing people’s lives is a very serious responsibility. 

“I always dreamt of being a Minister of Gender growing up, because I believe in women and youth empowerment, hence I started the foundation, Boiketlo Ba Basali. I did not know it was such a hustle to become a minister – that one had to first join politics and fight for that party to be in power. 

She said one of the biggest hurdles had been changing deeply entrenched systems and outdated laws that no longer suit modern governance. 

“We inherited systems that became a culture. Some laws were created for different times and are no longer progressive. Even changing those laws is a long and tedious process.” 

Bureaucractic frustrations 

Coming from the corporate sector into government was a difficult transition, Ms Moorosi admitted. 

She previously worked as a Mass Communication lecturer at the Institute of Extra Mural Studies (IEMS) and Director of Corporate Affairs at Maluti Mountain Brewery, among others. 

“In the corporate world, whenever there was something to be done, I would do it myself, and it would be done. 

“But in the government, I am a minister who gives direction and due to bureaucracy, then processes take forever.” 

She expressed frustration over delays in procurement and implementation processes. 

“You can ask whether money is available for a project and be told yes. Four weeks later, you are still hearing about approvals and advertisements.” 

She said job security within the civil service sometimes reduced urgency and accountability. 

“Because people are permanent and pensionable, some feel there is no need to work harder.” 

Driving a digital economy 

At the centre of Ms Moorosi’s agenda is the ambition to transform Lesotho into a digital economy where citizens can access services online instead of enduring long queues and endless paperwork. 

“The biggest assignment for me was to transform the economy of Lesotho into a digital economy. 

“We want Basotho to apply for services in the comfort of their homes, just as people do in many other countries,” she said. 

She said the ministry first focused on laying the legal and policy groundwork needed for digital transformation before building the technological infrastructure itself. 

“We needed compatible laws, strategies and policies before rolling out the systems. The government is now close to launching an integrated online services platform, complete with an electronic payment gateway that will allow citizens to pay for services digitally instead of using cash. We are almost done.” 

Digital addresses 

One of the ministry’s biggest challenges has been the absence of a proper digital addressing system. 

“When someone applies online, whatever they applied for must reach their home. But our addresses are not digitised, so we need digital addresses. The ministry has already invited proposals for a national digital addressing system linked to GPS coordinates and plot numbers. 

“The government is also expanding internet access across the country through additional telecommunications towers, with support from the African Development Bank. 

“We already cover about 98 percent of the population through existing towers, but villages continue to emerge. We have to continue expanding access,” Ms Moorosi said. 

The smartphone dilemma 

However, Ms Moorosi acknowledged that digital services would mean little if ordinary Basotho lack access to smartphones and digital literacy. 

“Many Basotho still use ‘Masechocha (old phones). Even students  often do not have smartphones,” she said. 

Recalling a recent visit to Pulane in Berea during a Commonwealth Digital Roadshow, she said only nine students from two high schools raised their hands when asked who owned smartphones. 

“To bridge the digital divide, the government has begun digitising schools in partnership with UNICEF. 

She said about 40 schools were equipped with computer laboratories, internet connectivity and software last year, with more expected to follow. 

“We tell teachers that these facilities should not only help students. Villagers should also be allowed to come and learn how to use digital services. Local councils are also expected to become community e-service centres equipped with computers and internet access.” 

Digitisation to combat corruption 

Ms Moorosi believes digitisation could become one of the strongest weapons against corruption in government. 

“Part of dealing with corruption is digitising things. If tenders are advertised and applied for online, everybody can see the qualifications and prices submitted. If someone wins unfairly, the public will see it. 

“As long as we still rely on paper systems where documents can be altered, we are still far from combating corruption.” 

She added that the government was already digitising several internal systems with support from the World Bank. 

The public service leave system is being automated, Cabinet processes are moving onto digital platforms, while Parliament has already introduced digital screens and electronic Hansard systems. 

“We are digitising Parliament, both Houses. The last leg will be the judiciary because court files and police dockets sometimes disappear. Eventually we want the whole government digitised.” 

Cyber security and digital identity 

With increasing digitisation comes growing cyber security concerns. 

Lesotho has in recent years experienced cyber attacks affecting institutions including the Central Bank of Lesotho and the judiciary. 

Ms Moorosi said the government was strengthening cyber defences while finalising long-delayed cyber security legislation. 

“The Cyber Security Bill was returned by Parliament three times,” she explained. 

“First, it was because the media complained it had not been consulted. Later MPs felt it was actually two separate laws — Cyber Security Bill and the Computer Crimes Bill — so we had to divide it and restart the process. The laws are now being finalised before returning to Parliament.” 

She said the legislation was essential because online services involve highly sensitive personal information. 

“If someone hacks your information, there must be laws protecting you and allowing prosecution,” she said. 

“The government is also developing a national digital ID system featuring biometric and eye authentication, supported by assistance from India. 

“It will generate a unique digital identity number and one-time pin for every user. We are almost done testing the system.” 

Hackers never stop 

Ms Moorosi admitted cyber threats evolve constantly. 

“The psychology of hackers is that they hack every minute. When you fix one problem, they are already looking for another weakness.” 

She said some past cyber breaches appeared to involve insiders. 

“In the Central Bank case, it looked like an inside job where somebody left the system exposed. 

“The government now operates a Cyber Security Incident Response Team to monitor threats and detect attacks early. 

Embracing AI 

Ms Moorosi also warned against resisting artificial intelligence. 

“There is huge demand for AI training. Teachers are saying they no longer know whether they are marking students or AI-generated work.” 

But she believes resisting AI would only disadvantage Basotho. 

“We must embrace AI. We do not have a choice. If we stop our children from using AI, they will simply be left behind because the world has already moved on.” 

Building Basotho content 

Ms Moorosi also used the interview to defend her push for more local television content on national television. 

“I did not want TV Lesotho to continue filling airtime with foreign programmes while Basotho creatives are sidelined,” she said. 

“At some point Nigerian dramas were considered low quality too, but today they are on Netflix. If we do not allow ourselves to start somewhere, we will never build local capacity. 

“We are trying to have more host platforms so that even entities such as the Lesotho Times can pay to have their own channels.” 

Cabinet reshuffle 

Speaking on the recent Cabinet reshuffle, Ms Moorosi said the Prime Minister Sam Matekane was simply trying to improve efficiency and service delivery. 

“I believe the Captain (Matekane) wanted to improve efficiency and results. 

“He has a vision for the country and knows where adjustments need to be made to achieve that vision. 

“What matters most is whether Basotho receive the services we promised them — water, electricity, internet, health and education services.” 

She also stressed the importance of continuity whenever ministers leave office. 

“A minister leaving office should properly brief the incoming minister about the vision and challenges in the ministry so work continues instead of starting afresh. 

“If I leave, I will definitely write proper handover notes to ease work for my successor.” 

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