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A single video criticizing Lesotho’s stagnant job market transformed Tšolo Thakeli from a concerned citizen into a perceived enemy of the state. His social media post, questioning the prime minister’s broken promises on employment, drew widespread support from frustrated youth—but also triggered a harsh reaction from authorities. Now, Thakeli faces legal threats and personal danger, simply for demanding transparency and change.
I. The Video That Sparked a Storm
1. A Father’s Day Surprise
On what should have been a peaceful Father’s Day morning, 31-year-old Tšolo Thakeli was confronted by armed police at his home. Clad in pyjamas and unaware of the impending trouble, he was caught off-guard by the intensity of the state’s response to his recent social media post. Thakeli, a father of two and long-time campaigner for youth employment, had shared a video criticizing Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s failure to deliver on a pledge to create jobs—a message that quickly went viral.
2. From Public Post to Police Custody
Initially, police tried to charge him with inciting violence and disrespecting the prime minister, but the accusations couldn’t hold due to lack of evidence. Yet hours after his release, Thakeli was re-arrested—this time accused of sedition. He spent two days in a dark, filthy holding cell. Later, the police commissioner gave him a stark warning: avoid mentioning the prime minister’s name, or risk unprotected consequences.
II. Unemployment and Broken Promises
1. A Country in Crisis
Lesotho’s unemployment rate stands at 16%, climbing to 24% for young people, according to the World Bank. Despite Matekane’s promises, there has been no tangible action. The prime minister vowed to create 70,000 jobs within just three weeks—a claim Thakeli questioned in his video, noting that no such plans appeared in the February national budget. His concerns reflect broader anxieties among young Basotho struggling to find work in a stagnating economy.
2. A Long History of Advocacy
Long before Matekane assumed office, Thakeli had taken action to highlight the job crisis. After earning a law degree, he himself endured the frustrations of joblessness. In 2016, he stood alone in front of parliament in a symbolic protest demanding employment opportunities for youth. Today, he runs his own small business—but continues to speak out for others still searching for work.
3. Army Recruitment Drive Highlights Desperation
The severity of the crisis was made visible when thousands of young people attended a recent army recruitment event, vying for only 500 available positions. The overwhelming turnout sparked national conversations, many of which echoed the points raised in Thakeli’s viral video.
III. Silencing Dissent
1. A Chilling Warning from the Authorities
Following his arrest and brief release, Thakeli was summoned by the national police chief. The message was unmistakable: he could talk, but not about the prime minister. The official also suggested that any harm coming to Thakeli due to his activism would not be investigated. This subtle threat of impunity sent a powerful message—not just to Thakeli, but to all Basotho citizens daring to question authority.
2. Still Speaking Out Despite Risks
Despite the ominous warning, Thakeli continues posting on social media, often using humor and memes to deliver serious messages. One meme features his lawyer’s unamused expression, captioned with: “the face he makes every time I make a live video.” The comedic tone masks a deeper fear for his own safety and that of his family.
3. Legal Pressure Mounts
Thakeli is currently out on bail, but his lawyer warns that authorities may revoke it, aiming to keep him in custody ahead of his court appearance on July 2. The government’s heavy-handed approach has turned a peaceful activist into a so-called security threat—simply for voicing widely held concerns.
IV. Human Rights and Public Response
1. Protests in Maseru
Thakeli’s arrest didn’t go unnoticed. Demonstrators in Maseru, the capital city, gathered to express outrage over his treatment. Many saw his detention as a direct attack on free speech and democratic rights. His case has drawn attention far beyond Lesotho’s borders, stirring concern among regional and international human rights advocates.
2. Regional Activists Condemn Government Reaction
Activists across southern Africa have voiced alarm over the government’s approach. Makomborero Haruzivishe, from Action for Southern Africa, emphasized that Thakeli’s questions were legitimate. “He wasn’t demanding the PM’s resignation—just accountability,” Haruzivishe said. “The government’s response is deeply troubling.”
V. A Citizen’s Duty
1. No Political Agenda, Just Accountability
Thakeli insists he is not aligned with any political group or seeking power. He describes himself as a concerned citizen standing up for his community. “The issues affecting people affect me too,” he explained. “We wake up every day to worsening conditions, corruption scandals, and broken promises.”
2. Refusing to Be Silenced
Despite the fear, intimidation, and legal challenges, Thakeli remains resolute. His message is clear: citizens have a right—and a responsibility—to hold their leaders accountable. In the face of mounting adversity, he continues to amplify the voices of Lesotho’s youth, urging the government to deliver not just promises, but real solutions.
Conclusion
Tšolo Thakeli’s story is not just about one man’s courage, but about the right of every citizen to question power. His arrest has underscored the fragile state of democracy in Lesotho, where criticism of leadership is met with repression rather than reform. As the nation grapples with unemployment and economic hardship, the silencing of voices like Thakeli’s only deepens the disconnect between government promises and public reality. In choosing to speak out, despite personal risk, Thakeli has become a symbol of civic duty in the fight for accountability and change.
