Audacious Leaders Network

Social Accountability in Action

Yesterday, community members of Semphetenyane took to the streets to express their frustration over a road that was promised by the government many years ago. Despite repeated commitments, there has been little to no visible progress, leaving residents feeling unheard and neglected.

Their actions send a powerful message: communities want accountability, transparency, and delivery on promises that affect their daily lives. Access to safe and reliable roads is essential for education, business, and community development.

As young people, this serves as a reminder that our voices matter. We must know our rights, stay informed, and actively participate in decision-making processes that affect our communities. Advocacy does not only happen during elections—it happens when citizens organize, engage leaders, attend public meetings, raise concerns, and demand accountability for public commitments.

Young people should not remain silent when development challenges persist. Instead, they should use lawful and peaceful means to engage duty-bearers, mobilize communities, document issues, and advocate for solutions. Sustainable change is often achieved when citizens are informed, united, and persistent in seeking accountability.

Thanks to Meloli Airways Media which was on the ground to capture the events as they unfolded, highlighting the importance of citizen participation and responsive governance.

Message to all young people: Stand up for your rights, speak up for your communities, and hold leaders accountable for the promises they make. Your voice is a powerful tool for change.

The recent increase in transport fares has placed an even heavier burden on ordinary Basotho who are already struggling to make ends meet.

While government intervened to slightly reduce the impact of the fuel price hike, transport operators still pushed for higher taxi fares, especially for 4+1 vehicles. Unfortunately, these increases are felt most by low-income earners, informal workers, students, and unemployed citizens who depend on public transport every day.

Not everyone benefits from the 2% salary adjustment for civil servants. In fact, many people are not employed by government at all and earn far below the poverty line. For them, higher transport costs mean difficult choices between getting to work, buying food, or paying school fees.

What is most concerning is that the voices of ordinary citizens were largely absent from the decision-making process. Policies that affect the cost of living should be informed by meaningful public consultation, not just negotiations between government and transport operators.

Economic decisions must balance the needs of businesses with the realities faced by the people they serve. If transport becomes unaffordable, the broader economy suffers because workers, students, and small traders are all affected.

Development should improve people's lives, not make survival more difficult.

What are your thoughts on the transport fare increase?

Today, the Audacious Leaders Network team visited Pitseng in Leribe to conduct a Needs Assessment Study. We had an inspiring day engaging with young people through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) by hearing their perspectives, challenges, and solutions toward improving youth participation in decision-making and tackling unemployment.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to European Union Lesotho, Unicef Lesotho, IOM Lesotho and Skillshare Lesotho for their continued support and guidance.