Lesotho MPs Propose Cuts to International Travel Budgets to Combat…

Lesotho MPs are urging significant cuts to government-funded international travel to redirect savings towards initiatives for reducing youth unemployment, such as job creation and vocational training. A proposed report recommends a 50% reduction in travel budgets, with several MPs emphasizing the lack of benefit from these expenses and advocating for a more responsible allocation of resources towards resolving domestic issues.

In Lesotho, during a recent debate on the national budget for 2025/2026, Member of Parliament Tšeliso Moroke proposed significant cuts to government-funded international trips. He, along with other MPs, urged that the funds saved should be redirected towards initiatives aimed at reducing youth unemployment through job creation, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support. They emphasized that budget reductions for international travel should contribute to resolving the pressing unemployment crisis rather than simply serve as cost-cutting measures.

A report from the Portfolio Committee on the Economic and Development Cluster recommended a 50% decrease in the budget for international trips, citing exceptions for specific offices such as the Prime Minister’s and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Moroke highlighted the increasing financial burden of these travel expenses, asserting that despite rising costs, the benefits to the country have been negligible. He noted a troubling trend in budget growth, indicating a 102% rise in the previous financial year.

Dr. Moroke further stated that it is essential for ministries to focus on domestic service improvement rather than persistent international travel. MP Thabiso Lekitla questioned the necessity of business-class travel, to which Dr. Moroke responded that even economy-class travel remains an unnecessary expense that does not enhance productivity. He underlined that available resources should be better allocated toward meaningful development rather than travel.

Supporting Dr. Moroke’s proposal, Moeketsi Motšoane urged that some travel budget savings be redirected to ministries facing financial constraints. He acknowledged the importance of government travel but insisted that sacrifices must be made, advocating for support of ministries with limited budgets. Opposing the rationale behind certain government travels, Machesetsa Mofomobe critically questioned the legitimacy of official benchmarking trips for mundane tasks.

Mr. Motšoane echoed this sentiment, proposing that Lesotho should focus on developing its solutions rather than emulating other countries’ practices. Lesotho Congress for Democracy leader Mothetjoa Metsing suggested a case-by-case review of international travel reductions to avoid unfair penalization of ministries with consistent budgets. He proposed that ministers should be obliged to justify their travel needs during discussions in the National Assembly.

Finally, Metsing stressed that ministries related to agriculture, trade, and finance, which have significant potential for job creation, should be prioritized in budget allocations. He argued that while some travel is essential for attracting investors, it is vital to assess the impact and necessity of such expenditures carefully.

The Lesotho Parliament is advocating for substantial reductions in the budget for international trips, with the intent of reallocating funds towards addressing the country’s youth unemployment crisis. Through this debate, members underscored the necessity of enhancing domestic service delivery while minimizing unnecessary travel expenses. The proposed measures highlight a call for fiscal responsibility and a focus on local economic growth rather than continued expenditure on international engagements.

Original Source: allafrica.com