Media, Correctional Service commit to stronger cooperation on Journalists’ safety

MASERU – Journalists and members of the Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) last week participated in two workshops organised by Sesotho Media and Development to strengthen press freedom, improve journalist safety and foster cooperation between the media and public institutions.

The first workshop brought together journalists and members of the LCS to establish a foundation of mutual understanding, trust and practical cooperation between the two parties.

The second workshop, attended exclusively by journalists, focused on the state of press freedom and the safety of media practitioners in Lesotho.

Speaking during the opening of the workshop, Sesotho Media and Development Director ‘Mamolefe Petlane said the engagement was intended to build stronger working relationships between the media and the correctional service, while also producing practical recommendations to improve journalists’ safety and strengthen the country’s media protection ecosystem.

She said the organisation identifies challenges affecting communities and creates platforms where stakeholders can engage in dialogue and find common ground.

“We see challenges facing communities and then coordinate for the concerned parties to sit down together to reach a mutual understanding,” Petlane said.

During the two workshops, consultant Advocate Tšepo Phillip Lipholo presented preliminary findings on press freedom in Lesotho.

According to the report, Lesotho ranks 107th out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders. Although this represents an improvement from 122nd place in 2024, the country remains in the “fragile” category.

The report found that abuses against journalists are frequent and often go unpunished, while self-censorship remains widespread as journalists avoid sensitive topics for fear of retaliation. It also revealed that some journalists have gone into exile, particularly to South Africa.

The report further noted that the murder of investigative journalist Ralikonelo Joki in May 2023 remains unresolved, sending a chilling message about the safety of journalists in Lesotho. Physical attacks against journalists also remain a concern, with several violent incidents involving police officers having been recorded in recent years.

LCS Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent Pheko Ntobane expressed appreciation to Sesotho Media and Development for organising the workshop, saying it would contribute to building a harmonious working relationship between correctional officers and journalists.

He said he hoped future workshops would be extended beyond one day to allow more time for meaningful engagement.

Speaking on behalf of the journalists who attended the workshops, Thoboloko Ntšonyane, a journalist with Newsday newspaper, described the engagements as timely and valuable.

He said the joint workshop with the Lesotho Correctional Service enabled both journalists and correctional officers to openly discuss how they should work together going forward, including the expected professional conduct and approaches when interacting in the course of their duties.

On the journalists-only workshop, Ntšonyane said it provided an important platform for media practitioners to openly discuss the challenges they face and share experiences from the field.

“It was important for us as journalists to reflect on the issues affecting our profession and learn from one another’s experiences,” he said.

Ntšonyane thanked Sesotho Media and Development for organising the two workshops, saying they would contribute to improving professional relationships and advancing press freedom in Lesotho.

These workshops form part of a two-year project titled “Enhancing Freedom of Expression and Press Freedom in Lesotho,” being implemented by Sesotho Media and Development with support from the Commonwealth Foundation. The project seeks to strengthen press freedom, enhance the safety of journalists and promote constructive engagement between the media and key public institutions in Lesotho.