Sesotho Media & Development

Last week, we were invited to a community gathering in Ha‑Motloheloa-Maseru, where community members used the challenge tree to identify and discuss the challenges affecting their community. Among the challenges highlighted were sexual offences, Gender based violence(GBV), harmful norms and stereotypes, alcohol abuse and several others, as reflected in the attached pictures. Together, they also proposed collective solutions to these challenges.

This Wednesday we were in Ha‑Mapeshoane Leribe where we engaged the community in discussions on sexual offences, child marriage and GBV as rising concerns.

Community members revealed that parents are increasingly neglecting their responsibility to guide their children, often hiding behind human rights as an excuse. They admitted that reporting cases of child marriage and sexual offences is difficult, especially when families choose to resolve them internally.

Parents were reminded that rights do not replace responsibilities children must be protected, guided and kept in school. Community leaders acknowledged the challenges of concealed practices while Police emphasised that children’s rights are non‑negotiable and violations must be reported.

The community also participated in a moot court demonstration, showcasing how cases progress from the moment they are reported at the police station to their hearing in court. This exercise helps dispel myths and misconceptions that discourage people from reporting crimes, ensuring that justice is pursued and upheld.

These activities were supported by the European Union in Lesotho, in partnership with the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, the Judiciary, the Prosecution, the Legal Aid Unit and the Ha‑Mapeshoane community.





European Union in Lesotho

Today, we were in Butha Buthe Ha Selomo for a facilitated film screening where we played Pumla, a powerful documentary that tells the story of a young girl who became pregnant at a young age as a result of sexual abuse by an older man.

The screening created an opportunity for an important community dialogue on sexual abuse, issues that constitutes it. These discussions raise awareness on the Counter Domestic Violence Act 2022 and to also encourage communities to speak up against gender-based violence. Through open conversations, we are working towards communities where survivors are supported, perpetrators are held accountable and everyone knows their rights and where to seek help.

Let us speak up and report abuse. Let us build safer communities together.





European Union in Lesotho

Last weekend in Qacha Melikane, Sesotho Media & Development hosted a facilitated film screening to sensitise communities about sexual offences, child marriage and other GBV issues. The discussions revealed that some children are forced into marriage for financial reasons, while others are hidden away in cattle posts instead of school or pushed into labour that amounts to human trafficking.

Community leaders admitted they feel powerless when families conceal these practices, while parents expressed frustration that laws limit their responsibility to discipline children. Parents also shared stories of children threatening su***de when removed from child marriages and others admitted to keeping children in harmful situations out of desperation.

The Police however emphasised that children’s rights are non‑negotiable and that they must be safeguarded from exploitation, kept in school and protected from labour practices that amount to human trafficking. Communities were encouraged to report violations and bring these harmful practices to a gentle stop.

These activities were done with the Financial support of the European Union in Lesotho in partnership with Lesotho Mounted Police Service the Qacha Judiciary, the Prosecution and Legal Aid Unit and the Melikane community members.

Yesterday, Sesotho Media & Development held a facilitated film screening in Bobete, Thaba‑Tseka. The activity aimed to empower community members about sexual offences and the steps to follow when reporting them.

Today, we continued with the same community to deepen the discussion and demonstrated, through a moot court session, how court procedures are conducted from the first day a case is reported at the police station until it reaches the courtroom.
These activities were done with the Financial support of the European Union lesotho in partnership with Lesotho Mounted Police Service, Magistrates and Procecutors in Thaba-Tseka, Legal Aid and the Bobete community members.

🚨🚨🚨Vacancy Alert🚨🚨🚨
Sesotho Media & Development (SM&D) is looking for a Finance Manager to lead financial planning, reporting and compliance.
📍 Location: Maseru, Lesotho
💼 Contract: Full-time
🎓 Qualification: Chartered Accountant (CA)
🕒 Experience: 5+ years in NGO financial management.
📩 send us your ;
1. A detailed CV
2. A cover letter explaining suitability for the role,
3. Copies of professional qualifications (CA certification).
4. Contact details of three professional references.
Applications should be sent to: [email protected]
DEADLINE : 02.09.2026.

Please find the attached Documents for your reference.

UNICEF Lesotho - 𝟲𝟭% of babies in Lesotho are exclusively breastfed during the first six months of life. While this is encouraging, it remains below the global target of 𝟳𝟬% by 2030.

This UNICEF calls on families, employers and communities to support mothers and create environments that protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

Seen in today's paper, worth a read.
https://maserumetro.com/2026/07/29/media-correctional-service-commit-to-stronger-cooperation-on-journalists-safety/
MISA Lesotho Sesotho Media & Development Lesotho Correctional Service

Media, Correctional Service commit to stronger cooperation on Journalists’ safety – Maseru Metro e-EditionNews Media, Correctional Service commit to stronger cooperation on Journalists’ safety July 29, 2026 Liapeng Raliengoane MASERU – Journalists and members of the Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) last week participated in two workshops organised by Sesotho Media and Development to stren...