Africa-Press – Lesotho. Frustrated by unpaid salaries and unfulfilled promises, chiefs and village health workers (VHWs) from across the country made their way to Parliament last week to demand action. Their grievances centre on the failure of the ministries of local government and health to deliver payments owed to both parties despite assurances.
This was the first time since independence that chiefs took their grievances to parliament, according to the Leader of Opposition, Hon Mathibeli Mokhothu.
In Lesotho, chiefs play a key role in traditional governance and local administration. They are custodians of customary law and are responsible for presiding over local disputes, maintaining law and order, allocating land (under the authority of the King and subject to legal frameworks), and promoting community development.
Chiefs also serve as intermediaries between the government and the people in rural areas, ensuring that national policies are implemented at grassroots level. Their authority is derived from both the Chieftainship Act and traditional practice.
The Lesotho Workers Association (LWA) has intervened in matters concerning both VHWs and chiefs. Chiefs were promised salary adjustments to be paid from April 2025, with the lowest-ranking chiefs’ salary increasing from M1,500 to M3,000.
However, the delay in payment prompted them to threaten to down tools if the salaries were not disbursed urgently.
The matter was referred to the Directorate of Dispute Prevention and Resolution (DDPR), where a settlement was reached. LWA’s Hlalefang Seoaholimo said following the award, the association is now pushing for its enforcement to ensure the chiefs receive their revised salaries.
When pressed by Members of Parliament to commit to a specific payment date, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship, Dr ’Mamphaka Mabesa, explained that the matter had been referred to Cabinet for guidance.
She emphasised that although she signed the salary review, it did not amount to authorisation of payment.
“It is the Ministry’s hope that the request to Cabinet will be approved. The matter is currently with the Ministry of Finance, and we have requested that it be scheduled for Cabinet’s next meeting, which was yesterday,” she said.
The review of chiefs’ salaries dates back to 2022, preceding LWA’s application for a settlement on their behalf. April 1, 2025, was the agreed date for disbursement of the new allowances.
Chairperson of the Social Cluster, Hon. Mokhothu Makhalanyane, accused the Ministry of breaching the agreement, urging: “Let us stick to what we promised the people.”
Despite the committee’s persistent calls for a commitment, Dr Mabesa maintained that the matter was beyond her authority.
Hon ’Malelaka Lehohla Malakane pointed out that by signing the review, the PS had given hope to the chiefs. Chief Leloko Mohalenyane, who has been part of the negotiations, reiterated that April 1, 2025, was the expected payment date. Chiefs had warned on Monday, April 19, that they would stop presiding over village matters if no action was taken but have since agreed to delay their strike pending Cabinet’s decision.
Another disappointed chief, Leloko Moalenyana, criticised the government’s delay, noting that the salary review process should have been concluded long ago.
The committee has instructed the PS to return by May 29, 2025 with a definitive answer on when the chiefs will be paid.
VHWs in Lesotho play a critical role in primary healthcare services, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas. They serve as the first point of contact for communities offering basic health services such as first aid, maternal and child health support, and health education on topics like hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention.
Their responsibilities also include referring serious cases to health facilities and reporting disease outbreaks, which helps strengthen the country’s health surveillance and response systems.
VHWs are essential in bridging the gap between communities and formal health services, contributing significantly to the goal of universal health coverage.
’Matšoanelo Monyobi, the Deputy Principal Secretary (DPS) at the Ministry of Health (MoH), conceded that they recognise the court order stating that VHWs are the ministry’s staff.
The court order was issued on 19 January 2023 and it says VHW should be regarded as staff of the MoH. She said they have been making strides in advancing their issues and integrating them into the system. She added that even before the budget was tabled, a request had been made to increase the ceiling and pay them according to the minimum wage as stipulated in the Labour Code.
She noted that they are currently in talks with the ministries of finance and public service. However, the former has not yet responded to their correspondence. On 10 January 2025, they wrote to the Ministry of Finance, requesting an increase in the allowance for VHWs from M800 to M2,005. This figure is expected to increase in line with the current Labour Code, which prescribes a minimum wage of M2,448.
The Deputy Principal Secretary (DPS) stated that there are 8,581 VHWs. The Ministry of Public Service has since advised the Ministry of Health (MoH) to engage the Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding this matter. However, the MoH has not yet completed the exercise of establishing the VHWs’ positions.
The Director of Human Resources at the MoH, ‘Mapaballo Moholi, said they received a template on 24 October 2024, which they completed and submitted to the Ministry of Public Service, but are still awaiting a response.
The DPS informed the committee that they have requested M32 million to settle the arrears owed to the VHWs.
Seoaholimo from the LWA said the Ministry of Finance should be summoned before Parliament to account for not implementing the court order, as they are partly responsible for its enforcement.
‘Maqentšo Chere from Hleoheng, Naleli, at Maputsoe SDA Clinic, expressed optimism at the MoH’s appearance before the committee and commended the Ministry for committing to undertake the necessary steps towards fixing the issue of VHWs’ remuneration.
‘Mamthong Tieho, a VHW reporting to Motebang Hospital, said she looks forward to the revised allowances.
She added that her children were expelled from school due to unpaid fees and that she cannot access loans because she does not have a payslip.
Nevertheless, she remains hopeful that the situation will improve.
From St Leo Clinic, Ha-Makhoathi, Theresia Mokenela said although VHWs are at the forefront during emergencies, they do not receive risk allowances – a situation she said must be rectified. She appreciated the meeting for providing updates and for the MoH’s commitment to resolving their matter.
Meanwhile, the committee has directed the MoH to ensure VHWs are included going forward, by making them part of all correspondence with other ministries.
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