Ombudsman-Lesotho-Monamoli

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MEDIA STATEMENT

OMBUDSMAN TO INVESTIGATE DELAYS IN THE PAYMENT OF OLD AGE PENSIONS AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

The Office of the Ombudsman (OoO) has noted with serious concern continued reports and complaints regarding delays in the payment of Old Age Pensions (OAP) and other social assistance grants in Lesotho.

The complaints received suggest that some beneficiaries experience prolonged delays in accessing benefits intended to support their basic needs, including food, he
althcare, transport and other essential living expenses. These concerns affect some of the most vulnerable members of society, including elderly persons, persons with disabilities and impoverished households.

The OoO recalls that in 2024 it investigated a complaint involving a pensioner whose OAP was delayed for approximately fifteen (15) months due to administrative failures within the Ministry responsible for social development. The Ombudsman found that the delay amounted to maladministration and recommended measures to improve service delivery, establish clear timelines for processing pensions and prevent similar occurrences in future.

The OoO continues to receive complaints concerning delays in the payment of OAP and other social assistance grants. Many of these complaints mirror issues that were previously the subject of Ombudsman investigations and recommendations. The persistence of such concerns raises doubts about the extent to which corrective measures have been implemented and sustained. It further suggests the existence of systemic weaknesses in the administration of social protection programmes that may be adversely affecting vulnerable beneficiaries across the country. These circumstances warrant a broader inquiry into the efficiency, accountability and effectiveness of the systems responsible for the delivery of social assistance benefits.

Accordingly, and in the exercise of the powers conferred upon the Ombudsman by law, I have decided to initiate an own motion investigation into the administration, processing and payment of OAP and other social assistance grants in Lesotho.

The investigation will examine, among other matters:
(a) the causes and extent of payment delays;
(b) the effectiveness of registration and verification processes;
(c) the adequacy of administrative and payment systems;
(d) compliance with previous Ombudsman recommendations;
(e) the impact of delays on beneficiaries; and
(f) measures required to improve efficiency, accountability and service delivery.

The Ombudsman invites beneficiaries, family members, civil society organisations, community councils and members of the public who have experienced delayed payments or related administrative difficulties to submit information to the OoO.
Social protection programmes exist to uphold human dignity and reduce poverty; beneficiaries should not be prejudiced by avoidable administrative failures.
Further information regarding the investigation will be communicated in due course.

Media and Complaints Enquiries:
Office of the Ombudsman
Moposo House, 6th Level, Kingsway Street, Maseru
Tel: +266 22316425/+266 22322068
Email: [email protected]

Issued at Maseru on this 8th day of JUNE 2026

ADV. TLOTLISO POLAKI
OMBUDSMAN

Media Release

MEDIA STATEMENT

Join us today for an insightful webinar on “Showcasing Sectoral Ombudsman: Spotlighting Pensions, Insurance and Tax Ombudsman Offices.”

The session will explore the important role Ombudsman institutions play in promoting good governance, accountability, and the rule of law in Africa.

The Office of the Ombudsman Lesotho warmly invites members of the public, stakeholders, and all interested participants to register and attend.

📅 Today | 26 May 2026
💻 Online Webinar

Register and be part of the conversation.

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UFCcjJlvQzSGvrqxONMjfQ #/registration

The Ombudsman, Adv. Tlotliso Polaki and other state senior officials attended the Europe Month Celebration and the Annual Lesotho–European Union Partnership Dialogue held at the Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino in Maseru.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: PASSING OF ADVOCATE SEKARA MAFISA KC, SECOND OMBUDSMAN OF LESOTHO

Office of the Ombudsman, Maseru – 7th April 2026
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I, on behalf of the Office of the Ombudsman (OoO) and the staff, announce the passing of a giant of Lesotho’s legal fraternity, Adv Sekara Mafisa KC, the second Ombudsman of Lesotho. Adv. Mafisa passed away on Wednesday, 1st April 2026.
Adv. Mafisa was a cornerstone of Lesotho’s democracy and public administration, holding trailblazing roles during critical moments in our nation's history. His commitment to justice and accountability remained steadfast throughout his distinguished career:
(i) Inaugural IEC Chairperson (1997-2000) - he was appointed as the first Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). He pioneered the administration of independent elections, leading the country through the landmark 1998 general elections, setting the foundation for professional electoral management in Lesotho.
(ii) Second Ombudsman of Lesotho (2002-2010) - succeeding the pioneer Ombudsman, Ntate Mohale Henry Nt’saba, Adv. Mafisa led this institution for two full terms. He was widely respected for his rigorous, fearless handling of maladministration cases, tackling the abuse of authority by public officials with integrity and diligence.
(iii) Legal Legacy - he significantly contributed to legal scholarship in Lesotho, notably through his work, "Promoting Administrative Justice in Lesotho: The Role of the Ombudsman," which continues to guide administrative law practice.
Adv. Mafisa was not merely a legal luminary; he was a mentor and a true servant of the people who believed that accountability is the cornerstone of good governance. His passing is a great loss to the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Though he has departed, the path he cleared for administrative justice remains. Every time we act to correct injustice and demand fairness, we honor his legacy.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, the legal community and the public at large during this difficult time.

May his soul rest in peace and his legacy live on.

Ombudsman of Lesotho

Office of the Ombudsman