Basotho Television

𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗛 𝗞𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗜 𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗨𝗦-𝗜𝗦𝗥𝗔𝗘𝗟𝗜 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗞𝗘

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed on the first day of massive US and Israeli air strikes on Iran, US President Donald Trump has announced. The death of the 86-year-old ruler of the past three decades - one of the longest in the world - was later confirmed on Iranian state TV.

Iran has had only two supreme leaders since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. It's an all-powerful office - the supreme leader is head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, including the elite Revolutionary Guards. Khamenei is not quite a dictator, positioned in the middle of a complex web of competing power centres, able to veto any matter of public policy and hand pick candidates for public office.

Young Iranians have never experienced life without him in charge. State television has covered Khamenei's every move. His image is plastered on billboards in public spaces and his photograph is ubiquitous in shops. Abroad, successive Iranian presidents have often hogged the limelight. But, at home, it was Khamenei who pulled the strings.

His death, in such violent circumstances, heralds a new and uncertain future, both in Iran and the wider region. Ali Khamenei was born in the city of Mashhad, in north-eastern Iran, in 1939. The second of eight children in a religious family, his father was a mid-ranking cleric from the Shia branch of Islam, the dominant sect in Iran.

Khamenei would later romanticise his “poor but pious” childhood, saying he frequently ate nothing but “bread and raisins". His education was dominated by the study of the Quran, and he qualified as a cleric by the age of 11. But, in common with many religious leaders of the time, his work was as much political as spiritual.

An effective orator, Khamenei joined the critics of the Shah of Iran: the monarch who was eventually overthrown by the Islamic revolution. For years, he lived underground or festered in jail. He was arrested six times by the Shah's secret police, suffering torture and internal exile.

𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 𝑩𝑩𝑪

RETRACTION OVER FALSE REPORTS

​In a commitment to journalistic integrity and the dissemination of factual information, Basotho Television formally retracts a recent report concerning Botswana’s President, Duma Gideon Boko. The initial report claimed that President Boko had declined an invitation to The White House to assert "resource sovereignty" and insisted that all future mineral negotiations take place exclusively on Botswana’s soil.

Following a formal clarification from the BW Presidency, it has been confirmed that these reports are entirely unfounded and do not reflect the diplomatic position or recent actions of the Botswana government.

​The spread of misinformation represents a significant threat to public discourse and regional stability. When false narratives are presented as news, they can distort public perception of international relations and undermine the trust between neighboring nations.

In an era where information travels instantly, the responsibility to verify sources is more critical than ever, as inaccurate reporting can lead to diplomatic friction and mislead citizens on matters of national importance.

​Basotho Television offers its sincerest apologies to the Presidency of Botswana and to our viewers for this oversight. We recognize the harm that unverified content can cause and are currently reviewing our internal editorial processes to ensure such an error does not recur.

We remain dedicated to serving the public with the high standard of accuracy and transparency that our audience expects and deserves.

𝗕𝗢𝗧𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘 𝗦𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗧𝗬: 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗕𝗢𝗞𝗢 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗪𝗛𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

​In a move that has sent ripples through international diplomatic circles, Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko has reportedly turned down a formal invitation to the White House.

According to emerging reports, the President’s decision is rooted in a firm commitment to ensuring that high-level negotiations regarding Botswana’s vast natural resources take place within the nation’s own borders.

​The President has signaled that the era of traveling overseas to broker deals for the country's mineral wealth is effectively over. Instead, his administration is calling on international partners and global investors to engage with Botswana directly on African soil. This directive serves as a clear invitation for those genuinely interested in the nation's commercial potential to visit Gaborone to conduct their business.

​"If there is any business to discuss, it should take place in Botswana," President Boko was quoted as saying.
​This stance is being framed not merely as a diplomatic preference but as a fundamental matter of national dignity and basic commercial logic.

The President has noted that in any standard business transaction, the buyer typically approaches the seller. By applying this principle to the global stage, Botswana is repositioning itself as a confident market leader rather than a passive participant in international trade.

​As one of the world’s premier diamond producers, Botswana’s assertive posture reflects a broader trend toward total resource control and the protection of national sovereignty.

Analysts suggest that this refusal to follow traditional diplomatic protocols marks a growing movement among African leaders who are demanding that global partnerships be conducted on a more equitable and respectful footing.

​The decision underscores a strategic pivot toward "economic decolonization," where the value of a nation's resources dictates the terms of engagement. By insisting that the world comes to Botswana, President Boko is setting a precedent for how resource-rich nations interact with global superpowers in the 21st century.

𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗢 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 "𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦" 𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

The Lesotho government has issued a sharp rebuttal against claims made by South African Minister of Minerals and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, regarding an alleged meeting between Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane and illegal miners.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Limpho Tau, clarified that the weekend gathering in Bloemfontein was actually a legitimate meeting with the Basotho diaspora and members of the Revolution For Prosperity party rather than the "zama zamas" suggested by Mantashe.

​Officials in Maseru expressed deep disappointment over the accusations, emphasizing that all diplomatic protocols were strictly followed. Minister Tau noted that a formal "note verbale" was dispatched to South African counterparts on February 20th and that security agencies from both nations were involved in the deliberations prior to the visit.

The Lesotho government described the remarks as disrespectful and surprising, particularly given the historical support Lesotho provided to the ANC during the apartheid era.

​Lesotho's administration called on the South African government to distance itself from Mantashe’s statements. They expressed hope that the Minister was speaking in his personal capacity rather than representing official state policy, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations between the two neighboring nations.

On the other hand, Mantashe has been accused multiple times including, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 that he should be investigated for corruption regarding free security upgrades provided to his homes by Bosasa in 2013. WThey expadmitted to receiving the installations, he denied they constituted bribery. His 2025 legal challenge to overturn these findings was dismissed on procedural grounds, leaving the "state capture" accusations active.

​𝗕𝗼𝘀𝗮𝘀𝗮 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗹: Mantashe and his wife faced allegations of favoring Karpowership SA in a controversial emergency power procurement process. Critics and losing bidders suggested a "close associate" influenced the deal, though Mantashe dismissed these claims as part of an orchestrated "energy mafia" narrative. Similarly, 2025 reports accused his family of leveraging political ties for state tenders, which he maintains are baseless personal attacks.

​Additional controversies include claims of a cover-up involving a PetroSA tender and accusations from political rivals regarding his conduct toward former mine workers.

Despite these lingering clouds and the circulation of debunked "fake news" about his arrest, President Ramaphosa appointed him as acting Police Minister in 2025, a move that sparked significant public debate given his legal history.

𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗥: 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗘

​The third season of this spy story is very different. It moves away from the usual rules of the agency. It looks closely at the main character, Peter.

​Peter is now working on his own. He does not have the agency to keep him safe anymore. He must survive in a world where it is hard to tell who is a friend.
​The show feels very real and gritty. It shows the messy and difficult parts of being a secret agent.

​The main story is about Peter's past. This leads him into a secret plot that is very personal and dangerous.
​The show does not just focus on big explosions. Instead, it shows how lonely it is to live a double life.

​Every time Peter wins a fight, he loses something important to him. This is the main point of the story. No one in this world stays the same for long.
​The show looks like a dark movie. It uses cold colors to show how Peter feels on the inside.

​The story moves fast but gives the characters time to talk. As the season ends, Peter is just trying to find the truth and stay alive.

𝗭𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗞𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦, 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗙 𝗔 𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗧

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to send out a firm message of defiance.

When we met this weekend in the government headquarters in Kyiv, he said that far from losing, Ukraine would end the war victorious. He was firmly against paying the price for a ceasefire deal demanded by President Vladimir Putin, which is withdrawing from strategic ground that Russia has failed to capture despite sacrificing tens of thousands of soldiers.

Putin, Zelensky told me, has already started World War Three, and the only answer was intense military and economic pressure to force him to step back.

"I believe that Putin has already started it. The question is how much territory he will be able to seize and how to stop him... Russia wants to impose on the world a different way of life and change the lives people have chosen for themselves."

What about Russia's demand for Ukraine to hand over the 20% of the eastern region of Donetsk that it still holds - a line of towns Ukraine calls "fortress cities" - as well as more land in the southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia? Isn't that, I asked, a reasonable request if it produces a ceasefire?

"I see this differently. I don't look at it simply as land. I see it as abandonment - weakening our positions, abandoning hundreds of thousands of our people who live there. That is how I see it. And I am sure that this 'withdrawal' would divide our society."

But isn't it a good price to pay if that satisfies President Putin? Do you think it would satisfy him?

"It would probably satisfy him for a while... he needs a pause... but once he recovers, our European partners say it could take three to five years. In my opinion, he could recover in no more than a couple of years. Where would he go next? We do not know, but that he would want to continue [the war] is a fact."

𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔 𝒃𝒚 BBC News
𝑰𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑾𝒊𝒌𝒊𝒑𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂

𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗢'𝗦 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗬 𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗗 𝗔𝗜 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

Maseru - Lesotho's Minister of Finance is currently embroiled in a controversy following allegations from online outlets that her recent budget speech was drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence. The minister has vehemently denied these claims, but the accusations have sparked a debate across the nation regarding the integrity of official communications and the appropriate use of technology in critical government functions.

The budget speech, a cornerstone of a nation's economic planning and a detailed outline of its fiscal future, is traditionally a meticulously crafted document. It reflects months of research, policy formulation, and strategic decision-making by experts within the finance ministry. It is a moment of profound gravity, where the government lays bare its economic vision and its commitment to the welfare of its citizens.

If the allegations against the minister were true, it would represent a deeply troubling lapse in judgment and a significant disrespect for the democratic process. The idea of a crucial national address, such as the budget speech, being "joked with AI" as some online commentators have put it, suggests a superficial approach to governance that could undermine public trust.

"The budget speech is not just a collection of words; it's a testament to our nation's economic aspirations and challenges," stated a prominent economist who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue. "To delegate such a vital task to an AI, no matter how advanced, would be an abdication of responsibility. It lacks the human touch, the nuanced understanding of our unique socio-economic landscape, and the accountability that comes with human authorship."

The concerns extend beyond the potential lack of originality. A budget speech often involves delicate political messaging, a deep understanding of public sentiment, and a careful balancing act of various stakeholder interests. These are areas where human intuition, experience, and ethical considerations are paramount. Relying on an AI, which operates on algorithms and data patterns, could lead to a speech that is technically sound but emotionally sterile, or worse, one that misses crucial socio-political nuances.

Furthermore, the integrity of such a document is paramount. Citizens and international partners alike expect that the words delivered by their finance minister are entirely her own, reflecting her deepest convictions and the collective wisdom of her government. Any suggestion of external, non-human authorship, particularly from a machine, could cast a shadow of doubt over the entire policy framework presented.

The minister's office has reiterated her denial, stating that the speech was the product of extensive collaboration with her team and reflects the government's genuine efforts to address the nation's economic challenges. However, the online discourse continues, underscoring a broader global conversation about the role of AI in governance and the boundaries that must be maintained, especially in areas of critical public trust.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of human accountability and authenticity in leadership, particularly when addressing the fundamental economic future of a nation.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗜𝗦 𝗔 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘

I know that right now, saying the world is a good place might feel heavy or even a bit out of reach. When you are tired, worried about bills, or feeling like you are running in place, the "goodness" of the world can feel like a distant memory.

It is okay to admit that things are hard. Being human means carrying a lot of weight on your shoulders, and sometimes that weight makes it hard to look up and see the light.

​But please believe that your struggle does not define the end of your story. The world stays good because people like you keep showing up, even when it’s difficult. Survival isn't just about breathing; it’s about finding a strategy to protect your peace.

A good strategy starts with being kind to yourself. It means taking one small step at a time, finding one thing you can control, and building a fence around your hope.

​You have a strength inside you that has carried you through every bad day you have ever had. That is not an accident. That is your heart’s way of fighting for the life you deserve. Use that strength to plan your next move with a clear mind.

Even when the road is steep, remember that the view from the top is still there waiting for you. You are not just surviving a hard time; you are learning how to master your own path in a world that still has so much beauty left to show you.

Keep going, keep planning, and keep believing that better days are being built right now by your own hands.

NAMA EA BOSHOLU E FUMANOA SELAKHENG

Mafeteng ___ Mojalefa Soro (32) oa Mathebe Mafeteng le Litlokotsi Sempe (38) oa Taung Ha Raphiri Qhalasana Mohale’s hoek, ba hlahile Lekhotleng la ’Maseterata Mafeteng ka la 17 Hlakola 2026; ba qosoa ka bosholu ba liphoofolo. Ba itefelletse beile ea M1,500.00 motho ka mong, ‘me ba tla hlaha khotla hape ka la 9 Tlhakubele 2026.

Detective Police Constable (D/P/C) Phethang Metjeea ho tsoa Ofising ea Thibelo ea Bosholu ba Liphoofolo Mafeteng, o re ba fumane tlaleho ka mohala ho tsoa ho mong’a liphoofolo ho hlaha Hobhouse RSA ka la 10 Tšitoe 2025, a bolela h’a utsoelitsoe likhomo tse 12, ’me mohlala oa tsona o bonahala o lebile Mafeteng.

O re ba ile ba hasa melaetsa ka har’a Mafeteng, eaba ka la 18 Tšitoe 2025, ba fumana monyenyetsi o bontšang ha ho bonoa likhomo tse boletsoeng sebakeng sa Mathebe Mafeteng.

A re ha ba fihla, ba fumana tse ‘ne, boliseng ba Lehlohonolo; tse tharo tse phelang, ha e ‘ngoe e ne e se e hlabuoe, e isitsoe selakheng ha Ramohapi. O re ba boetse ba fumana h**e tse ling tse tharo, li Maseru ho Tsiane.

O re ha ba fihla ho eena, ba fumana khomo e le ‘ngoe e phelang, ha tse peli li fumanoe li se li hlabiloe li le selakheng se seng ka har’a Maseru.

A re ba boetse ba fumane tse ’ne Ha Lesia Mafeteng, tse peli li pannoe, ha tse ling li ntse li fula.

Lipatlisiso li supa ha likhomo tsena li tlile le Tsiane ho tsoa Hobhouse ka la 9 Tšitoe 2025, eaba o fihla a siea tse robeli Mathebe ho motsoalle oa hae eo e leng Mojalefa.

Liphuputso li supa h**e Mojalefa le Litlokotsi ke metsoalle, ‘me Mojalefa ke motho ea rekang le ho rekisa liphoofolo; ha Litlokotsi e le mongoli oa babeisi.

Banna ba bang ba sebetsang le bana, ba Mathebe Mafeteng, ba ne ba hlahe lekhotleng ka la 22 Tšitoe 2025; ha ba bang e le bahlanka ba ‘muso.

Lekhotla le ile la lokollela mong’a likhomo thepa ea hae e kenyelletsang le nama e fumanoeng e hlabiloe ka mor’a ho hlahisa litokomane tsa hae tse netefatsang h**e ke eena mong’a tsona.

Inspector (Insp) Motebo Maieane o khalemme basebetsi ba ’muso ba amehang liketsong tsena, ho khaotsa ka oona ka lebaka la lehabea la chelete.

By Lesotho Mounted Police Service

A Divine Alliance for the Gospel
​
One of Lesotho’s most celebrated gospel artist Minister Spokes and Moafrikafm have ​on February 17, 2026, at Qoatsaneng into a formal partnership.

As the official media partner, Moafrika is committed to amplifying Minister Spokes’ ministry, ensuring that the Gospel reaches those who are ready to receive it.

​We are honored to begin this journey by supporting the upcoming gathering, "The Latter Glory," on March 14, 2026. Stay tuned as we share more updates regarding this powerful event.

𝗟𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮-𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁

The Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition, Honorable Thabo Mofosi, has announced that the grain storage facility donated by the People’s Republic of China will soon be integrated into the ministry's upcoming operational projects. This initiative is set to be funded through the ministry's current budget allocation of 1.1 billion Maloti.

In a recent interview with the Lesotho News Agency (LENA), Minister Mofosi explained that the facility is scheduled to begin operations immediately following the farmers' harvest season. Beyond its primary function of food storage, the Minister emphasized that the center is expected to become a significant source of employment, providing much-needed opportunities for the country’s high population of unemployed youth.

This development comes at a time of heightened economic awareness within the government. Speaking in Parliament, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr. Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, highlighted the increasingly difficult global landscape. She noted that the world is currently facing intense friction, with major global powers largely preoccupied by their own internal crises and challenges.

Dr. Matlanyane urged that, given these international constraints, it is a critical time for national introspection and strategic planning. She underscored the importance of the country identifying its own internal strengths and implementing creative measures to ensure progress and self-reliance using the resources already available at home.