By Peye
BOKANG MOSHOESHOE and
鈥楳ANT艩ANG KHUTLISI
MASERU 鈥 In a surprising yet bold political move, Qalabane constituency Ward Councillor, Motlatsi Nkate, has announced his official resignation from the Democratic Congress (DC) to join the Socialist Revolutionaries (SR) under the leadership of Teboho Mojapela. His decision marks a significant shift in the local political landscape and underscores growing dissatisfaction within some ranks of the once-dominant DC.
Speaking candidly in an exclusive interview, Nkate confirmed his defection and explained the motives behind what he calls 鈥渁 long-overdue decision.鈥
He cited the SR鈥檚 growing popularity and Mojapela鈥檚 unwavering dedication to truth, justice, and the welfare of Basotho as key reasons for aligning himself with the movement.
鈥淚 have taken my Qalabane constituents to the promised land,鈥 Nkate declared passionately, using the biblical metaphor to describe what he sees as a new beginning filled with hope, progress, and transformation.
He believes that the people of Qalabane deserve more than empty promises and political grandstanding 鈥 saying they deserve action, results and genuine leadership.
Nkate did not hold back in expressing his frustration with the DC, a party he had once believed in. He explained that since assuming office as a local councillor, he has worked tirelessly to serve his people but largely without the support or acknowledgment of the party that fielded him.
鈥淚 have done everything I could with the little I had. From community clean-ups to advocating for water and infrastructure, I fought to meet the needs of our people, but the Democratic Congress never once met me halfway. I waited for the party to stand with me, to support the constituency in the struggles we face daily, but nothing came,鈥 he stated.
Nkate described how painful it was to watch people suffer while leaders he expected to be proactive remained silent and disengaged. He revealed that on many occasions, he used his own resources and rallied volunteers to solve pressing community problems because no party machinery came to his aid.
鈥淭his is not how leadership should work, we are elected to serve, not to make speeches. And when the people cry for help, our responsibility is to listen and act not to disappear until election time,鈥 he said.
In contrast, Nkate spoke glowingly of Mojapela, the SR leader, calling him a man of integrity, humility and sincerity. He described Mojapela as someone with a 鈥減ure heart鈥 and 鈥渦nmatched vision鈥 for Lesotho鈥檚 future.
鈥淲hat stands out about Mojapela is that he says what he means and means what he says. He speaks the truth without fear or favour. He does not pretend to be a saviour he acts like a servant of the people,鈥 Nkate added.
According to Nkate, Mojapela鈥檚 leadership style is precisely what Lesotho needs in this critical moment of socio-economic hardship, political uncertainty, and diminishing trust in public institutions.
鈥淢ojapela is a true revolutionary, not just in name, but in action. He stands for the people, and he listens. He does not only talk, he shows up. That is why I have chosen to follow him and be part of this movement that seeks to build a better Lesotho for all,鈥 he lamented.
Despite leaving the DC, Nkate assured his constituents that his commitment to them remains unwavering. In fact, he sees his decision to join SR as a reinforcement of that commitment.
鈥淭his move is not about politics; it is about the people of Qalabane, I am not turning my back on my community, I am turning towards a future where we can finally get the support, development, and progress we deserve. I am going to work even harder than before,鈥 he said.
He emphasized his readiness to collaborate with Mojapela and the SR team to transform Qalabane into a model constituency.
鈥淎ll I ask is for our leader to walk this journey with us, to work hand in hand with me so that we can show the country what unity, purpose, and vision can achieve,鈥 he stated.
Nkate admitted that he had anticipated some backlash following his departure from DC but what he received instead was overwhelming support from the people of Qalabane. He said many residents were inspired by his courage and have already expressed interest in joining SR.
鈥淚 thought I was going to stand alone after making this decision. But to my surprise, people came out in numbers, asking how they too can join SR. That kind of support gives me hope. It tells me that people are ready for change,鈥 he said with passion.
Furthermore, he said the reaction proved that the community was already disillusioned with DC鈥檚 leadership and were merely waiting for someone to take the first step.
Nkate is no stranger to Lesotho鈥檚 political landscape, his journey in politics began decades ago during the leadership of the late Prime Minister Ntsu Mokhehle, continued under the long-serving Pakalitha Mosisili, and extended into the current era under DC leader Mathibeli Mokhothu.
He has witnessed first-hand the evolution of the political arena in Lesotho, including the rise and fall of movements, the shifting loyalties, and the growing disconnection between elected leaders and the communities they serve.
Though this was his first time contesting in the local government elections, Nkate won his seat through a DC ticket, a victory he says he dedicates to the people who believed in him, not the party. He now sees his role in SR as a continuation of that mission.
鈥淢y loyalty has always been to the people, not to party colours, and I will continue to honour that loyalty through action, honesty, and accountability,鈥 he said.
Nkate鈥檚 defection to the SR could mark the beginning of a larger political realignment. The move is likely to energize Mojapela鈥檚 growing base while sending a message to major parties that grassroots leaders are no longer willing to remain silent in the face of incompetence or neglect.
For now, Nkate is focused on the ground, on water supply issues, infrastructure development, youth employment, and accessible health services. He believes that under the SR banner, he will be empowered to achieve more for his people.
鈥淚 joined the SR not for my own gain, but because I want to be part of something that is bigger than me something that can change lives, communities, and eventually the nation,鈥 he added.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Nkate highlighted that he stands not just as a councillor, but as a symbol of a growing movement that challenges the status quo.
鈥淜anana re鈥檃 ea, hantle kapa hampe,鈥 he concluded.