Volume 5, Number 2

Challenges and Prospects of Decentralisation in Lesotho

  Authors

Moeketsi Kali, National University of Lesotho, Southern Africa

  Abstract

Decentralisation facilitates participation and helps deepen democracy. Nevertheless, it has been confronted with diverse challenges in Lesotho. First, the process has not succeeded to improve participation relative to the traditional system that preceded it. Second, it pitted the chiefs against counsellors. Third, it is hampered by lack of financial resources, human resources, and the central government’s tendency to intrude into local government affairs and dictate a course of action. However, the prospects demonstrate that there is a political will to decentralise although there is still a need to address some challenges. Firstly, the central government has to devolve financial powers to the local units. Secondly, it has to ensure a smooth relationship between counsellors and chiefs and continue augmenting the budget allocated to the local government. Finally, it has to promote the use of internet technology and consider making chieftainship the last sub-unit of the local government.

  Keywords

Decentralisation, participation, democracy, local government, traditional leadership