Mohale’s Hoek, May 07 — One of the villagers residing in Maphutseng, Mr. Tsela Elias Lenkoe says following months of not accessing various radio stations in the district, he has concluded that the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) has abandoned them.
Mr. Lenkoe stated this in an interview with the Agency, by pointing out that they are being pressured to listen to one private radio station, therefore robbing them of the right to access radio stations of their choice, adding that most of them have political affiliations and serve owners interests rather than giving out reliable and accurate information to the pubic.
“For educational purposes, I am someone who prefers getting news from various sources, therefore listening to one radio station only deprives me of the right to choose, and unfortunately the national radio station is also on the list of the ones which have not been on air,” he said, pleading with LCA’s management to come up with a solution for the challenge.
On the other hand Chief Hlomelang Teane from Phamong echoed the same sentiments adding that they only listen to one popular radio station in RSA, while Morifi Counsellor Mr. Kobeli Mosebo asserted that about 14 villages have attested to accessing only one private radio station in the country, and the Agency has been informed by one local authority who preferred to remain anonymous that villagers also listen to the mentioned radio station in the neighbouring country.
On the other hand, a member of parliament for Taung No: 59, Mrs. ‘Matiisetso Matsie pointed out that the situation is so bad that even that private one which was still airing seems to have disappeared, noting she is solely relying on Facebook to be in the loop of what is happening in the country.
In an Interview with the Agency, LCA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nizam Goolam confirmed that prevailing circumstances at Majantja have not come to the authority’s attention, however promised to follow up on the issues and come back with a clear report as to what is transpiring.
End/MAMO/tl
