Accountability
The Auditor-General has disclaimed an opinion on Lerotholi Polytechnic's 2025 financial statements due to an unexplained M28.2 million discrepancy in student debt, where the NMDS and Ministry of Education claim zero balances while the polytechnic's books show significant outstanding amounts. The audit also identified
Accountability
The Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) has faced scrutiny from Parliament's Public Accounts Committee over the award of a smart meters tender to FocalPoint Communications, with concerns raised about potential impropriety including a China trip funded by the supplier while its bid was still under evaluation. The PAC
Politics & Rights
King Mswati III of eSwatini addressed thousands at Lesotho's Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Setsoto Stadium, praising the Mountain Kingdom's 60 years of independence, resilience, peace and regional contributions to Southern Africa. King Letsie III reflected on Lesotho's six-decade journey, acknowledging both achievements and
Policy & Regulation
Three OpenAI safety researchers who were fired have disputed misconduct allegations related to sensitive information handling and expressed concerns about a chilling effect on AI safety culture at the company. The researchers' dismissals highlight tensions within OpenAI regarding safety practices and internal governance. Source: TechCrunch
Sport & Culture
The 13th annual Lesotho Wine Festival will be held at the Maseru Club Grounds on October 10, featuring over 45 wine producers offering 240 wines for tasting alongside food, music and cultural activities. The event, which has grown into a major regional attraction drawing over 1,200 attendees from Lesotho
Business & Economy
A satirical opinion column criticizes the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) for failing to effectively promote the country's significant tourism assets and events, including natural attractions like Maletsunyane Falls and international events such as the Roof of Africa motorcycle race. The author argues that LTDC's social
Sport & Culture
Lesotho's boxing team won the overall title at the Best of Best Boxing Tournament in South Africa's Eastern Cape from September 2-4, claiming 11 gold and five silver medals. The team includes Commonwealth Games medallists Poana Khoahli and Rapelang Malesela, with performances described as preparation
Tools & Products
The company operating LMArena leaderboard raised $200 million in funding, achieving a $3.1 billion valuation in 10 months. The platform is expanding its evaluation capabilities to measure AI model alignment issues including deception and dishonesty. Source: TechCrunch
AI in Business
Reports indicate OpenAI's annualized revenue is significantly lower than previously reported figures, with the company generating substantially less than the earlier $70 billion projection. Source: TechCrunch
Sport & Culture
Lesotho cyclists Khotsofalang Rakaota and Kabelo Makatile will compete in the 2026 Volta Tour of Angola starting tomorrow, followed by the African Road Championships in Kenya in October. The duo missed the UCI Road World Championships in Canada due to funding constraints but will use the Angola race as preparation
Sport & Culture
The Chess Federation of Lesotho has received chess equipment including electronic boards, chess clocks and standard sets from the International Chess Federation following Lesotho's participation in the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. The equipment is expected to improve tournament standards and player performance at both grassroots and competitive
Sport & Culture
Lijabatho defeated Manonyane 1-0 in a midweek football match at Bambatha Tšita Sports Arena, ending Manonyane's four-game unbeaten run with a goal from Teboho Masuoane in the 15th minute. The result moved Lijabatho from 10th to sixth place with eight points, while Manonyane dropped to seventh