Paul Lehloka, a 2002 Rhodes School of Journalism and Media Studies [JMS] alumnus has been promoted to the position of editor for the only Lesotho news-wire known as Lesotho News Agency.
Before being promoted, Paul worked as a senior reporter for a newspaper called Lesotho Today/Lentsoe la Basotho.
Regarding his new job, Paul says, “Up to now it has been challenging and I have coped well, one of the greatest challenges is that of leading a team of 16 reporters. However it has brought out the best in me, in that the training I received from Rhodes has given me courage as well as confidence to deal with the job easily.”
Paul does not mince his words about debates currently taking place in South Africa. “I think it is ridiculous for South Africa to try and put a stop to media freedom, why? Just because a few individuals feel threatened by the media?”
Asked whether he fears that if these legislations are implemented in South Africa it possibly could affect Lesotho press freedom as well, Paul says, “It is already tough enough in Lesotho, therefore regulating media will make it even harder for us to inform the society.” “Being a journalist is one of the challenging professions in Lesotho, one gets all sorts of problems that include poor payments and people not understanding the role we play, so what the government can do is help our profession to grow.”
Another JMS Masters graduate, Mothepane Kotele has recently been promoted as a director for the same Lesotho News Agency.