{"id":2235,"date":"2025-07-07T17:44:12","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T17:44:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parliamentnews360.com\/?p=2235"},"modified":"2025-07-07T17:44:19","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T17:44:19","slug":"senate-of-lesotho-and-appn-sign-groundbreaking-mou-to-promote-parliamentary-transparency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parliamentnews360.com\/index.php\/senate-of-lesotho-and-appn-sign-groundbreaking-mou-to-promote-parliamentary-transparency\/","title":{"rendered":"Senate of Lesotho and APPN Sign Groundbreaking MoU to Promote Parliamentary Transparency"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Maseru, Lesotho \u2013 July 7, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a landmark move to strengthen democratic governance and public accountability, the Senate of Lesotho and the African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing collaboration between the legislative body and the media. The signing ceremony, held in Maseru, marked the formalisation of a longstanding partnership between Parliament reporting journalists and the Upper House of Parliament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Signing Ceremony between Lesotho Senate and APPN-Lesotho<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A Milestone in Democratic Collaboration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delivering remarks at the event, the Dean of APPN-Lesotho<\/strong>, Thoboloko Ntso’anyane hailed the moment as a critical step in deepening the role of the media in Lesotho\u2019s democratic landscape. \u201cThis MoU signifies the strengthening and formalising of our engagement with the Senate,\u201d the Dean said. \u201cAs Parliament reporting journalists, we are committed to transparency, accountability, and championing access to parliamentary information.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dean underscored the watchdog role of journalists in holding Parliament accountable and ensuring citizens are well-informed about legislative developments. \u201cIn an age where misinformation can spread rapidly, the role of journalists has never been more critical,\u201d the Dean noted, adding that this partnership must go beyond symbolism to ensure the MoU works for the benefit of both parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special acknowledgements were extended to APPN-Lesotho Secretary \u2018M\u2019e Pinkie Moletsane and steering caucus member Ntate Nkoale Oetsi T\u0161ooana for their tireless efforts during negotiations. The Dean also expressed gratitude to the Senate\u2019s team for their commitment to finalising the agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senate Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his closing remarks<\/strong>, the Clerk of the Senate<\/strong> echoed the significance of the occasion, calling the agreement a \u201cmilestone in our collective journey toward strengthening democracy and fostering a more informed citizenry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

He emphasized the central role of the media as the Fourth Estate and the need for structured collaboration with the legislative branch. \u201cThrough this MoU, we are creating a framework for transparency, mutual respect, and civic engagement,\u201d the Clerk said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Objectives of the MoU<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Memorandum outlines key areas of cooperation, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • Regular and open information sharing between the Senate and media<\/li>
  • Facilitating media access to Senate proceedings and engagements<\/li>
  • Joint briefings and capacity-building efforts for journalists<\/li>
  • Ethical and professional reporting standards on parliamentary affairs<\/li>
  • Civic education through media platforms to improve public understanding of the Senate\u2019s role<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cThe MoU must not gather dust on our shelves,\u201d the Clerk urged. \u201cIt must become a living document activated by regular interaction, shared accountability, and mutual respect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Clerk further commended the media for their willingness to collaborate, and extended gratitude to development partners, particularly the European Union<\/strong>, for their support in promoting democratic governance and inclusive dialogue in Lesotho.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A Vision for Democratic Renewal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Both the Senate and APPN pledged to work toward building a culture of transparency and civic empowerment. \u201cTogether, we can empower the people of Lesotho with the knowledge they need to shape their future,\u201d the Clerk said in closing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The ceremony concluded with renewed calls for a proactive and sustained partnership that prioritizes ethical journalism, open governance, and inclusive public discourse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Source: Clement Akoloh||Parliamentary Network Africa<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    In a landmark move to strengthen democratic governance and public accountability, the Senate of Lesotho and the African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing collaboration between the legislative body and the media. The signing ceremony, held in Maseru, marked the formalisation of a longstanding partnership between Parliament reporting journalists and the Upper House of Parliament.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2236,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[306,305,1341,1342],"class_list":{"0":"post-2235","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-other-parliaments","8":"tag-african-parliamentary-press-network","9":"tag-appn","10":"tag-senate-of-lesotho","11":"tag-thoboloko-ntsoanyane"},"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n