Lesotho recalls Masupha Sole to revise water treaty
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Sunday Express
Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane reportedly recalled Masupha Sole to help revise the Lesotho Highlands Water Project treaty, despite his contract expiring on 31 August 2026. His return was allegedly ordered verbally, while the Natural Resources Minister said he knew nothing about it, according to Sunday Express.
Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane has recalled Masupha Sole, a former principal adviser to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, to assist the government in revising the water treaty concluded with South Africa. A senior source quoted by the Sunday Express said Masupha Sole had resumed his duties despite his contract expiring on 31 August 2026.
The adviser is already working on certain aspects of the matter on the basis of a verbal directive from the Prime Minister, pending a letter specifying his new role. Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko said he was unaware of the recall and indicated that, to his understanding, Masupha Sole's contract had ended.
The treaty, signed in 1986, provides in Article 18 for a review every 12 years or when both parties agree. According to the source quoted by the Sunday Express, Sam Matekane wrote to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to begin the process, and he is said to have agreed to its opening. The text marks its 40th anniversary this year without having undergone a general review.
