Oct 29, 2021--The department of Lesotho News Agency (LENA) staff under the Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology (MCST) are attending a two-day Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Thaba Bosiu.
The AGM aims to allow staff to introspect, identify challenges and map way forward in an endeavour to promote the image of the country’s agency operating in all the ten districts.
Officiating the AGM, the Acting Minister of Communications, Honourable Moshe Leoma states that the AGM comes at a crucial time when the country is heading towards the 2022 general polls.
He notes the need to attain the Ministry’s strategic plan through the agency, thus making sure that LENA becomes a news hub to alleviate the rate of fake news in social media platforms.
He strongly urges staff to work in line with the agency's house style rather than one’s personal interest. He said the AGM will also serve as forum meant to remind staff their roles and responsibilities in reporting news.
Similarly, the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Communications, Mrs. Mabataung Khalane highlights the need for the media, particularly the agency to ensure provision of balanced news despite daily work challenges.
She said establishment of LENA was solely meant to enhance information dissemination locally and regionally through placement of reporters in different districts. “As a result, collaboration of LNBS and LENA is vital if the nation is to access news in different angles.”
On behalf of LENA, Acting Director, Mrs. Moroa Mopeli said the agency is facing numerous challenges ranging from shortage of resources as well as financial constraints. However, she commends staff that even when the country was under Covid-19 lockdown, the team continued to deliver services.
She assures staff that processes leading to accessing tablets (mobile phones) to ease and fasten work is at an advanced stage, noting this also include getting access to unlimited wireless WI-FI. Above that, she said motivational speakers have been invited to the forum to empower all.
The agency exists for over 30 years now, it was founded by the Government of Lesotho as one of its efforts geared towards media development. Its mission is to serve as a vehicle of democracy, cohesion and progress through publication of accurate, factual and independent stories.
