Mohale FM LEADER of the United Africans Transformation (UAT), Dr Mahali Phamotse, has instituted
legal proceedings against the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations,
Lejone Mpotjoane, for alleged defamation.
Dr Phamotse is seeking M2.5 million in compensatory damages from Mr Mpotjoane, in
his offi cial capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, for harm
allegedly caused to her image following the publication of what she describes as
defamatory statements.
She is further claiming M500,000 in punitive damages, costs of suit, and interest at a rate
of 25 percent. Mr Mpotjoane, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations,
and Attorney-General Rapelang Motsieloa KC are cited as the first to third respondents
respectively.
In her application, Dr Phamotse states that through her political party, UAT, she entered
into a legitimate private partnership with Synergy University in Russia, aimed at providing
genuine study and work opportunities for Basotho students. She asserts that the initiative
was transparent, lawful, and focused solely on empowering Basotho through authentic
educational opportunities, with no element of deception or illicit activity.
In response, the ministry issued a letter dated 29 August 2025 denying any wrongdoing.
According to Dr Phamotse, the ministry summarily denied liability, asserting that there
was nothing untoward in the conduct of Mr Mpotjoane, and refused to tender the
demanded public apology or remove the offending content. She further states that the
response failed to address the substance
