Mohale FM THE ruling Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) Member of Parliament for Teyateyaneng constituency, Lebona Lephema, has vowed he will not leave RFP to form a new political party.
Mr Lephema, who was recently reshuffl ed to head the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development, made the remarks during his 63rd birthday celebration at Ha Ratšiu in Teyateyaneng. The celebration was attended by Minister of Public Service Stephen Mputi (Maputsoe MP), the recently fi red former Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development Mokhethi Shelile (Lithabaneng), and former Minister of Environment and Forestry Letsema Adontši (Mokhotlong).
Other RFP legislators present included Isaac Malebaleba (Thaba-Bosiu), Teboho Notsi (Tšoana-Makhulo), ‘Mope Khati (PelaTšoeu), Maimane Maphathe (Matelile), Peiso Kelane (Maletsunyane), Lehlohonolo Hlalisi (Maliepetsana) and Cloete Mdlokovana (Mohale’s Hoek). Notably, members of the RFP executive committee did not attend, except for party spokesperson, Mr Shelile.
A large crowd of RFP supporters from his constituency gathered at the celebration, chanting party songs with the tagline “Ha ba tšoha” (they are so scared). Addressing his supporters, Mr Lephema emphasised that he would not abandon the party he co-founded with Prime Minister Sam Matekane.
He recounted that the idea to form the RFP was conceived during a meeting between the two in Bangkok, Thailand, after which Mr Matekane held further discussions with other members in Cape Town, South Africa, to map the way forward. He maintained that he is a co-founder of the RFP, having convened the initial meeting with Mr Matekane in Bangkok.
