6 May 2024 by Pascalinah Kabi

Former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili has revealed his past struggles with anger toward his late son, Advocate Rethabile Godfrey Mosisili, for his inability to overcome alcoholism.

“As a father, I used to get very angry with Rethabile because it looked to me that he was not appreciating the efforts that we were making to help him part ways with alcohol,” Mosisili shared with attendees of the Mokhosi oa Mangoana gala dinner on April 27, 2024 in Maseru.

Mokhosi oa Mangoana, a Lesotho non-governmental organization formed by concerned mothers whose children battle drug addiction, hosted a gala dinner on April 27, 2024, to inaugurate the organization. Mosisili graced the occasion as the guest of honour, delivering a heartfelt speech on the grave issues of alcoholism and drug abuse plaguing the nation.

Listen to Mosisili’s full speech:

A 2023 study titled “Towards Improved Knowledge and Optimization of Healthcare for Non-Communicable Diseases in Lesotho” highlighted the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Lesotho. The study identified trauma and excessive alcohol use as prevalent mental health issues, with many individuals refraining from seeking help for their symptoms.

Advocate Rethabile Godfrey Mosisili, son of former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, grappled with alcoholism throughout much of his adult life. His struggle mirrors that of numerous youths in Lesotho ensnared by alcohol and drug abuse.

In November 2021, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) reported the growing presence of crystal meth in Lesotho, along with nine other southern African countries. Crystal meth is identified as a significant drug being used or trafficked across Africa.