29 August 2025 by Limpho Sello

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Out of every 100 women in Lesotho, 86 experience gender-based violence (GBV)—a statistic Vodacom Lesotho chief executive officer, Mohale Ralebitso, has described as “scary.”

Ralebitso stressed that these numbers are not mere statistics but a painful reality Vodacom Lesotho has experienced first-hand.

He recalled the tragic death of former Vodacom Lesotho employee, Rethabile Mofolo, who died from injuries inflicted by her husband, Qamo Matela. In November 2024, Matela was convicted of her murder and sentenced to 24 years in prison by the High Court.

From that tragedy, Ralebitso said Vodacom Lesotho learned hard lessons, which have since guided its commitment to fight GBV.

“Thankfully, we haven’t lost other colleagues,” he said.

“We have supported some of them to exit toxic relationships where they were victimised physically. And as you know, it doesn’t start or end with physical manifestations of violence,” he said.

He urged people to intervene early when they notice disrespectful language or the belittling of women, warning that such behaviors can quickly escalate.

“We must always remind ourselves how real this issue is. We are not engaging because we want to. We engage because we have to,” Ralebitso said.

Ralebitso made the remarks during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on August 19, 2025, in Maseru.

Men as allies

He emphasised that GBV is not just a women’s issue but a societal one. “Women do not exist alone; they live within families and communities. That statistic, 8.6 in 10 women—means men are equally affected because those women are their mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters.”

He added: “The acts of GBV do not commit themselves. They are committed by men. Those men move about in our society and either find acceptance or they are shunned. Needless to say, we should be shunning such people. It is not for women to do the work. We, as men, have work to do.”

Meanwhile, UNFPA Representative John Kennedy Mosoti noted that GBV cuts across all spheres of life.

“According to statistics, 11 women in this room have already experienced violence, sometimes more than once,” Mosoti said, adding “gender-based violence has no age, education, or profession. It does not matter who you are, they will come after you.”

He warned against justifying GBV with excuses. “No amount of blaming culture, tradition, neighbours, or even bad food justifies anything like that. We must put our foot down and say no.”

Mosoti commended the media, calling them powerful partners in raising awareness. “You have a voice larger than one person, larger than any of us here. You can send this message to every corner of Lesotho, from Mafeteng to Thaba-Bosiu. That is what we hope this partnership achieves.”

He added that Lesotho has one of the highest GBV rates globally.

“This is not a record to be proud of. You are not number one in football or basketball, but in GBV. We can do better. We must bring it down from 86 percent hopefully eliminate it, but at least reduce it significantly within a year.”

Commitment to survivors

Ralebitso stressed that the MOU is a commitment to help women who manage to escape abuse start afresh.

“To start life anew, often with children, is an enormous undertaking,” he said.

“That is why we are signing this MOU, to assist survivors so they know they are not alone, and that it is not okay for them to be victimised.”

He noted that Vodacom’s leadership is over 50 percent female, reflecting the company’s values of equality. “This is something worthy of celebration. It shows that the fight against GBV is not the resolve of men alone, it takes an extended village.”

Vodacom Lesotho Foundation Executive Head of Regulatory and External Affairs, Tsepo Ntaopane, outlined the objectives of the three-year agreement where he spoke about the MOU’s four pillars which is to; “Ensure the safety and security of survivors of GBV and their dependents through shelter provision.

Deliver survivor-centered, multisectoral care and support services aimed at empowering survivors.

“Facilitate access to rehabilitative services and resources to help survivors reintegrate into society.

Ntoapane added that the pilloar is critical, as survivors face shame and often the prospect of going back.

“And last to Promote gender equality and protect human rights in Lesotho,” Ntaopane said.

“This is something we are already doing, but we want to expand.”

He added, “Survivors face shame and the prospect of going back. That is why this partnership with UNFPA is critical.”

Mosoti praised Vodacom’s contribution to refurbishing the Multipurpose Center, which will serve as a safe house for GBV survivors.

“That center is more than bricks and mortar, it is a beacon of hope,” he said.

“It offers survivors the chance to heal, to regain dignity, and to begin again. This is an investment in lives, in dignity, in respect, and in the future of women and girls. Your efforts align with UNFPA’s global goal of eliminating GBV and changing harmful norms by 2030.”