Maseru – Lesotho’s King Letsie III has approved a cabinet reshuffle on the advice of Prime Minister Sam Matekane, with changes taking effect from 29 April 2026 that see two ministers released from cabinet, several others moved to new portfolios and fresh appointments made to fill newly created ministries.
Mokhethi Shelile and Letsema Adontsi have been released from cabinet, while a string of ministers have been shuffled across departments.
Selibe Mochoboroane moves from the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition. Lebona Lephema shifts from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development. Lejone Mpotjoane leaves the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations to head the newly established Ministry of Energy and Mining. Thabo Mofosi moves from Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Limpho Tau moves from the Prime Minister’s Office to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations. 
Among the new appointments, Mamokete Ntšekhe has been named Minister in the Ministry of Health, Voeswa Tsheka has been appointed Minister in the newly established Ministry of Home Affairs and Police, and Makatleho Motsoasele has been appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.
In an unusual development, Nkhethoa Seetsa, who had been appointed Minister in the newly established Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship, formally informed the King of his intention to decline the appointment. He will not be sworn in, and the necessary legal processes are being undertaken to give effect to his decision.
A swearing-in ceremony for all other newly appointed ministers is scheduled for Thursday, 30 April 2026 at the Royal Palace.
The changes were announced through Legal Notice No. 39 of 2026 on Removal of Ministers, Legal Notice No. 40 of 2026 on Allocation of Portfolios to Ministers, and Legal Notice No. 41 of 2026 on Appointment of Ministers and Allocation of Portfolios.
