On 13 August 2025, the Government of Lesotho published the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution Act, 2025 (Act No. 2 of 2025), ushering in one of the most comprehensive constitutional reforms since independence. The amendment gives effect to the recommendations of the Multi-Stakeholder National Dialogue on Reforms (Plenary II Report) and represents a decisive step towards strengthening democracy, good governance, and accountability in the Kingdom.
Expanded Recognition of Languages and Age of Majority
The Act broadens the definition of official languages to include Sesotho, English, isiXhosa, isiPhuthi and sign language, ensuring wider linguistic inclusivity. It also introduces a constitutional definition of adulthood by setting the age of majority at 18 years, aligning Lesotho with international standards on children’s rights.
Affirmative Action and Public Interest
For the first time, the Constitution expressly provides for affirmative action in favour of historically marginalised groups on the basis of gender, age, disability, and other forms of exclusion. A new “public interest” clause empowers individuals, associations, and interest groups to approach the courts directly to protect constitutional rights.
Strengthening Parliament and Public Finance
Parliament is now established as an independent institution, complete with a new Parliamentary Service and Service Commission, a Parliament Budget Office, and clear oversight powers over government expenditure. Chapter X of the Constitution has been completely overhauled to enhance fiscal accountability, creating a Supreme Audit Institution to replace the Auditor-General, and setting out new rules on debt management, contingencies, and supplementary budgets.
Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Bodies
The Human Rights Commission has been reconstituted with greater independence from the executive, while a new Lesotho Independent Anti-Corruption and Ethics Commission has been entrenched in the Constitution. Both bodies are accountable to Parliament, ensuring stronger checks on abuse of power.
Security, Media and International Relations
The amendment creates a modernised national security framework, including a National Security Council, National Security Commission, and an Independent Security Sector Oversight Authority. For the first time, media freedom and responsibility are constitutionalised, with the creation of a Media Council of Lesotho and a Media Ombudsman to regulate disputes in the sector.
Internationally, the amendment requires that all treaties and agreements be approved by Parliament before ratification, reinforcing parliamentary sovereignty in foreign affairs.
A Turning Point in Lesotho’s Governance
The Tenth Amendment Act, 2025 marks a turning point in Lesotho’s constitutional development. By expanding rights protections, strengthening institutions, and embedding accountability, the reform aims to deliver stability, inclusivity, and sustainable governance for generations to come.