Lesotho ICT Discussion Forum

The Lesotho Thetha was held at Lehakoe Club, Maseru on 22-23 November 2006. The event sought to discuss ICT policy issues in Lesotho and highlight the benefits of ICTs. Educational development and poverty eradication were the other two issues that were discussed at length, with   emphasis placed upon the role that ICTs could play in these areas. A computer lab was set up to expose particiapnts to some practical solutions such as Blogging and Website design.

The following were speakers at the forum: Thabiso Makintane, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication, Science and technology; Seabata Motsamai, Executive Director, Lesotho Council of NGOs; David Barnard, Executive Director, SANGONeT; Dr Ntsibane Ntlatlapa, Lecturer, National University of Lesotho; 'Mapuseletso Ntabe, Programme Assistant, Development Peace for Education; Dr Mohlalefi Sefika, Managing Director, Computer Business Solutions; Nelson Sefali, Chairperson, SchoolNet Lesotho; Malefetsane Nketekete, Curriculum Officer, National Curriculum Development Centre; Denis Branjes, Managing Director, OpenLab; Hlompho Sefako, Registrar, Lesotho Telecommunication Authority; Crosbey Mwanza, Consultant, Datacom; Lebolele Kotsana, IT Consultant, Computer Business Solutions.

The forum attracted 72 participants. These drawn from civil society organisations, government, academic institutions and the private sector.