Lesotho activist arrested after video on unemployment rates angers prime minister

Tšolo Thakeli had long campaigned on youth joblessness, but a post questioning Sam Maketane’s promises on work creation landed him in prison

SearchSupport usPrint subscriptionsNewslettersDownload the appSearch jobsDigital ArchiveGuardian LicensingAbout UsThe Guardian appVideoPodcastsPicturesInside the GuardianGuardian WeeklyCrosswordsWordiplyCorrectionsTipsSearch input google-search SearchSearch jobsDigital ArchiveGuardian LicensingAbout UsWorldEuropeUSAmericasAsiaAustraliaMiddle EastAfricaInequalityGlobal development Tšolo Thakeli, whose video post highlighted that there was no provision in February’s budget for the jobs promised by the prime minister. Photograph: Courtesy of Public Eye OnlineView image in fullscreenTšolo Thakeli, whose video post highlighted that there was no provision in February’s budget for the jobs promised by the prime minister. Photograph: Courtesy of Public Eye OnlineGlobal developmentLesotho activist arrested after video on unemployment rates angers prime ministerTšolo Thakeli had long campaigned on youth joblessness, but a post questioning Sam Maketane’s promises on work creation landed him in prison

About this contentKaamil AhmedMon 30 Jun 2025 00.00 EDTLast modified on Mon 30 Jun 2025 00.02 EDTShareIt took a single video complaining about Lesotho’s unemployment rate to turn Tšolo Thakeli into the prime minister’s enemy. Within a day of posting there were armed police at his door.