Balancing Basketball and Budgeting in Lesotho: Insights from Maleshoane Lekomola-Danziger on Disaster Risk Finance and Much More

On a sunny afternoon in Muldersdrift, South Africa, we had the privilege of sitting down with Maleshoane Lekomola-Danziger (Budget Controller, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Lesotho) to discuss her thoughts on Disaster Risk Finance (DRF) in Lesotho.

Maleshoane leads a full life. She is a devoted mother to her lovely daughter, an avid gardener who plants an herb garden to sell at the market, and an accomplished sportsperson who enjoys playing basketball, having played for her country in the past. All this in addition to being one of the pioneers of DRF in Lesotho. This DRF champion has worked in the Lesotho Ministry of Finance Budget Department for over 20 years and has been the Budget Controller for the past five years. During this time, Lesotho has established a strong DRF strategy, working with small and medium enterprises (SMEs), smallholder farmers, and orchards growers to create a sustainable and resilient future, while empowering women to fight for what they want.

Q: Looking back, what are some of the key milestones achieved in terms of DRF in Lesotho? What are your hopes and aspirations for the future of DRF in the country?

One of the key milestones that we have accomplished as a country is the completion of a comprehensive DRF assessment, which will lead to a financing strategy for disasters in general. This assessment revealed key findings, such as those related to the implementation of risk transfer mechanisms like targeted fertilizer subsidies and matching grants for smallholder farmers to adopt modern technologies (greenhouses, irrigation). Additionally, emergency funds were developed through projects, such as those for SMEs.

Overall, we aim to integrate the concept of DRF into our policies and national plans. Integrating DRF issues into our main strategy is key, as is building capacity within governments, institutions, and local communities for effective risk management.

Moving forward, we need to expand DRF coverage to reach vulnerable communities. Strengthening resilience by adopting innovative financing mechanisms is also crucial. I have learned more about public-private partnerships (PPP), which I previously did not think could be applied in terms of managing disasters. Additionally, it is important to explore carbon financing through green agriculture. Lesotho has a strong advantage here, which could bolster the country's capacity to withstand and recover from disasters. Furthermore, strengthening partnerships with international organizations and donors for sustainable support is key. We currently lack the technical capacity required for DRF, so it is important to have on board people who are knowledgeable. Lastly, it is vital to continuously evaluate and adopt strategies to address evolving risks and challenges.

Q: Can you elaborate on how the implementation of DRF has impacted different communities in the country, and how you measure its success?

The implementation of DRF has significantly improved Lesotho’s financial preparedness and disaster response capabilities. This has been achieved through the establishment of an emergency fund and the provision of financial education and awareness programs offered by the Ministry’s Financial Affairs Department, in collaboration with the Central Bank. Additionally, early warning systems and annual vulnerability assessments have helped minimize economic damage and social disruption. By identifying vulnerable groups through these assessments, targeted interventions such as agricultural support, microfinance, and financial inclusion have been implemented, ultimately enhancing the livelihoods and well-being of these populations. Continuous awareness campaigns further amplify the impact, making people more knowledgeable about financial matters, obtaining credit when needed, and utilizing mobile technology, which has become commonplace. These initiatives' success has been measured through qualitative metrics such as reduced recovery times and qualitative assessments of community resilience and empowerment.

Q: You have played a pivotal role in establishing Lesotho’s DRF strategy. Can you walk us through the initial challenges you faced and how you overcame them?  

In the early days, there was limited awareness and understanding of the concept of DRF, so it was challenging to introduce it to stakeholders. The lack of financial resources and technical support or expertise was another significant challenge. We required guidance. Fortunately, we had the opportunity to work with people like Barry Maher (Senior Financial Sector Specialist from the Finance, Competitiveness, and Innovation (FCI) Global Practice at the World Bank) who helped us understand the concept of DRF. This was crucial in shaping my expertise in the field. I now really enjoy the topic! 

Overcoming resistance to change within bureaucratic structures was another challenge, and I believe it is something that may persist; one needs to know how to navigate it. Addressing these challenges required advocacy, capacity building, developing robust evidence base, and fostering collaborations among stakeholders. If you have evidence, such as in our pilot orchards project, people are more likely to listen because they are looking at something they can visualize. Furthermore, integrating DRF into every project subtly encouraged communities to address disasters indirectly. This strategy, coupled with initial political support, proved critical.   

Q: Which of Lesotho’s DRF-related achievement are you most proud of? 

I am most proud of the successful integration of DRF into our national policies. First, we needed to make people understand the importance of green projects that focus on climate change resilience and sustainability. Institutionalizing this marked a significant milestone in building resilience against disasters in Lesotho. Working on this has broadened my perspective of disaster risk management, highlighting its impact on everything, including plants, crops, and livelihoods. As a financing provider, I recognize its crucial role—without it, disaster response is impossible. This ability to respond when needed is paramount for the country. 

Q: You are a DRF champion in your country and an inspiration to many others. Have you faced any specific challenges being a woman in a male-dominated field? 

When you are a woman in a male-dominated space, it is vital to focus on yourself. This applies not just to my work in DRF, but also in my position as Budget Controller. I believe I am the first female and youngest person to hold this position. When I started off, some people thought I was not ready for the role. I worked on developing my own confidence; it is so important to be confident in your abilities and skills. It is also important to understand what you want. I wanted to advocate gender equality and challenge stereotypes. My advice to women in similar positions is to be fearless, assertive, and relentless in the pursuit of their goals, regardless of the obstacles. It is a step-by-step process and may not be easy, but it is well worth it when, in the future, you are able to look back and say, “I have done it!” 

Q: Finally, could you please tell us a little about the role of sport in your life? 

I played on Lesotho’s national basketball team until I had to stop due to leg injury. Sport has helped me achieve a sense of balance in life and in efficiently managing my professional commitments. I have learnt a lot about time management, prioritization, discipline, and resilience by finding ways to balance my demanding job with my hobbies. Being engaged in sports is key to my physical and mental well-being. It enhances my productivity in all aspects. Working in the Budget Office can get quite hectic; just the act of switching off for a moment and concentrating on throwing a ball works wonders in relaxing me!

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