Mohloai Mpesi
The Minister of Small Business Development Cooperatives and Marketing Chief Thesele ‘Maseribane said has called it a day after he tendered his resignation from the portfolio yesterday.
‘Maseribane who is also former leader of the Basotho National Party (BNP) which is an affiliate member of the two-party grand coalition government by the All Basotho Convention (ABC) and the Democratic Congress (DC), said his resignation was inspired by his upcoming re-assignment as an envoy.
By his very contention, ‘Maseribane is going to be redeployed as Lesotho’s Ambassador to Italy, after serving the country at ministerial level for in different portfolios for almost nine years since the first ever multi-party coalition government following a hung parliament as a result of the 2012 general elections.
Some of the ministries that have been led by ‘Maseribane include the ministries of Public Service, Communications, Science and Technology, Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation and Small Business Development Cooperation.
Some of his accolades during his ministerial stint, ‘Maseribane posits that besides toiling towards improvement of sports in the country, he boasts that he worked towards the establishment of National Reforms after he was advised by Switzerland alongside the retired former premier Motsoahae Thomas Thabane and Mothetjoa Metsing.
“I worked towards the current National Reforms which was started by me, Thabane and Metsing after it was introduced by Commonwealth, SADC finds it now recently when we have already prepared for it.
“I contributed to sports during my tenure although I did not finish the term, but I worked towards the success of sports and setting up good policies and working towards professionalism, particularly to participate in the commonwealth, Olympics, Council of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) and to also improve the local games. It is unfortunate that my term was cut short before I could accomplish all that.
“I also worked to implement the return of LIPAM so that we can have professional civil workers. When I was at the Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology I made sure the Innovation Hub at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) bill is amended.
“When I was at the Ministry of Small Business I left a draft of policy and cooperation. I also came across many challenges in my journey and political life but I am happy that I served my country,†he said.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro stated in a press statement released last night that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Moshe Leoma would also hold fort in the ministry previously held by ‘Maseribane.
“Office of the Prime Minister wishes to inform the general public that Honourable Thesele ‘Maseribane has tendered his resignation from a Ministerial portfolio of Small Business Development and Cooperatives. His resignation letter was received by the Prime Minister, Dr Moeketsi Majoro on Thursday, 08 August, 2021.
“Meanwhile, Dr. Majoro has thanked Honourable ‘Maseribane for his selflessness and dedication while serving Basotho in the highest public office and also wished him well in his future endeavours,†the statement reads.
