Moroke Sekoboto
Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Lifefo ground in Ha Thetsane to bid farewell to former Government Secretary Moahloli Mphaka.
The distinguished accountant and politician passed away unexpectedly on April 26th, just hours after celebrating his 49th birthday.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men.” This quote encapsulates the enduring impact of Mphaka’s life and work.
Described as a go-getter, good listener, and esteemed ambassador of the accountancy profession, Mr Mphaka dedicated his life to public service.
The long list of distinguished guests who graced the funeral service bore testimony to the indelible mark that Mr Mphaka leaves as a hardworking, tenacious and persevering public servant.
These dignitaries included members of Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s cabinet led by Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation minister, Nthati Moorosi, who stood in for the premier, Foreign Affairs and International Relations minister, Lejone Mpotjoane, and Trade, Industry and Business Development minister, Mokhethi Shelile.
Former Prime Minister Tom Thabane, under whose 2012-2015 and 2017-2020 coalition administrations, Mr Mphaka served as GS, also attended the funeral. The octogenarian former premier could not have done otherwise, for he loved and regarded Mr Mphaka as his son.
Former Deputy Prime Minister under Mr Thabane’s 2017-2020 coalition administration, Monyane Moleleki, among other notables, was present to pay his last respects.
Ordinary members of the public also graced the occasion
All speakers acknowledged Mr Mphaka’s professionalism, humility, and unwavering commitment to the nation, painting a portrait of a respected leader whose influence will be felt for years to come.
Minister Shelile, lauded Mr Mphaka’s immense contributions to the country.
“Basotho have lost a legend and a highly organized individual who always made his presence felt,” he said.
Mr Shelile, who had the privilege of working under Mr Mphaka at the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC), while Mr Mphaka was Principal Secretary for trade and industry, praised his wisdom and great leadership qualities.
“Mr Mphaka was a great leader who served the country with unwavering devotion and integrity. The government deeply regrets this loss because he still had so much to offer Lesotho,” Mr Shelile added.
The minister extended the government’s heartfelt condolences to the Mphaka family and the people of Lesotho.
“We have lost a humble person, a man of principle who has contributed immensely to Lesotho’s transformation. This is a great loss for our nation,” he said.
Lerata Pekane, speaking on behalf of the Lesotho Institute of Accountants (LIA), described the late Mr Mphaka as a reputable ambassador for their profession.
Mr Mphaka was a strategic and influential lobbyist who tirelessly advocated for the interests of the accounting community, Mr Pekane said.
“Mr Mphaka was a driven, ambitious professional, but also a humble and down-to-earth mentor,” Mr Pekane said.
“He was a man of integrity who was deeply passionate about the accounting field. Loyal and bold, he believed in himself and saw potential in everyone around him. Mr Mphaka was also a devoted family man.”
Mr Pekane added that Mr Mphaka had represented their profession exceptionally well throughout his career.
Former DPM Moleleki, said that Mr Thabane was too bereaved by the untimely passing of Mr Mphaka to speak at the event. So the former premier had delegated the responsibility to Mr Moleleki himself.
“Dr Thabane asked me to speak on his behalf because he is too touched by Mr Mphaka’s death. Mr Mphaka was very close to both me and Dr Thabane, which is why it is difficult for him (Thabane) to make a speech. When Dr Thabane heard of his passing, he insisted on going to the mortuary because he didn’t believe it,” Mr Moleleki said.
The current ABC party leader, Nkaku Kabi, said they had suffered a great loss, as Mr Mphaka was a key official in the party. He assisted in developing its policies and crafting its manifestos.
“We have lost a compassionate person, one with a clear vision, intelligence and humanity. He contributed a lot in helping the ABC grow, and now that we are restructuring after facing challenges, he would have been crucial,” Mr Kabi said.
“Our sincere condolences to ABC, the Mphaka family, and Basotho in general.”
Over his distinguished career, Mr Mphaka held several significant positions. He served as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LIA. He also worked as the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
From 2014-2015 and 2017-2020, he held the critical role of Government Secretary under former Premier Thabane.
Additionally, he served as a Government Advisor for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). At the time of his passing, he was a Managing Partner at MATS Chartered Accountants and Tax Consultants.