Moroke Sekoboto
THAMAE councillor, ’Malerato Khutlisi, has been elected the new Mayor of Maseru, defeating her predecessor, Thabo Sefuthi, in a closely contested election.
Ms Khutlisi, who won the Thame Council under the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) banner in 2023, secured 11 votes against Mr Sefuthi’s eight in Friday’s election held at the Maseru City Council (MCC) Chambers.
Mr Sefuthi, the Khubetsoana councillor, had been elected mayor on 4 August 2026 following snap elections that ousted Lithoteng councillor, Relebohile Sechache, following a motion of no confidence from the councillors who accused him of abuse of office resources.
Majoe-a-li-tšene councillor, Mahlomola Phalatsi, was elected deputy mayor unopposed.
Ms Khutlisi becomes the third woman to lead the capital’s council since September 2020, when ’Mampho Thabane-Libate became mayor. Ntabeleng Ntšasa became the second in May 2021.
Speaking after the election, Ha Leqele Chief Tšosane Mputlane, who is also a councillor, appealed to members to put aside their differences and work together to restore unity and dignity at the council.
“We have been part of this council and we know the challenges. Let us bring unity and peace to the council going forward. Let us not protect or defend any wrongdoing but rather ensure that the council has the dignity it deserves, for people to look up to it and view it as their sanctuary,” Chief Mputlane said.
He urged councillors to put public interests above personal interests and support the council’s administration to improve service delivery.
“We must not serve our interest but the people. Let us work together as councillors and public servants. Let us support the MCC office and ensure its service delivery. When working together it will succeed in serving the people,” he said.
Mr Phalatsi said his unopposed election demonstrated the confidence councillors had placed in him and gave him a clear mandate to serve the people.
He pledged to support the new mayor and urged councillors to put past disagreements behind them and focus on their responsibilities.
“Your votes make a statement of what needs to happen. The fact that I was voted unopposed shows the confidence that you have in me. I am going to fully support the mayor. Let us work together, where there were misunderstandings, let us move past them amicably. It is when we move forward and work together that we will succeed in serving the people,” Mr Phalatsi said.
For her part, Ms Khutlisi acknowledged that the mayoral position came with significant responsibilities but said she was ready to take up the challenge.
“I have accepted the responsibility that comes with the job and I am up for the challenge as I am aware that there is a lot to be done. I am grateful to God and the councillors. I promise to peacefully work together with you. I know that Mr Phalatsi is going to support me. I won’t refuse when you advise me, I will always listen,” Ms Khutlisi said.