Keiso Mohloboli

Basotho National Party (BNP) stalwart Dr Majara Molapo who passed away on Thursday in Maseru has been described as a principled man who was always willing to work for the good of the nation.

A family spokesperson, Pitseng Chief Khethisa Tau, yesterday told the Sunday Express that Dr Molapo (70) had a kidney problem and chronic cancer and died from respiratory failure in the early hours of Thursday.

Chief Khethisa Tau said Dr Molapo’s death had left the family deeply shaken.

“The family knew about his illness and saw that he was going through a tough time. But we continued to pray for him as we still wanted to be with him and listen to his old-age and very informative political stories,” Chief Tau said.

BNP spokesperson Machesetsa Mofomobe said they had lost “a giant and pillar of strength” whose contribution to the growth of the party would be greatly missed.

Dr Molapo held several positions in the party, among them Secretary General and Public Relations Officer. He also held senior positions in the Lesotho and Free State governments.

“His contribution to the development of the party was exceptional because his principles were clear. Dr Majara drove the executive not to only serve the BNP but the nation at large,” Mr Mofomobe said.

“He was a great historian who had documented proof that it was not true that nationalists buried Basotho alive during Morena Leabua’s tenure as Prime Minister, and he was always ready to say so. He also testified before the Commission of Inquiry into events leading to political disturbances which rocked Lesotho in 1998. The death of Dr Majara is a serious loss to the BNP as he was a loyal member of the party until his last breath.”

Dr Molapo was born on 12 December 1946. He is survived by his wife ‘Mamonehela Molapo, his children Monehela and Mathealira and three grandchildren.

He will be buried on 4 June 2016 in Qoqolosing, Leribe.