…as Maphathe returns to the board
Mohloai Mpesi
THE Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) has appointed Tšeliso ‘Mokela as Acting Managing Director for a three-month interim period.
This follows the approval of former Acting Managing Director Nathaniel Maphathe’s request to return to his position on the LEC Board of Directors.
Mr Maphathe was appointed in March this year to steer the company during a turbulent period, which included overseeing the forensic audit conducted by the Office of the Auditor-General in May. The audit was prompted by allegations of entrenched corruption, widespread fraud, and procurement irregularities within the utility.
Earlier this year, LEC came under intense scrutiny from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) after the Auditor-General requested the committee’s intervention when company staff failed to produce key supporting documents for the 2022/2023 financial audit.
According to the Auditor-General’s report, LEC could not account for a staggering M568 million.
In March, 10 senior executives were suspended over alleged corruption and procurement mismanagement, prompting the forensic investigation.
The suspended executives include Managing Director Mohlomi Seitlheko, Corporate Secretary Khotso Nthontho, Head of Corporate Services Moipone Mashale, Head of Information Technology Sakhele Mapetja, Head of Strategy and Growth Limpho Mokhesi, Head of Finance ‘Makabelo Matsoso, Head of Customer Experience Lebohang Mohasoa, Head of Legal, Risk and Compliance Selebalo Ntepe, Head of Internal Audit Thato Matsoso, and Head of Operations Serolo Tikoe.
Mr Nthontho and Ms Matsoso resigned soon after their suspensions, leaving eight officials still under suspension.
Speaking to the Sunday Express on Friday, Mr Maphathe confirmed that he had requested to revert to the board, where he previously served as chairperson, having fulfilled the key mandates of his interim executive role.
“I wouldn’t call it a resignation — I simply requested to return to the board and leave the executive management. My request was approved,” he said.
“I was initially appointed for three months in March, but that term extended to six months. For good governance, it is not advisable for a director to act in an executive capacity for longer than six months. My main task was to ensure that the forensic audit proceeded smoothly and independently, and that all cooperation required from LEC was provided. That work has now been completed.”
He also said he was also tasked with addressing the seven disclaimers raised by the Auditor-General in the 2022/2023 audit report.
“I worked on those to ensure they do not recur, and since that has been done, I saw no reason to continue beyond my interim mandate. The board thanked me for stepping in during such a difficult time.”
In a public notice issued on Friday, LEC confirmed the appointment of Mr ‘Mokela as the new Acting Managing Director and acknowledged Mr Maphathe’s contribution.
“The Board of Directors of the Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) wishes to inform its stakeholders, customers, and the general public that it has approved the request by Mr Nathaniel Maphathe to revert to his substantive position as a Non-Executive Director on the LEC Board, following the successful completion of his interim assignment as Acting Managing Director,” the statement read.
It also said during his tenure, Mr Maphathe “stabilized company operations, implemented key governance directives, and oversaw the successful completion of the forensic audit process, ensuring transparency and adherence to professional standards”.
The company further announced that Mr ‘Mokela — a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in government, regulation, and corporate governance — assumes the acting role amid ongoing disciplinary proceedings against the substantive Managing Director, Mr Seitlheko.
“Following due consideration, the Board has resolved to appoint Mr T?eliso ‘Mokela as Acting Managing Director of LEC on a three-month interim basis, pending the outcome of ongoing disciplinary proceedings against the substantive Managing Director and executives,” the statement continued.
Currently Managing Director of LEC’s subsidiary, Lesotho Electricity Company Communications (LECC), Mr ‘Mokela has been credited with strengthening the subsidiary’s financial and operational stability.
He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) and as Principal Secretary in the Ministries of Communications and Gender and Youth, where he spearheaded major reforms, including the Communications Act (2012) and the establishment of Lesotho PostBank.
“With postgraduate and governance qualifications from leading institutions, he brings proven strategic, policy, and leadership expertise suited to the Acting Managing Director role,” the statement added.
The LEC Board assured the public, employees, and stakeholders that the company remains stable and fully operational, emphasizing that “this transition reflects the Board’s commitment to sound governance, accountability, and leadership continuity.”