FORMER Second Deputy-Governor of the Central Bank of Lesotho, ‘Mathabo Gail Makenete, is Lesotho’s new Auditor-General (AG).
She replaces former substantive AG, Lucy Liphafa, who retired in September 2020 after serving for 18 years in that office, first as acting auditor-general from 2002 to 2004 when she was confirmed the substantive.
Monica Besetsa had acted from then until July 2022. She uncovered the looting of M6.1 billion in public funds during her acting tenure. She was replaced by Mafani Masoabi , also in an acting capacity, until Ms Makenete’s appointment this week.
Ms. Makenete, according to a statement from the Auditor-General’s office, holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) Accounting degree from the National University of Lesotho (NUL) obtained in 1995 as well as a Chartered Accounting Certificate from the Centre for Accounting Studies attained in 1992.
“His Majesty King Letsie III, pursuant to section 142 (1) of the Constitution of Lesotho and acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, has appointed Ms. Gail ‘Mathabo Makenete as Auditor-General with effect from January 30th, 2023,” read the statement from the AG’s office.
“Ms Makenete worked for the Central Bank of Lesotho for 31 years and 11 months until December 2021. She was employed as the second Deputy-Governor for ten years, where she was responsible for four departments of the bank.”
She was the Director of Financial Markets of the CBL from June 2000 to December 2011 responsible for reserves management and domestic market operations.
She also served as the Head of Reserves Management from November 1991 to May 2000.
Ms. Makenete was also an Internal Auditor of the CBL from February 1990 to November 1991.
Ms. Makenete held her first staff meeting as AG yesterday afternoon, according to the department’s information officer ‘Matsepo Mohau.
The Auditor-General’s office is key in monitoring state budgeting and expenditure. The office has been central in exposing malfeasance in the running of government finances. No government has received a clean audit in Lesotho’s recent history. In fact, Ms Liphafa was on record as saying some government accounts were not auditable, meaning they got a disclaimer in auditing parlance.