Prince Lerotholi sworn in as First Chancellor of Fokothi

RETHABILE PITSO

AT just 18 years old, Crown Prince Lerotholi Mohato Seeiso has made history by becoming the youngest University Chancellor in Lesotho’s history and possibly on the entire African continent.

On Friday, Prince Lerotholi was inaugurated as the First Chancellor of the 120-year old Lerotholi Polytechnic.

The prestigious event was attended by dignitaries including Their Majesties King Letsie III and Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Bereng Seeiso, Princess Senate Bereng Seeiso, Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara (who was attending on behalf of Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane), National Speaker of Parliament, The Right Honourable Tlohang Sekhamane, and Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa.

Born into the Royal Family on 18 April 2007 as the third child and first born son of King Letsie III and Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Bereng Seeiso, the new role prepares him for greater responsibilities in future since he is the Crown Prince.

His inauguration as Chancellor comes at a time when Lerotholi Polytechnic is making deliberate strides to transform the legendary institution which began as a modest school of blue collar artisans into a globally recognised university.

In his inaugural remarks, Prince Lerotholi affirmed his dedication to the institution’s transformation, emphasising the need for Lerotholi Polytechnic to adapt to evolving global standards.

“As I assume the role of Chancellor, I am deeply humbled and come before you fully aware of the responsibility that comes with being a Chancellor, let alone the First Chancellor of this esteemed institution.

“This institution was born from the concept of our forbears and shaped by decades of outstanding commitment towards the preservation of the legacy of my grandfather Chief Lekena Lerotholi, whose name I inherited.

“This institution is now set on a courageous journey of becoming Lesotho’s premier university of science and technology.

“As Chancellor, I accept this mantle with both gratitude and resolve. I pledge to uphold the dignity of this office to safeguard the values upon which this institution stands and to champion an environment where academic excellence is natured, integrity is honoured and opportunity is accessible to all who seek it”, he said.

The new Chancellor not only called for inclusivity in his remarks, but also for collaborative efforts towards enhancing the institution’s overall image.

“We are now entering a crucial chapter, one that requires courage, discipline, and unity of purpose. The world around us is changing, the economic landscape is shifting; driven by technology, automation, data science, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, among others.

“We therefore need to adapt as a society. I have no doubt that Lerotholi polytechnic is able and capable to lead that process by producing the next generation of human capital.

“Our country needs an institution that not only responds to these changes but also needs an institution that will be in the forefront of technological advancement. That institution must be a transformed Lerotholi that is modern, world-class and distinctly Basotho; leading in Science and Technology,” he said.

In his remarks, King Letsie III expressed firm confidence that his son, Prince Lerotholi will lead the institution to new heights of excellence.

The visibly emotional King reflected on the Prince’s vision for the institution as he acknowledged that the young Chancellor’s statement underscored the weight of the responsibility he now carries.