Berea, July 28 — Multitude of grieving people from all walks of life paid their tribute to the former Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship Affairs Mr. Habofanoe Lehana who was laid to rest at Mahlatsa, Berea on Friday.
Speaking on behalf of King Letsie III, Principal Chief of Matsieng Chief Seeiso Bereng Seeiso described Mr. Lehana as a generous person during his tenure in office where he was working directly with the chiefs.
Chief Seeiso said during this difficult time he urged family members not to be quick to judge God for his untimely departure, but they rather seek the cross of Jesus because that is where they can find refuge and comfort.
He further encouraged his children to respect their mother like they used to do even during the life of their father, adding that they should as well continue to take advice from their mother.
Sharing the same sentiments, Prime Minister Mr. Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane said he was among the luckiest to know the family of the deceased some years back when his father established a business at Mants’onyane and that bond became strong when he came to befriends with the deceased during their childhood growth adding that the country has lost one of the hardest working person.
In his remarks, All Basotho Convention (ABC) former leader, Mr. Thomas Motsoahae Thabane said Mr. Lehana came at the time when Basotho were lacking respect, whereby some enjoy dividing the nation.
Mr. Thabane further said through the death of an iconic leader who once dedicated his life for effective service delivery, he urged people and leadership to change their hearts so that together they can transform the country to be better state where peace and harmony prevails for the development of the country.
Also speaking Kueneng and Mapoteng Principal Chief Peete Lesaoana Peete said King Letsie III has lost one of the most dedicated and trustworthy civil servants who never looked upon himself, but who used to put people’s interest first as he has pioneered huge projects countrywide.
Chief Peete further urged his family to continue the good work he was doing, adding that even if he was well educated he used to value Basotho norms and ways of living.
Representing the family, Mr. Mahlakajoe Lehana said the deceased died on July 09 from asthma although he was aready managing it, adding that the deceased was one of the prominent farmers among his social roles.
Meanwhile, the deceased was born on March 13, 1960 at Mahlatsa and is the second child of Mr. Ts’iu Lehana and Mrs. Mamahlakajoe Lehana. He attended several schools which included, Likheo Primary, Dahon High School, Mabathoana High School, National University of Lesotho (NUL), Sheffield University and Institute of Development Management (IDM).
Mr. Lehana has worked at the Ministry of Interior Refugees Coordination Unit, Department of Lands, Surveys and Physical Planning, Maseru City Council, Lesotho Housing and Land Development Corporation.
On the other hand, Mr. Lehana also served in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship Affairs, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Law, Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs.
Ends