Maseru, Nov. 26 — Former Minister of Police Mr. Lepota Sekola who succumbed to death after a short illness about two weeks ago, was on Wednesday remembered with a memorial service held at the Ministry of Health auditorium.
Speaker after speaker hailed him as a strong, kind, generous and loving person, father and husband and pragmatic politician.
The service was graced by among others Basotho National Party (BNP)Leader, Mr. Machesetsa Mofomobe, Members of Parliament for Thaba-Putsoa, Tsoelike, Makhoroana constituencies, former MPs from 10th Parliament and transport operators to mention a few.
In his remarks Major General Ramanka Mokaloba said the passing of Mr. Sekola is a loss to them as the army because he was one of them.
He said he personally worked with him and he was a hard worker.
To those who said Mr. Sekola helped them, he said giving their testimony should not just be ceremonial saying they should show appreciation by actions.
On the other hand, Leader of DC and Opposition Mr. Mathibeli Mokhothu said this is not only a loss to the party but country as well, saying that the deceased was a hard worker who wanted to see Lesotho and Basotho prosper.
He said he loved his generosity and helping value in him because that is exactly how Jesus was.
He said Mr. Sekola was a public servant, saying he was available to solve problems in his tenure as Deputy Minister of Water and Minister of Police. He added that this showed that being a Minister is not about qualifications but patriotism.
He commended the family saying they had borne a legend.
To thank the deceased, he said if the deceased still has a minor child, he requested that they give him such a child to take through school.
Moreover, ABC Leader Mr. Nkaku Kabi said the deceased was a patriot and hard worker who had passion for his work. He had expected the world to give him what he had given to it, his all hence he was said to have depression.
“He gave all and supported or assisted many but when he needed such he was all alone,” he said.
He urged fellow politicians not to take politics for fun but for things that would bring change in this country.
He comforted the family for the passing of this fallen hero.
On behalf of Members of 10th Parliament Mr. Likopo Mahase said he was a strong person who played a vital role in the leadership of ABC. He comforted the wives of the deceased and urged them to seek counselling.
On one hand, Maseru Region Transport Operators (MRTO) Lebohang Moea commended the deceased for his leadership saying the association was established by him.
He said he loved beautiful and big things hence he made sure he had 40 taxis which he said was a very huge number.
Roma Taxi Association Chairperson, Mr. Prince Tshabalala said he had leadership skills as deputy chairperson of the association. He said the deceased loved his work and worked hard to grow the taxi industry.
On behalf of his children Felile Sekola said this is very painful especially since he was not sick for long, saying he did not give them notice that he was going to leave them. She said their father was a legend.
His friend, Mr. Khauhelo Mokhoema said he was a strong man and loved good things, citing that he would buy 40 taxis while some of them bought two. He wanted things to happen and was not jealous when others flourish. He discouraged the wives from fighting over inheritance.
Born on August 28, 1964, Mr. Sekola was also former Deputy Minister of Water and he was a Member of the 10th Parliament.
He also served in the Lesotho Defence Force and later as a VIP bodyguard to former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili before proceeding to the taxi industry where he owned a fleet of minibuses.
He is survived by five children.
He will be buried on Friday with an official funeral at Ratjomose barracks.
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