Kabelo Masoabi
The media community in Lesotho is in mourning following the untimely passing of a beloved figure, former MISA-Lesotho National Director, ‘Muso Thomas Mapesela, who departed this life on January 3, 2025, after a brief illness.
Born on May 29, 1976, Mapesela dedicated his early life to championing media freedom, freedom of speech, and diversity in Lesotho’s media landscape. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his family, friends, and colleagues, and in the media industry as a whole.
A funeral service to honour his remarkable life and contributions will be held at Maseru LEC Primary School tomorrow, beginning at 7 am.
Mapesela’s journey in the media began with the Media Institute of Lesotho (MILES), where he initially served as Public Relations Officer before ascending to the role of National Director in 1996. His tenure was marked by a pivotal period of transformation as the organisation became a chapter of the regional Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA).
Under his leadership, MISA-Lesotho made significant strides in promoting press freedom, advocating for the rights of journalists, and fostering media diversity. Mapesela’s passion and commitment laid a strong foundation that continues to guide the organisation today.
Reflecting on his impact, current National Director of MISA-Lesotho, Lekhetho Ntsukunyane, shared heartfelt sentiments: ““His commitment to these vital causes has left an indelible mark on the organisation and the broader media landscape. As current leaders of MISA-Lesotho, we are committed to ensuring that the legacy Mr. Mapesela built lives on. He will be remembered alongside other giants of the industry, with the echoes of his contributions resonating throughout our community.”
Mapesela’s mother, ‘Mathabo, recounted the events leading to his passing, sharing that he had experienced severe stomach pain prior to his admission to Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital. Despite undergoing surgery and receiving intensive care, he succumbed to his illness two days later.
In a statement this week, MISA-Lesotho expressed deep sorrow: “The board of governors, management, staff, and members of MISA-Lesotho mourn the loss of our dear colleague. While our hearts are heavy with grief, we celebrate the impactful legacy he leaves behind and strive to emulate the goodwill and dedication he embodied. His memory will continue to inspire us.”
Mapesela’s profound contributions will forever be remembered in the annals of Lesotho’s media history. His tireless efforts helped shape the media landscape, paving the way for future generations of journalists and media advocates.
He is survived by his wife and daughter, his mother, and two siblings.
Development Journalist specialising in the reporting of social, economic, and environmental issues. He analyses the impact of policies and programs on communities, along with other factors that influence community well-being. In addition to his journalism endeavors, he is an accomplished photojournalist, capturing compelling images that complement his narratives. Masoabi is also an audio storytelling podcaster, having earned certification from the Knight Centre for Journalism, affiliated with the University of Texas, United States.
