Refiloe Molise
Family, friends, industry stakeholders and business leaders gathered at Scenery Guest House Stadium on Wednesday to celebrate Marethabile Sekhiba, whose growing influence in Lesotho’s hospitality sector continues to redefine local tourism standards.
The surprise event followed her recent recognition as the 2026 Outstanding Tourism Entrepreneur Award winner at the China Trade Expo & Global Awards, cementing her position as one of the country’s leading figures in hospitality and tourism.
Speakers from across the tourism and business sectors paid tribute to Sekhiba’s expanding footprint, highlighting her role in transforming accommodation services and elevating Lesotho’s appeal as a destination.
Mamello Morojele, the acting CEO of Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), , said Sekhiba has been a key player in reshaping the industry since entering the sector around 2008, at a time when innovation in hospitality was still limited.
“In those years, she was one of the few young people who brought change and creativity into the industry. Scenery Guest House was designed in a way that reflected the trends and expectations of travelers at the time,” she said.
Morojelo noted that Sekhiba’s influence has grown steadily over the years, with her business expanding beyond its original base to areas such as Maqalika and Mokhotlong, reflecting both strategic vision and adaptability.
“You have kept on going, you have kept the creativity moving, from Stadium to Maqalika and Mokhotlong. You have closely observed the trends of tourism and hospitality,” she added.
She further described Sekhiba as a visionary leader whose impact extends beyond her own enterprise to shaping the broader direction of the industry.
“In her, I have seen a dreamer, a visionary and a leader that Lesotho needs to lift this tourism industry for the world to see,” she said.
Other speakers echoed these sentiments, pointing to her growing role in job creation, mentorship and positioning Lesotho as a competitive tourism destination. Her ability to blend business success with sector-wide influence has made her a standout figure in the industry.
Sekhiba’s journey is underpinned by a strong academic and professional background. Born in Maseru, she attended Maseru Primary LEC and later Morija Girls High School. She went on to study at the Centre for Accounting Studies, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant before pursuing a master’s degree in Ireland. Her early career in finance laid the foundation for her transition into entrepreneurship.
Her entry into hospitality was driven by a clear market insight and a desire to localise economic activity.
“I was not happy seeing people staying in South Africa while doing business in Lesotho,” she said.
Recognising a gap in quality accommodation, she moved to establish Scenery Guest Houses, targeting professionals who were opting for cross-border lodging due to limited local options.
“It began when I realised that there is a need for accommodation in Lesotho,” she explained.
Her vision was to create facilities that meet international standards while retaining economic value within the country.
“We dreamt of establishing a high-quality service hospitality facility in Lesotho,” she said.
Over time, this vision has evolved into a broader mission of shaping service excellence in the sector. Sekhiba’s approach places strong emphasis on customer experience, innovation and consistency, elements that have helped position her brand as a benchmark in the local market.
“My dream to see tourists stay and contribute towards economic development kept me going,” she said. “The employees and their families also inspire me to succeed because of the unemployment challenge.”
She added that sustaining and growing the business carries a wider social responsibility.
“One has to work hard to keep existing employees and to employ even more so that there can be more people who can put bread on the table,” she said.
A family-owned enterprise, Scenery Guest House reflects her long-term vision for the industry.
“It’s my vision. I saw it even before its implementation,” she said.
Despite facing challenges along the way, Sekhiba has maintained a focus on innovation and resilience, allowing her business to grow in a competitive environment.
“I have faced many challenges and can attest that we grew through them,” she said.
Her influence is also evident in how she is redefining hospitality culture in Lesotho, aiming to turn customer experiences into lasting connections.
“With our high-quality service culture, we want our patrons to arrive as visitors but leave as friends who will go out there and tell others about the reception we gave. For us, one visit is not enough,” she explained.
Beyond her business, Sekhiba is actively shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. Through initiatives such as “She Millionaire” and her biannual mentorship programme, she is expanding her impact across the broader business ecosystem, particularly among women.
She continues to advocate for tourism as a key economic driver, positioning it as central to Lesotho’s growth.
“In the tourism sector, we have a higher responsibility because ours is an export service that we must utilise to drive our economy,” she said.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs reflects the mindset that has driven her success.
“Do not hesitate to start anything you have now. The moment you have a dream, make sure you believe in it and do it,” she said.
Summary
- Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), , said Sekhiba has been a key player in reshaping the industry since entering the sector around 2008, at a time when innovation in hospitality was still limited.
- “In her, I have seen a dreamer, a visionary and a leader that Lesotho needs to lift this tourism industry for the world to see,” she said.
- She went on to study at the Centre for Accounting Studies, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant before pursuing a master’s degree in Ireland.
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