Mohloai Mpesi
Despite a Labour Court ruling ordering the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) to pay suspended CEO Dr. Retšelisitsoe Nko his due salaries, the corporation has yet to comply.
The court decision, handed down by Magistrate Teboho Thoso, also mandated the payment of benefits tied to Dr. Nko’s contract, following his suspension in February, this year.
The ruling on the contempt matter was issued on August 7, 2023. In an audacious move, the LTDC Board of Directors has even advertised for a new CEO position, seemingly disregarding the court’s directive.
Sources who spoke to Newsday this week on condition of anonymity suggested that the acting CEO, Tebello Thoola, was exploring legal avenues to challenge the verdict.
This is in light of the substantial sum owed to Nko which exceeds M800,000 since his salary was halted in February this year. Nko’s monthly salary, Newsday has independently found out, was a staggering M118,000, supplemented by various benefits.
When contacted this week, Thoola declined to comment on the situation, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.
“This matter is still before the court of law so I cannot discuss it with the media,†Thoola said.
This publication’s investigation revealed that Nko is currently paying M35,000 per month for a vehicle valued at M1.8 million, a commitment the corporation initially allegedly promised to cover, including fuel and insurance.
Nko was suspended following an incident involving gunfire in Hillview, Maseru on December 27, 2022. He was subsequently suspended from his position as CEO of LTDC.
He went to court after LTDC stopped paying his monthly salaries and benefits.
Magistrate Thoso emphasised that Nko was entitled to his full salary and associated benefits while under suspension, highlighting the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
“The respondents are therefore ordered to pay the applicant his salaries due together with his benefits,†the ruling stated.
