The 60th birthday celebration of Bishop David Thakadu Ramela was not merely a personal milestone; it was a powerful celebration of a life dedicated to service, nation-building, and unshakable faith.
Held recently in Soweto, South Africa, the event brought together political figures, celebrities, religious leaders, and members of the community from both Lesotho and South Africa to honour a man who has spent decades uplifting others.
From the very beginning, Bishop Ramela’s journey was marked by adversity and humility. Raised by his grandmother in the rural village of Thaba Phatšoa in Leribe, Lesotho, he experienced first-hand the struggles of poverty; walking barefoot to school, going days without food, and sleeping in traditional huts.
But these early experiences shaped a man who would later become a revered businessman, spiritual leader, and philanthropist with deep ties to both nations.
The 60th birthday celebration was both emotional and inspiring. Held at a venue filled with love and reverence, every speaker on the programme spoke passionately about the impact Bishop Ramela has had on their lives. Whether it was through prayer, mentorship, financial support, or his unwavering belief in second chances, he has lifted countless individuals from hardship to hope.
The event was attended by high-profile figures, including the Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, former Prime Minister Dr. Moeketsi Majoro, and Major General Ramanka Mokaloba from the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF).
Celebrities such as Lesotho-born actress Matšeliso Mohale and South African comedian David Kau added a celebratory touch to the gathering, each sharing personal reflections on Bishop Ramela’s selflessness and humour. Their presence alone was a testament to the respect and admiration he commands across various sectors.
Adding to the excitement, his radio station, Bokamoso Radio, broadcasted the event live from Soweto, ensuring his broader audience across both countries could be part of the moment. The most touching highlight came when his children presented him with a brand-new BMW X5, a heartfelt gift representing gratitude, admiration, and deep family love.
Though widely celebrated as a successful businessman, Bishop Ramela has always led with a servant’s heart. As the leader of St. Paul’s African Apostolic Church, he has long used his platform not for personal glorification but for healing and building bridges.
Notably, he has played a crucial role in mediating conflict between political rivals, most famously between then-Prime Minister Dr Majoro and All Basotho Convention (ABC) leader Nkaku Kabi. His role as a peacemaker continues to be recognised and appreciated even at the highest levels of leadership.
Beyond politics, his church has been instrumental in community development projects throughout Leribe. These include the construction of homes for the elderly, police posts, local magistrate courts, and public preschools equipped with computer labs, offering much-needed infrastructure in rural areas that are often neglected by mainstream development agendas.
Bishop Ramela’s influence also extends to the business world, where he has championed local enterprise and large-scale production. Under his company, Ramela & Associates, he launched Thakadu Poultry, a large-scale farm in Mahobong, Lesotho, that produces nearly 9,000 eggs daily and employs dozens of locals.
The poultry farm forms part of a wider food-security initiative which is aligned with the African Union (AU)’s nutrition drive, spearheaded by King Letsie III, Africa’s Nutrition Champion.
He has also established Thakadu Filling Station, a supermarket, and a logistics business, all in his home village of Mahobong. These businesses are not just profit-driven; they aim to stimulate local economies, create employment, and inspire youth to pursue entrepreneurship over dependency.
In early 2025, his foundation announced a bold M2 billion investment in a food-security programme that will create over 700 jobs and establish a major abattoir in Leribe. The initiative is a shining example of how private individuals can contribute meaningfully to national development.
Bishop Ramela’s philanthropic work is especially impactful. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated food parcels worth over M1 million to elderly citizens across Lesotho, easing the burden for many who were hit hardest by lockdowns and rising food prices.
His personal motto, often quoted during his radio sermons, is simple but profound: “When riches are accumulated, they are for the benefit of others, not for self-glorification.”
Through his Bokamoso Foundation, he continues to support orphans, single mothers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. His television and radio series, Metlakhola, chronicles his story and aims to inspire others to turn their challenges into purpose-driven lives.
As Bishop Ramela enters his seventh decade, he does so not just as a man of years but as a man of extraordinary impact. Whether in boardrooms, church halls, or rural farming plots, his presence is one of transformation. He embodies what it means to serve with humility while leading with vision.
In a world often defined by division and self-interest, Bishop Ramela’s life reminds us that greatness is measured not by how high we climb, but by how many people we lift as we rise.
His 60th birthday was not just a celebration of age; it was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewed purpose for a man who has become a national treasure.
A Professional Communications practitioner with a wealth of expertise in marketing, public speaking, communication and media relations. I believe in learning everyday and improving one’s personal and professional capabilities.
* A former journalist and radio host who is passionate about media and it’s impact on society.
