‘Maseribane remembers Lekhanya
Mohloai Mpesi
The Basotho National Party (BNP) leader and Minister of Communications, Science and Technology Thesele ‘Maseribane has extolled the former Chairman of the Military Council and former leader of the same party Major General Metsing Lekhanya who passed on this week, as a true leader.
Lekhanya led the country during the initial military-regime of 1986 to 1991 as Chairman of the council (which is basically head of government in a military junta).
He ascended to the leadership of the country after overthrowing the Chief Leabua Jonathan BNP government at the barrel of the gun on January 20, 1986 which is ironically the day on which he passed away this year, 35 years later (January 20, 2021).
He was the first Commander of the Royal Lesotho Defense Force (RLDF) after its morphing from the Paramilitary Union (PMU).
In his days, Lekhanya led the military, government as well as the BNP.
‘Maseribane who deputised Lekhanya during his tenure as BNP leader, said the deceased lived a leadership as he led the party, army and the government that was led by the military.
“He lived a leadership life; he led the BNP party, led the army and its government, he became a policeman also. He has always been a servant serving the nation,†he said adding that he can’t separate him from Jonathan Leabua and Retšelisitsoe Sekhonyana who also led the party before him (‘Maseribane).
“Leabua chose Lekhanya to be the first commander of the army. He led the military and the military government, by that time I was still a BNP youth leader,†he said.
“He then led the BNP party and I became his deputy,†he continued.
‘Maseribane said Lekhanya ruled during the time when there was political instability in the country, piled with the South African government that was led by the boers.
“It was difficult when he was a leader of the military because there was political instability in the country. It was during the time of apartheid when the boers were angry because Lesotho was helping the black South Africans.
“He was a true Christian also and a believer, we learnt a lot from him, he taught us life. I pass my condolences to his Majesty King Letsie III, his family and the entire BNP for their loss. He worked hard and was old, may his soul rest in peace.
“I ask all the BNP members to learn about his history and the history of the party in depth and learn that all those who came before me are gone and I am now left with them.
“I urge them (BNP members) to have humanity, unity, humility and respect for Basotho. I will be at peace if they hear me out,†he said. fffffff