The minister of natural resources and energy, Mohlomi Moleko, has terminated the appointment of Seaja Ntšekhe as a non-executive director in the board of directors of the Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC), effective Wednesday this week.
This follows Ntšekhe’s controversial Facebook post in which he alleged that the prime minister, Sam Matekane, had dismissed Professor Nqosa Mahao as energy minister due to his anti-corruption stance.
The post, which was widely circulated on social media, seems to have brought Ntšekhe under intense scrutiny by the minister.
“Your misleading social media post which is meant to harm the image of the government has unfairly created a negative public perception about the prime minister and his government,” Moleko said in letter to Ntšekhe dated December 11.
Moleko, who represents the government as a shareholder in LEC, stated that the government had lost faith in Ntšekhe’s ability to discharge his duties faithfully and in the best interests of the company and the shareholder.
“This is illustrated by your recent ill-informed Facebook post whereby you purport that the prime minster terminated the appointment of the previous energy minister due to his opposition to corruption,” he noted.
Moleko further indicated that board members must avoid conflict of interest and prioritise the company’s well-being above personal interests or those of any other party.
He also underscored that as a non-executive director of LEC, Ntšekhe was expected to fulfill his fiduciary duties and act in a manner that is aligned with the interests of the shareholder and the LEC.
“The core fiduciary duties include duty to care, which requires board members to act with reasonable diligence and prudence. Duty of loyalty, which demands undivided and unwavering loyalty to the company and its shareholders. Duty of obedience, which compels board members to act in accordance with the law and the company’s government policies,” he added.
Prof Mahao, leader of the Basotho Action Party was dismissed from his position as the minister on November 27, 2024.
While no specific reasons for his dismissal have been disclosed, allegations are that internal disagreements in his party may have played a role.
The dismissal has raised questions about the future of BAP’s role within the coalition government and its potential impact on the country’s political landscape.
Before he was fired, in October 10 this year, Prof Mahao had dismissed board members and replaced it with a new one led by Ntšekhe. Other members include Nati Maphate, Thabo Khasipe, Rethabile Sakoane, Lebohang Ramaisa, Lerato Mphaka, Batalatsang Kanetsi, and Moholisa Fako.
The fired board comprising Mokhethi Seitlheko, Pesha Shale, Seretse Mohlouoa, Mosiea Mapota, Mokhoenene Lehohla, ‘Mathapelo Ramakatane and led by Professor Molibeli Taele challenged their dismissal, arguing it was improper since they had already filed a case challenging the legality of Prof Mahao’s show cause letters dated August 27, 2024.
The fired board challenged their dismissal citing that Prof Mahao had violated the principle of sub judice when he appointed a new board while the current one was still in place.
The case will be heard in February next year.
