Mohalenyane Phakela
RENOWNED business mogul and leader of the St. Paul’s African Apostolic Church, Bishop Thakadu David Ramela, has refuted claims that he is forming a political party.
Social media has been awash with allegations that Bishop Ramela is following in the footsteps of other business tycoons who have ventured into politics.
Prominent figures such as Prime Minister Sam Matekane, Lebona Lephema, Teboho Mojapela, Mohopoli Monokoane, Ezekiel Mdlokovana, Bothata Mahlala, and Jane Lekunya have all made the transition from business to politics.
Bishop Ramela, however, dismissed the speculation, attributing it to his extensive charitable work across Lesotho. Some have interpreted his philanthropic initiatives as a form of political campaigning.
Bishop Ramela has spearheaded numerous development projects, particularly in Thaba Phatšoa, near his mansion. Through his company, Ramela and Associates, he has built a home for the elderly and children, constructed a school hall and computer lab for his alma mater, Thaba Phatšoa Primary LECSA, and built three classrooms for Thaba Phatšoa RCC Primary School, where students previously studied in a dilapidated chicken barn. He has also constructed a fully equipped police station, complete with holding cells, staff houses, a local court, and a 4×4 vehicle for the police.
Additionally, he has established offices in various communities for pension payouts and community meetings, donated a computer literacy centre in Khanyane, and annually rehabilitated the over 20-kilometer Thaba Phatšoa gravel road after the rainy season. He has also provided scholarships for Basotho students pursuing tertiary education.
He sponsors various initiatives, including the Lesotho Defence Force Bootcamp, the Queen’s Hiking Club, Linare Football Club, CCX FC, Members FC, and Butha Buthe Warriors, among others.
Just this past weekend, he injected a whooping M500 000 in a horse race to uplift the sport in Lesotho.
Speaking to the Lesotho Times this week, Bishop Ramela said he was committed to his faith and community service, distancing himself from politics.
“I am a devoted man of God and cannot participate in politics in any manner. I invite politicians from all parties to my church activities because they are community leaders who should persevere in prayer. Apart from that, I have no interest in politics and no intention to form or join a party, whether in Lesotho or South Africa,” Bishop Ramela said.
Born in Soweto, South Africa, in 1965, Bishop Ramela was raised in Thaba Phatšoa, Leribe, by his maternal grandmother, which explains his deep connection to Lesotho.
However, he pointed out that he is a South African citizen and, therefore, legally ineligible to form or hold office in a political party in Lesotho.
“I am proud to be a South African Mosotho who grew up in Lesotho. I hold a South African passport and (Lesotho) a work permit, which legally disqualifies me from holding any political office in Lesotho. I have always taken my pastoral duties seriously and have been committed to stable governance and peace-building.
“Over the years, I have played a key role in reconciliation efforts and promoting social cohesion. I want to make it clear that I have no intention of forming a political party or posing any political threat to the government. I hope to enjoy the remainder of my 60th birthday celebrations without having to address these baseless allegations again.”
Bishop Ramela reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to community development and nation-building, stressing that his life’s work is rooted in service and peace, not politics.
