…amid corruption allegations and suspension
Seithati Motsoeneng
THE Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) Chief Executive Officer, Molupe Pheko, has resigned with immediate effect. He did not give reasons for his decision.
Mr Pheko tendered his resignation yesterday, bringing an abrupt end to a tenure that had been overshadowed by serious allegations, including corruption, misappropriation of funds and, manipulation of the parastatal’s human resource policies to effect improper promotions.
These allegations had ultimately led to his suspension pending investigations.
He was suspended on 11 March 2025, with the LTDC Head of Investment and Promotion, Mamello Morojele, appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Pheko assumed office on 15 November 2023 and had been in the position for less than a year when accusations regarding his conduct began to emerge.
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) subsequently launched investigations into his alleged abuse of power and financial impropriety.
DCEO spokesperson, ‘Matlhokomelo Senoko, yesterday confirmed that investigations were still ongoing.
“The case is not dead because the suspect is still alive. However, I cannot disclose as to how far the investigations are,” Ms Senoko said.
Among the allegations were claims that Mr Pheko undertook frequent trips and claimed per diems ranging between M30 000 and M90 000, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the expenses. He was also accused of misappropriating approximately M1 million earmarked for road repairs from Semonkong to Maletsunyane Falls, a key tourism route serving one of the country’s major attractions and the venue of the annual Maletsunyane Braai Festival, which draws hundreds of international visitors.
The controversy extended beyond financial matters. Sources close to the matter alleged that Mr Pheko promoted a personal romantic partner from assistant officer to a managerial position within six weeks of assuming office. The promotion allegedly followed unprocedural and favouritism-driven recruitment processes and bypassed internal candidates, in violation of the entity’s human resource policies that prioritise existing staff for vacant positions.
It was further alleged that Mr Pheko demoted his former personal assistant on the basis of unsubstantiated claims that she had been close to the former CEO, Dr Retšelisitsoe Nko. Additionally, Mr Pheko was accused of suspending the Human Resources Officer based on rumours that she was disclosing information to third parties regarding his alleged favouritism and irregular promotions.
Mr Pheko had previously denied all the allegations.
In his resignation letter addressed to LTDC board chairperson Mantiti Khabo, Mr Pheko wrote: “I hereby resign from the position of Chief Executive Officer effective immediately.” He did not offer any reasons.
Efforts to obtain comment from Mr Pheko were unsuccessful, as his phone rang unanswered.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Sports and Culture, Motlatsi Maqelepo, acknowledged Mr Pheko’s resignation but said he was yet to meet the LTDC board over the issue.
