Thabane terminates Ramafole’s contract as government secretary with immediate effect
By Keiso Mohloboli
MASERU- Prime Minister Thomas Thabane yesterday fired Government Secretary Motlatsi Ramafole.
According to the brief dismissal letter, a copy of which is in the possession of the Lesotho Times, Ramafole, 52, will be paid three months’ salary and his full terminal benefits. The letter does not give reasons for the dismissal, but sources who spoke to the Lesotho Times said the former diplomat, who was appointed Government Secretary in late 2011, was sacked for alleged incompetence.
“Kindly be advised that your contract of employment as Government Secretary is hereby terminated with immediate effect,” reads the letter, duly signed by the Premier.
“You will receive three months’ salary in lieu of notice and all other terminal benefits you are entitled to in terms of your contract of employment.
“May I thank you for the loyal service you provided during your employment and wish you all the best in your future endeavours,” the letter further states.
Meanwhile, Ramafole, whose phone went unanswered each time the Lesotho Times sought his comment yesterday, was immediately replaced in an acting capacity, by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Cooperatives and Marketing principal secretary, Moahloli Mphaka.
“You are hereby appointed as Acting Government Secretary with effect from the 23rd April 2014. Your other terms and conditions of service remain the same,” reads the appointment letter also signed by Thabane.
A former Permanent Representative of Lesotho to the United Nations (UN), Ramafole was also the country’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and Ambassador to Ethiopia from 2005 until assuming the
UN posting in 2009. Ramafole also had a long career in the civil service, rising through the ranks to become Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2001.
Spokesperson in the Prime Minister’s office, Thabo Thakalekoala, yesterday confirmed Ramafole’s dismissal, adding Thabane had all the necessary powers to make such a decision.
“Ramafole’s contract has been terminated by the Honourable Prime Minister Thabane with immediate effect,” Thakalekoala said.
“The Prime Minister has all the powers to appoint and dismiss the Government Secretary.”
