MASERU — Deputy Prime Minister Lesao Lehohla yesterday paid tribute to the late Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) governor Motlatsi Matekane saying he did a lot to uplift Lesotho’s economy.
Lehohla was speaking at a memorial service for the late central bank chief held at Lehakoe Club in Maseru.
Matekane died of cancer two weeks ago. He was 64.
Lehohla said Matekane had succeeded in rescuing and steering Lesotho’s economy in difficult times.
“Matekane contributed a large measure in keeping Lesotho afloat when Lesotho was in trying economic times.
“He did great things for the government and the people,” Lehohla said.
He said Matekane was passionate about his work.
He also said the country had lost a valuable citizen.
“We have lost a great man,” Lehohla said.
Speaking at the same occasion, the governor of CBL, Moeketsi Senaoana, said Matekane was a strong man who could stand his ground no matter the situation.
Senaoana commended Matekane for his transparency during his tenure as governor.
“He was a man of his word. I used to respect him for that. He loved his work and was very passionate about projects which were meant to improve lives of poor rural people.
“He strongly hated corruption and would never steal a cent from the public funds,” Senaoana said.
Matekane served as the central bank governor from 2001 until 2006 when his term ended.
He is survived by his wife, ‘Masabata and three children, Tsepo, Refiloe and Rethabile.
Matekane will be buried in Maseru on Saturday.
