HIS Majesty King Letsie III says the death of former army commander Major General Metsing Justin Lekhanya is not only a loss to his family but to Lesotho at large due to the significant role he played in the country’s history.
news
Jan. 30, 2021
STAFF REPORTER
3 min read
Lekhanya, wife laid to rest
The king made the remarks virtually during Major General Lekhanya and his wife Sofia’s funeral which was held at the Ratjomotse Military cemetery in Maseru on Thursday.
Lekhanya, 82, who was also the former leader of the Basotho National Party (BNP) died on 20 January at the Makoanyane Military hospital with his wife dying a few days later at the same health facility.
He was diagnosed with chronic sugar diabetes and high blood sugar, the family spokesperson Tšepo Lekhanya had earlier confirmed.
Major General Lekhanya will be remembered for toppling the once formidable ruling BNP government led by the late Dr Leabua Jonathan on January 20, 1986.
He later spearheaded the signing of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHDA) treaty with neighbouring South Africa in a bilateral agreement that was endorsed on October 24, 1986.
He led Lesotho as the Chairman of the Military Council and Council of Ministers from 1986 until May 2, 1991 when he was also unseated in a military coup.
His Majesty said Lekhanya’s diligence was notable in a number of initiatives including the establishment of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) among others.
For his part, Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro said the remarkable work the late commander did for the army and Lesotho will always be remembered.
Speaking at the service, Lekhanya’s daughter Khopotso said her father battled with a number of illnesses including high sugar levels and stroke for years.
She said her father’s death drove her already ailing mother over the brink owing to the good relationship they had enjoyed during their long marriage.
The two late parents were described by their children as both loving and God-fearing people.
The army commander Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela hailed the founding father of LDF as an inspiration that left major footprints in the force.
Enjoy our daily newsletter from today
Access exclusive newsletters, along with previews of new media releases.
Mourners at the funeral
He also described him as a vigilant leader who managed to take the LDF to greater heights, urging fellow soldiers to learn from the late commander’s work.
BNP leader Chief Thesele ’Maseribane who succeeded Lekhanya in the party said he learnt a lot of leadership skills from the deceased who he described as a brave and honest man in his lifetime.
Major General Lekhanya who was born on April 7, 1938 in Thaba-Tseka.
Tailored for you
