LIA launches mentorship programme

‘MAPALO NKHELOANE

MASERU – Lesotho Institute of Accountants (LIA) on Monday launched a mentorship programme aimed at shaping future-ready accountants. Speaking at the launch LIA CEO, Monyaola Mosoloane, indicated that anyone who wants to grow and is open to improving should have a mentor. He revealed that in the premature stages of his career he had several, but informal mentors, who included, among others, business consulted, Robert Likhang.

Mosoloane further said the mentees, unlike him and many other people, were fortunate because their programme is the first formal one in Lesotho to deal with already qualified professionals.

The CEO also applauded the mentees for applying to be a part of the historical programme, emphasising that by so doing they were already showing a sign of commitment “which is something they will need to see the programme through to the end with success.”

He mentioned that an important aspect as far as mentorship was concerned is the vast amount of experience mentors possess to guide mentees to avoid mistakes they (mentors) did while travelling their journey of success.

The programme, which will be a year-long, will see young recently qualified accountants being paired with experienced professionals as mentors. It also serves as a skills development programme in areas such as design thinking, leadership and public speaking, data analysis and other areas that are important in the developments of accountants, and are relevant and future-ready.

The mentors are qualified and experienced accountants who include the Government Secretary, Moahloli Mphaka, his brother Sam Mphaka, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Small Business, Lerata Pekane and Business Consultant Robert Likhang.

For his part, Founder and Managing Director of Iggle Consulting and Coaching, Gerard Mofolo, applauded LIA for a job well done. He said the programme is a giant step and is a very thoughtful initiative.

He, however, told the mentees that the programme was only the beginning of a long but fruitful journey, adding that all that is required from them is hard work and dedication.

“I do not know if you are aware, but your mentors are people who are extremely busy at their respective work environments so you will have to work exceptionally to have their attention. It is only you and no one else that could make this exciting,” Mofolo said.

For the programme to be a success, Mofolo said, all that is required is trust, acceptance, tolerance, being open, respect and honesty.

He emphasised a lot on respect explaining that one indication of respect is time management. He urged both parties to keep time when they have appointments and communicate in advance if they will for whatever reason fail to make it to the meeting.

He also told the mentees that a mentor is a friend, wise person, teacher and adviser but asked them to refrain from abusing their working relationship and jeopardising the programme.