LEC boss agrees on mutual separation with board

MOSA MAOENG

MASERU – The Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) and its Managing Director, Mohato Seleke, have agreed to a mutual separation with effect from June 1. According to the LEC management Seleke has started serving notice for one month until June 30. The recruitment process for the position of a new managing director will soon be expedited by the company’s board of directors. The LEC board has thanked Seleke for his hard work, dedication, and professional contribution in ensuring business continuity for the LEC during his tenure.

“We wish you well in your future endeavours,” the statement said.

Seleke joined the LEC in January 2021 from Lesotho National Development Corporation where he served as CEO.

He has worked in numerous consulting assignments for both local and international organisations in the areas of corporate finance, investment, and international trade and technology integration. Amongst others, he has consulted for the Commonwealth, United Nations Development Programme, the Southern African Customs Union and CARE, and brought with him to the LEC a wealth of experience in corporate governance having served as a director and chairperson for a number of reputable local companies and regional organisations.

Seleke holds a Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of the Free State (UFS) and also graduated from the National University of Lesotho with B.Sc. in Mathematics and Statistics.

He further completed advanced training in Operations Management and Logistics and Lean Management with both UFS and University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, respectively. He leaves the utility company at a time it is wrestling with a long outstanding M239 million debt owed by government, private and domestic users, which has led to fears of load-shedding should the defaulters fail to settle their debts.

Seleke has recently announced the LEC cash flow was strained and this was hampering their efforts to provide quality services and reach more consumers.

The government owes LEC a massive M80 million in unpaid electricity bills while private companies and some embassies owe M57 million. Individual users owe an additional M102 million, part of it dating back to 2018/29, with efforts to collect this debt unsuccessful to date.