By T’soloane Mohlomi
MASERU – The Millennium Challenge Account Lesotho (MCC) amid the signing of the MCC Compact II has introduced its new board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The $322.5 million MCC Compact II was signed a fortnight ago and is envisaged to benefit Basotho in horticulture and health-related initiatives. The Compact will last a duration of five years commencing in March 2024.
Heading this second installment as CEO is none other than seasoned Financial Economics guru ‘Manaana Phalatse who possesses a wealth of experience in the economics sector, she served a stint at the then Lesotho Revenue Services (now Revenue Services Lesotho) first working as a Senior Customs Officer then later an Economist and Senior Analyst, and also at the MCA as the Head of Compact II development, where she led a diverse team of experts in crafting the Lesotho Health and Horticulture Compact.
The 16 individuals who will constitute the new MCA-Lesotho Board of Directors are Ms Maleshoane Lekomola-Danziger from the Ministry of Finance Development Planning who will resume the role of MCA-Lesotho II Chairperson of the Board, Mrs ‘Mats’oanelo Monyobi from the Ministry of Health, Mr Pokello Mahlomola from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Business Development and Tourism, Mrs ‘Mabataung Khalane from the Ministry of Defence, National Security and Environment, Mrs ‘Makhoabane Lelimo from the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Employment.
Mr. Moshe Mosaase Ministry of Local Government-Cheiftainship, Home Affairs, and Police, Mr. Lisema Lekhooana-Ministry of Natural Resources, Mr. Lesenyeho Nkopane-Junior Chamber International Lesotho, Ms. Bongiwe Buzi – Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the disabled, Dr ‘Mathabo Tsepa – Lesotho National Farmers Union, Ms Makama Masitha-Hones – Lesotho Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises Support Network and Private Sector Foundation Lesotho. Ms. Veronica ‘Mabohle Sekhibane – Federation of Lesotho Women Entrepreneurs, Mr Selebalo Moeketsi – Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition (alternate), Mr Makhele Sekati – Ministry of Law and Justice (alternate) and Ms ‘Matau Futho – Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports, Arts, Culture and Social development.
Speaking at the event Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Dr Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane congratulated the Board for the appointment and said she trusted that they would work diligently and hard for Basotho. She said the selection process in particular that of the CEO and Chairman of the Board was subject to a much more rigorous process and said she hoped the choice of all the chosen candidates would help in yielding positive results for the MCC-Lesotho Compact II and Basotho in general as they were the very best.
“Ladies and gentlemen I invite you here to celebrate key milestones towards the achievement of the Government of Lesotho’s bigger goal the commencement of the compact implementation. Firstly I am pleased to introduce to you and the public at large the newly appointed MCA II Board of Directors which is led by Ms Maleshoane Lekomola-Danzinger. This Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated team of government private sector and civil society leaders dedicated to providing strength, stability, and oversight to the organization”, she said.
“Our Board Members come from diverse backgrounds and expertise including Financial Management, Agriculture, and Health care to mention a few. They bring a combination of talent, expertise, necessary vigor, diversity, and inclusion that the project is synonymous with. They will play a pivotal role in moving the organization’s mission forward.
The Minister said the Board was established in fulfillment of the requirements of the MCA Act 2022, as a governing body to provide oversight, direction, and decisions of the MCA Lesotho II. The Minister added that she was pleased to introduce the new MCA-Lesotho II CEO Ms ‘Manaana Phalatse, she said Ms Phalatse was tasked with the implementation of Lesotho Compact Two and would work closely with MCC Resident Country Mission.
“In her new role as CEO Ms Phalatse faces the onerous responsibility of steering Lesotho MCA-Lesotho II towards achieving its mandate which involves the implementation of the $322.5 million Compact within a five-year timeline, commencing in March 2024 next year.
“This Compact is important for two reasons; it is aligned to NDSPII. It will also contribute to the alleviation of high levels of unemployment among youth as well as inequalities and inequities. This Compact aims to enhance access to quality health care, foster equitable business development opportunities, invest in high-value crop production, and boost profits and formal employment opportunities for women and youth-owned enterprises.”
On her part, United States of America Ambassador to the Kingdom of Lesotho E. Brewer congratulated the CEO and new Board wishing the second Compact as much success as the previous one if not better.
“We are indeed grateful for this great team which will lead MCC-Lesotho II, as a great Sesotho adage goes ‘moketa ho tsosoa o itekang’. All those displaying great determination will reap the rewards,” she said.