Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has officially opened the new Lesotho Postbank branch in Mokhotlong town on Thursday, 5th June.
In his remarks, Mr. Matekane applauded the bank for remembering the Khalahali communities by bringing services closer to them. He stated that the bank is for Basotho to utilize, as its work is to change people’s lives and improve business. According to Mr. Matekane, the bank came at the right time to a place where farmers need banking services to run their businesses, and he urged them to reach out to the bank and seek help where needed.
At the same occasion, he introduced to the public the new Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Mokhachane Mopeli, whom he expressed hope to serve the Basotho nation with justice, respect, and love, as this will help in achieving excellent services. He also urged Basotho to produce for themselves, curb hunger and unemployment, and improve the economy. Among other things in the district, Mr. Matekane mentioned that most roads are deteriorated, hence the promise for maintenance before the end of this year. He further highlighted another maintenance of the Thabang Resource Center and Phahameng. Mr. Matekane donated three wheelchairs, ten blankets, hats and pairs of gumboots.
The Trade Minister, Mr. Mokhethi Shelile, who was also present at the occasion, said he is happy for the Mokhotlong community that the bank has been brought closer and provision of services will be available. Mr. Shelile mentioned that it is his dream to construct a branch for Basotho Enterprises Development Corporation (BEDCO) in Mokhotlong so that businesspeople will have easy access to services at their doorstep. He urged the bank to consult with BEDCO and Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) in helping Basotho to start their businesses and receive guidance.
Mr. Letsema Adontsi, the Minister of Forestry and Environment, said the bank has been brought home, close to the people, which cuts short travel to Mapholaneng for services. He urged small businesses and vendors to inquire about the services and use them to save and transform their businesses. Mr. Mokhachane Mopeli mentioned that the bank is for them, and he expects that Basotho will support it as the only local bank. Mr. Mopeli noted that they support farming and tourism in this district. He thanked the Prime Minister and his ministers for their presence and his coworkers for making this day successful. Mokhotlong District Administrator (DA) Mr. Kepa Keqe thanked the bank for this initiative of bringing services to the town, saying it was costly to travel to Mapholaneng.
Mr. Keqe pleaded with the bank to make approvals on time, especially for businesspeople who acquire business opportunities in Polihali, saying delays hinder them from getting tenders due to weak financial resources. Moreover, on behalf of the Mokhotlong community, Mr. Mathealira Khatleli requested the Minister of Trade to construct wool and mohair scouring and carbonizing factories to create jobs.
Source: Lesotho News Agency (5/6/2025)
