The first Mosotho woman to sit in an assignment in the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, Mrs. ‘Matlelima Hlalele was laid to rest with an official funeral in Maseru on Friday.

When conveying his condolences, His Majesty King Letsie III said the children of Mrs. Hlalele are blessed and privileged to have been given her as their parent and for her outstanding work for the benefit of the country.

His Majesty said Basotho should applaud and be thankful for the dedication that Mrs. Hlalele made for the development and well-being of the country.

He added that the deceased has been a committed servant who he said should be well honoured.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane said when explained by family and friends, the efforts and commitments that the deceased has given is a true sign of commitment and love for her country.

He mentioned that Mrs. Hlalele is a true indication of dedication to serving her country and its nation.

In his presentation on the eulogy of the deceased, Mr. Tlelima Hlalele, the son of the deceased said Mrs. Hlalele was a passionate advocate of women’s affairs and community development, saying in 1960 she established a women’s organisation named the Lesotho Women’s Institute.

He added that after serving as a Community Development Officer in the Ministry of Local Government, the deceased worked at the Ministry of Agriculture as a Home Economics Officer where she worked with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and a nutrition pilot project was launched.

A pioneer in her own right, Mrs. Hlalele is said to have also been nominated to serve as the Minister responsible for Youth and Women’s Affairs in the office of the Chairman of the Military Council.

Mrs. Hlalele served in several roles which included the role of Lady-in-waiting to Queen ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso at the first celebration of the Independence of Lesotho.

Present at the funeral ceremony included Cabinet members, Senior Government Officials and the general public.

Source: LENA 05/04/2024