The former Minister of Health, Dr Thabo Makenete has been honoured with an official funeral at Kokobela village in Maseru on Friday.

Hailed by his children as a man of integrity, Dr Makenete was described by one of his children, Mr. Katleho Makenete as a person who believed in education and hard work.

He said as his children, they are grateful for all the opportunities they got from their father and for having been a present father in their lives.

Sharing the same sentiments, the Principal Chief of Matsieng, Chief Seeiso Bereng Seeiso said Dr Makenete was known for his outstanding life that he dedicated to service delivery.

He said he hopes the rest of the serving officers can learn from the works of Dr Makenete towards serving the Basotho nation.

Also speaking, the Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane said the life of Dr Makenete was that of loyalty in his service, saying his life of dedication should be used as an example to the serving officers.

While conveying his condolences to the Makenete family, His Majesty King Letsie III said the love that he got from the family of Makenete while growing up makes him stand up today proud.

To the children of the deceased, His Majesty urged them to continue maintaining and building the rich legacy that their father has left behind.

Dr Strong Thabo Makenete began his medical career in 1949 and was registered as a medical practitioner in 1951.

In 1952, he was sent to Botha-Bothe to establish a new hospital which had only 16 beds.

Besides his professional responsibilities, in 1966, Dr Makenete was appointed as the first Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and in 1986, served as the Minister of Health following a military coup.

Amongst his interests, Dr Maketene became the President of the Lesotho Jockey Club, a Team doctor for Linare Football Club (FC), Patron of the Thaba-Bosiu Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Centre as well as the founder and President of the Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association (LPPA) to mention a few.

“Monsieur” as he was affectionately known, is survived by his four children, daughter in law, six grandchildren and his younger sister.

Source: LENA 23/02/2024