Africa-Press – Lesotho. “My close interaction
with both Principal Chiefs and Members of Parliament at district level, as District Administrator (DA) for Mafeteng, together with my experience as Clerk to the National Assembly (NA) and later Government Secretary (GS) will help oil the wheels as I deal with all stakeholders involved in the smooth functioning
of the Assembly,” The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Lebohang Ramohlanka. The National Assembly recently elected the new Deputy Speaker Lebohang Ramohlanka.
As a seasoned public servant, she promises to exemplify a wealth of experience in her newly appointed position. The Speaker of the National Assembly says she is equal to the task and competent. Below is an interview with Informative Newspaper Reporter Thoboloko Ntšonyane,
Bio
I was born at Matelile Ha Seeiso, Mafeteng, as the only child of the late Ntate Mara and ‘M’e Motheba ‘Malebohang Ramohlanka. Whereas I was the only child, there was never a time when there were less than six children
and/or dependents in my father’s house. I spent most of my formative years at Matelile, leading a basically rural way of life, where we had to go to mountain to gather firewood, to the
veld for moroho oa naheng and to ka khohlong to draw spring water. We used litlhaka, lisu and likhapane for cooking and heating. It was a wonderful life where we did things together and shared what we had with
our neighbors. For Secondary education I went to Mount Tabor Secondary school, which was then one of the three schools, opened to cater for the then influx of
primary school leavers. The others were Butha-Buthe and Cana High schools. For High School education I went to Masitise High School in Quthing then the
National University of Lesotho (NUL) where I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in 1979. In August of the same year I joined the Lesotho Distance Education Centre (LDEC) and have been in public service since.
From the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), I served in the Ministry of Labour where I ended up as Deputy Director for Ntlafatso Skills Training Centre in
Mohale’s Hoek . Then I joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations as Counsellor , in Copenhagen, Denmark and ultimately as High
Commissioner to the Court of St. James’s in London, United Kingdom (UK). On arrival back home, I joined the Ministry of Local Government as District Administrator (DA) for Mafeteng, I then got promoted as a Clerk to the National
Assembly (NA) and later Government Secretary (GS). For approximately one year, I served the country as a member of the 11 member National Dialogue Planning
Committee, which was responsible for collecting the views of Basotho on reforms, through a wide variety of mediums. I am a single mother of one boy and a daughter-in-law and a grandmother of one beautiful girl, called Likopo.
What did you want to be
when growing up? I actually wasn’t sure. All I knew was that I wanted to one day graduate from university and wear that four-cornered black hat. Uppermost in my mind, was to make my father proud, with that university degree.
Who inspires you?
My parents, both late.
How?
They were my pillar of strength. They were steadfast in their faith. They were hard working and believed in farming as the key out of poverty and a pivot of village life.
As hard core congressmen, they lived by the movement’s principles of self- reliance, selflessness, loyalty, brotherly love and sharing with those less privileged. Above everything else they loved and believed in education as the golden door to a better life for all.
Leisure activities? :
I love to read but spent most of my spare time writing.
What are you currently
reading?: I have just finished reading a book by Hans Finzel, titled The Top 10 Mistakes Leaders Makeand am still reading Mark Curtis’s Web of Deceit.
What leadership skills
have you cultivated in the public service space? Patience, empathy, impartiality, the ability to listen and to delegate.
In your acceptance speech
you said you are alive to the challenges that come with the position you have recently assumed, which are some of those challenges? The position of presiding officer demands that
one stays bipartisan, objective, calm, alert and attentive at all times. This can be very challenging in an atmosphere where the house is severely polarized.
Apart from presiding over
the proceedings and ensuring order is maintained while the National Assembly carry out its business, which are some of the duties of the Deputy Speaker that
people may not be aware of? The welfare of Members of Parliament (MPs) takes precedence. This would include ensuring that their working environment in the House and
Committees is conducive to smooth operation in exacting work they have to do, ensuring that their benefits and privileges are extended expeditiously. Representing the House in international meetings, as assigned by the Honorable Speaker, can also form part of the duties of the Deputy Speaker.
What contribution are you
bringing to the house? My close interaction with both Principal Chiefs and MPs at district level, as DA for Mafeteng, together with my experience as Clerk to the National Assembly and later GS will help oil the
wheels as I deal with all stakeholders involved in the smooth functioning of the Assembly. Furthermore, my recent involvement in districts and diaspora
consultations, as a member of the National Dialogue Planning Committee, should help me appreciate the legislation process, as the House debates recommendations of the National Reforms Authority (NRA).
How are you going to
ensure that the parliament as legislature does not only enact laws but also performs its oversight role on Executive and is accountable to the people?
My role will only be that of facilitator, where I have to ensure that Members have all the resources, skills, knowledge and information they need to do their job and that the environment is right for that to happen.
Why are photojournalists banned
inside the main chamber? I do not know much about this, right now. All I know is that the Well of the Chamber is sacrosanct. Only Members and the House’s Ushers are allowed in there.
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