It was an emotional and gloomy ceremony as the staff of the National AIDS Commission (NAC) as well as HIV and AIDS stakeholders convened to bid farewell to the outgoing Chief Executive of NAC Mr. Keketso Sefeane and four members of the Board of Commissioners, during a recent occasion held at Maseru Sun.

In his exit speech, Mr. Sefeane thanked the Government of Lesotho, in particular, the Right Hon. the Prime Minister for entrusting him with the august responsibility to establish and operationalise NAC and expressed hope that he delivered in accordance with his mandate.

“This has been a journey with mixed emotions, daunting challenges to begin with and to overcome; frustrations; as well as cherished and celebrated moments of success,” said Outgoing CE adding that his journey could easily be divided into the four phases of conceptualization (Mar 2005 to March 2006); inception (April 2006 to March 2007); operationalisation (April 2007 to March 2008); and consolidation (April 2008 to February 2009).

Mr. Sefeane also carefully gave an account of his journey with NAC over the four years, highlighting success and challenges, and most importantly sharing his thoughts about the way forward in order to scale-up the national response to HIV and AIDS in Lesotho.

The key note address was delivered by Dr. Motloheloa Phooko, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister. “Saying goodbye is an emotional experience, regardless of the occasion. It makes one really wonder why the word “good” was included in one word “goodbye”. Perhaps it is because parting is indeed sweet and sour,” said Dr. Phooko.

He said the Government of Lesotho was more than grateful for the contribution of each member of the Board and the Chief Executive, under whose direction this country has reached milestones in the fight against HIV and AIDS. “There are just so many landmarks that were reached under your leadership amid the tremendous challenges you faced, that one does not know where to begin or which ones to mention or not mention,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of NAC staff Mr. Motlalepula Khobotlo alluded to the fact that it was an occasion celebrated with mixed feelings as NAC was marking the loss of its own CE as well as the Board.

“We will all remember Ntate Sefeane for his soft-spoken but firm voice and result oriented character. You established NAC and a lot has been achieved under your stewardship, we could have wished for you to stay longer, however we are proud that you built NAC on a very solid foundation and we will soldier on. Go well with full knowledge that you have left your footprints on the sands of time in the national response,” said Mr. Khobotlo.

He thanked outgoing CE for his commendable leadership hence the achievements, saying all at NAC have learned a lot from him and that all have worked tirelessly in making NAC what it has become today.

On behalf of development Partners the Irish Ambassador H.E Paddy Fay highlighted that Mr. Sefeane has achieved a lot during his tenure of office, adding that there has been a significant increase in the coordination of the national response to HIV and AIDS.

On the other hand, one of the outgoing members of the Board Rev. Joseph Thamae thanked NAC for the support it rendered to them as Board Members, further offering to NAC that should they be needed they would avail themselves at any time.

The occasion was attended by NAC staff and stakeholders ranging from Development Partners, Implementing partners in the private, government and civil society sectors. Mr. Keketso Sefeane served NAC for a period of four years while Board of Commissioners Dr. ‘Molotsi Monyamane, Ms ‘Mapitso Mofammere, Rev. Joseph Thamae and Mrs Seitebatso Seeiso served NAC Board for three years.

Media Contacts:
Section Head, Advocacy & Communications— Phumla Moleko (Mrs)
Communications Officer— Mpolokeng Mpeli (Mrs)
3rd Floor Maseru Sun Hotel Office Block, Orpen Road, Maseru, Lesotho, Southern Africa
P O Box 11232, Maseru, Lesotho, Southern Africa
(+266) 22 326794 (Office—Directorate of Policy, Strategy & Communications)
58854304 (Phumla) • 63106332 (Mpolokeng) • 22 327 210 (facsimile) • molekop@nas.org.ls