Lesotho Church bids farewell to Mr Sekara Mafisa

State Funeral of Sekara Mafisa in Maseru, Lesotho

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – Maria Mabasotho Oblate Pastoral Centre and the church in Lesotho mourn the loss of a remarkable Christian and Sacred Heart Sodality member, Mr  Sekara Mafisa, who passed away a week ago.

According to Mr Mafisa’s eldest daughter, Mrs Liako Mafisa Lekhanya, his death was attributed to cancer. Mr Mafisa was well-known for his commitment to the Maria  Mabasotho Oblate Pastoral Centre, serving as both a parishioner and a member of the Sacred Heart Sodality. He also established a trust fund aimed at assisting the less fortunate, fulfilling his Christian duty of corporal responsibility.

In addition to his church involvement, Mr Mafisa held significant positions within the Lesotho government, serving as the first IEC  Commissioner and the second Ombudsman. He was also a member of the  Public Service Commission. Due to his esteemed contributions to the  Kingdom of Lesotho, Mr Mafisa’s funeral was conducted on a Friday as a  State funeral. The requiem Mass for Mr Mafisa was concelebrated by  Maria Mabasotho Parish Priest, Fr Pali Pascalis Pitso OMI, and Maryland  Pre-novitiate Master, Fr Phillip Tumisang Mabetha OMI, at the Maseru  Club grounds.

Among the dignitaries present at the funeral was His  Majesty Letsie III, King of Lesotho, along with the  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Law, Hon. Nthomeng Majara, who represented the Prime Minister. The Speaker of the National Assembly,  Mr Tlohang Sekhamane, and members of both houses of legislation were also in attendance, as was the government secretary, Mrs Teboho Mokela.

Mr Mafisa was praised for his love, dedication, and accountability in his service. During his keynote speech, King Letsie III expressed his condolences to the Mafisa family, recalling Mr Mafisa’s tenure as IEC  Commissioner during a time of political unrest when opposition parties demanded the release of electoral lists. He noted that such statements are now regarded as a joke, as Mr Mafisa was always an honourable man with a generous spirit. The King also expressed his admiration for Mr  Mafisa’s service to the church.

The monarch of the  Lesotho kingdom expressed his gratitude to the Catholic Church for conducting the requiem Mass in honour of Mr Mafisa. He extended his condolences to the family, the Church, and the entire Basotho nation for their bereavement. He offered a prayer for the soul of Mr Mafisa and all departed faithfuls, wishing them eternal peace.

The remains of Mr Mafisa were interred at Kokobela Cemetery in Maseru West.