Pan-African Parliament announces the passing of Hon. Nthati Bereng of Lesotho

The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira has announced, with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss, the passing of Hon. Senator Chieftainess Nthati Lydia Bereng, the distinguished leader of the Kingdom of Lesotho delegation to the Pan-African Parliament.

According to an obituary announcement, Hon. Senator Bereng succumbed to an illness on 22nd May 2024. “The Pan-African Parliament wishes to draw attention to the fact that though the news of Hon. Senator Bereng’s untimely demise filtered into the public domain on 22nd May 2024, as a member of the royal family, in honour of the traditions and customs of Lesotho and out of respect for the esteemed member of our Parliament, the institution could not publicly issue a statement until her obituary had been officially pronounced by the Senate of Lesotho. The official announcement was done yesterday paving the way for this statement”.

H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira described the death of Senator Bereng as “a deep void left in our hearts and within the corridors of the Continental Parliament that will be difficult, if not impossible, to fill”.

“The late Hon. Senator Bereng’s unassuming and soft-spoken demeanor masked a quiet strength and an unwavering dedication to justice, equity, and equality which embody the true spirit of Pan-Africanism. In this regard, Hon. Senator Chieftainess Bereng played an active and instrumental role in the fight for the observance of the principle of rotational leadership within the Pan-African Parliament,” he said.

“As a member of the Pan-African Parliament Permanent Committee on Gender, Family, Youth, and People with Disabilities, the late Hon. Senator Bereng made invaluable contributions to the promotion of gender equality. She played a crucial role in assisting the Parliament in overseeing the development of African Union policies and activities relating to family, youth, and people with disabilities. Her work leaves an indelible mark on the institution”.

On behalf of all Members and the Secretariat of the Pan-African Parliament, the President extended deepest condolences to Hon. Senator Chieftainess Bereng's family, the Government, the Parliament, and the people of Lesotho during this difficult time. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them as we join in honoring the memory of a remarkable leader and cherished member of the legislative arm of the African Union. Hon. Senator Bereng will be laid to rest at Phamong Moreneng in Lesotho on 1st June 2024. May her dear departed soul rest in eternal peace”.

In a related development, the President of the Pan-African Parliament, H.E. Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira has sent a message of condolence to the President of the Senate of Lesotho Rt. Hon. Mamonaheng Mokitimi on the death of Hon. Senator Chieftainess Nthathi Lydia Bereng.

H.E. Chief Charumbira stated that the untimely passing on of Hon. Senator Bereng, who was the leader of the Lesotho PAP delegation, “has left a deep void in our hearts and within the corridors of our institution that will be difficult, if not impossible, to fill”.

According to the PAP President, the late Hon. Senator Bereng’s unassuming and soft-spoken demeanour masked a quiet strength and an unwavering dedication to justice, equity and equality which embody the true spirit of Pan-Africanism. “In this regard, Hon. Senator Chieftainess Bereng, played an active and instrumental role in the fight for the observance of the principle of rotational leadership within the Pan African Parliament”.

“She took a principled stand in support of rotation during the aborted 2021 elective session and bravely espoused the “No Rotation, No Election” mantra, without which the Southern Region would never have ascended to the Presidency of the Pan African Parliament. She was also an integral part of the 12 - Member Lobby Team that successfully engaged the Executive Council and members of the Permanent Representatives Committee in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2021, to advocate for the implementation of the principle of rotation within the PAP leadership structures.”

“During the leadership crisis that engulfed the PAP from August 2023 to March 2024, the late Hon. Senator Bereng remained resolute in support of the principle of rotation despite her failing health and covert attempts to sway her. I draw consolation from the knowledge that the principle of rotation, which the late Hon. Senator Bereng fought for with her usual quiet fortitude, was actualized during her lifetime and she lived long enough to see the fruits of her labour.”

“A consummate servant-leader who remained attuned to the needs of her people, the late Hon. Senator Bereng did not allow her ailing health to define her. On the contrary, she used her silent suffering to establish the Principal Chief Nthathi Bereng Foundation dedicated to fighting cancer and mobilizing resources for screening and treatment. Up to the time of her untimely demise, she remained an epitome of selfless service and dedication to the betterment of the lives of the people of Phamong, Lesotho and the African continent as a whole.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we join you in honoring the memory of a remarkable leader and a cherished colleague”.

“For us, Hon. Senator Chieftaness Bereng has gone too soon. May her dear departed soul rest in eternal peace.”