User:KPefole

Katleho Pefole

Katleho Pefole is best known as a teacher at Lesotho High School, his alma mater where he taught English and History for a total of nine years. During this time he established himself as a strict disciplinarian yet a creative and enthusiastic promoter of free and correct writing of English. Inspired by his then principal, the late Mr. Nephtalie Sidzamba, Mr. Pefole developed a keen interest in politics and anthropology among his students, some of whom have taken up careers in the disciplines. Despite a huge exodus of teachers from the profession, Mr. Pefole has remained a strong defender of teaching as a builder of moral character in young people. It was surprising that he left in 2003 to pursue a career in development.

Here Mr. Pefole quickly established himself among the media fraternity as editor of Work for justice (WFJ), the newsletter of the Transformation Resource Centre (TRC). Started in 1979, TRC has distinguished itself as the foremost democracy and human rights NGO in Lesotho with successes in arguing for the rights of communities resettled by the giant Lesotho Highlands Water Project as well as stimulating Basotho’s active participation in good governance. WfJ proved a powerful advocacy tool in TRC’s pursuits, often quoted and consulted as an authoritative source of news and crisp analysis of Lesotho’s social, economic, political, environmental and religious debates. Under Mr. Pefole’s Editorship, WFJ has undergone tremendous transformation to reach new audiences, increase its size and carry refreshing analysis. Apart from producing WfJ, Mr. Pefole has contributed to popular debates in articles to the popular media as well as participating in wide ranging forums locally and internationally.

Mr. Pefole has also played an instrumental role in Lesotho‘s participation in the anti-small arms debate where he was the chief researcher in southern African Proliferation of Small Arms. Mr. Pefole also represented Lesotho at the UN Review Conference on Small Arms. As a media and advocacy specialist Mr. Pefole has been interviewed by students, researchers, local and International Journalists, Policy Makers, Financiers, Diplomats and government officials. His skills have also been used in editing TRC’s publications. Such has been his value to TRC that he has been appointed Programme Manager to drive TRC’s business and oversee the implementation of TRC’s programmes as well as assess their impact.

Mr. Pefole graduated in English and History from the National University of Lesotho (NUL) and in Governance (International Political Economy) from the University of the Western Cape (UWC). He speaks fluent Sesotho and English and has a working knowledge of Xhosa and French.

Mr. Pefole loves music. He has sung in numerous choirs in the church and in his community. He is currently the organist at the Anglican Cathedral of St. James and St. Mary, a position he has held since 1984. He has traveled to Britain, France, Germany, United States on choir, study and work assignments. His other interests are football, traveling, reading, writing and cooking. He maintains research interests in politics, education and the media.

Mr. Pefole is married with a son.