By: Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MASERU – Reatile Elias IS appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Disaster Management Authority (DMA).
This the DMA announces in a statement on May 6th 2024.
“The Disaster Management Authority would like to introduce the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer: Mr Reatile Elias,” reads the DMA’s press release.
The DMA’s Assistant Public Relations Officer Mahlape Koali confirms that this post was advertised.
Elias comes after its acting CEO Caroline ‘Makhotso Mahosi was murdered at her house last year.
He boasts Human Resources Management experience, having served both public and private sector institutions in senior management positions and as a consultant.
His areas of expertise include performance management, organizational development, change management and policy development.
He previously served as the National Covid-19 Secretariat (NACOSEC)’s Director of Human Resources.
The incoming CEO faces a challenging task, as the DMA’s office has been implicated in corruption scandals involving millions of Maloti.
According to the Disaster Management Authority Act of 1997, the DMA key responsibilities include responding to emergencies arising out of disasters including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery measures for protection of life and property from the effects of the disasters.
DMA’s work is forever increasing with the effects of various disasters, including drought and climate change induced effects on communities.
As the government’s arm, the DMA in the discharge of its mandate joins hands with institutions like the World Food Programme (WFP), the Ministry of Social Development and the Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment Committee to identify vulnerability indicators with a view to address them along with other stakeholders.