By: ‘Moelo Motsiri
MASERU- Stepping into the shoes of a visionary entrepreneur is never easy, but for Matšeliso Leketla, it was a calling she could not ignore. At just 30 years old, she took on the challenge of leading LFA Leather Works, a leather products company founded by her late father, Fusi Andreas Leketla. With resilience, passion, and a strong sense of purpose, Matšeliso is not only keeping her father’s legacy alive but also steering the business toward greater heights.
Born and raised in Abia, Matšeliso inherited her father’s dream, a business dedicated to crafting high-quality leather products, including shoes, side bags, traveling bags, belts, and wallets.
LFA Leather Works, established in 2009, was named after Fusi’s initials, and Matšeliso saw no reason to change it. “I wanted to honour my father and his vision. He built this company from the ground up, creating jobs for Basotho children, and I felt it was my responsibility to continue his work,” she explained.
Despite having enrolled at an Agricultural College to study Consumer Science, Matšeliso made a bold decision to leave school and take over the family business after her father’s passing. “Business has always been my passion, and I saw this as an opportunity to honour my father’s memory while fulfilling my own ambitions. My mother was not interested in running the company, so I stepped in,” she said.
Under her leadership, LFA Leather Works has seen impressive growth. The company currently employs five full-time workers—four men and Matšeliso herself. Being the only woman in the team does not intimidate her; instead, it fuels her drive to empower more women. “I want to prove that women are just as capable as men in this industry. My goal is to expand the team and hire more women to create opportunities for them,” she proudly stated.
One of the key factors behind the company’s success is the timeless appeal of leather. Customers appreciate leather for its durability, elegance, and versatility. Additionally, LFA Leather Works offers customisation services, allowing customers to bring in their own designs to be transformed into reality. “This personalised approach has contributed significantly to our growth. People love unique, tailor-made products, and we are here to deliver,” Matšeliso said.
Since taking over, she has also introduced branding to the company, a move that has elevated its visibility and market appeal. She credits her involvement with CAFI (The Competition and Financial Inclusion) for opening doors to new opportunities. “CAFI is a game-changer for us. It provides invaluable skills in business management and financial support, which will help us acquire modern machinery, increase production capacity, and, most importantly, hire more employees,” she explained.
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of local tanneries in Lesotho. Leather production requires raw materials that must be imported from South Africa at high costs. “Importing leather is extremely expensive, which forces us to sell our products at lower prices to remain competitive. It’s a struggle, but despite the financial constraints, we still manage to make significant sales,” she shared.
Matšeliso is determined to navigate these obstacles and build a sustainable business. She remains committed to her father’s mission of job creation and economic growth. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but profound: “Be creative, be persistent, and be ready for both the challenges and triumphs of running a business. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with dedication and hard work, you can make a lasting impact.”
Through her leadership, Leketla is proving that legacy and innovation can go hand in hand. She is not just running a business, she is building a future, inspiring others, and making a name for herself in an industry traditionally dominated by men. With her unwavering determination, LFA Leather Works is poised for even greater success.