'Mamphono Khaketla facts for kids

'Mamphono Khaketla was born on March 5, 1960. She is a talented Lesotho mathematician and a senator. She also served as the Minister of Finance for her country from March 2015 to June 2017.

Early Life and School

'Mamphono Khaketla was born in Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho. Her parents were Bennett Makalo Khaketla and Caroline Ntseliseng ’Masechele Khaketla. Her father was a writer, journalist, and politician. Her mother was a teacher and author, known as one of the first women to have her work published in Lesotho.

'Mamphono Khaketla went to primary and secondary school in Maseru. She then earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the National University of Lesotho in 1980. She continued her studies and received a master's degree in education. Later, she earned a PhD, which is a very high university degree, in mathematics education from the University of Wisconsin in 1991. Her research paper for her PhD looked at the mathematics exam for junior high students in Lesotho.

Her Career Journey

'Mamphono Khaketla started her career as a teacher. From 1981 to 1995, she taught mathematics at the National Teacher Training College. She later became the assistant director of the college.

After that, she worked at the Institute of Development Management in both Lesotho and Botswana from 1996 to 2001. She then became the director of the Centre for Accounting Studies.

Becoming a Minister

In 2002, 'Mamphono Khaketla was chosen to be a senator by the Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili. A senator is a member of the government who helps make laws. From 2002 to 2004, she was the Minister of Communications, Science, and Technology. This role meant she was in charge of things like phones, internet, and scientific projects for the country.

In 2007, she became a member of the National Assembly. This is like the main parliament where laws are debated and passed. From 2007 to 2012, she served as the Minister of Education and Training. In this role, she helped guide the education system in Lesotho. In 2011, she was one of seven women who were ministers in the government.

On March 30, 2015, she was appointed as the Minister of Finance. As Minister of Finance, she was responsible for managing the country's money and economy. She held this important position until June 2017.

In November 2015, she led a big meeting for the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States. This group works together on trade and development.