Tom Thabane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom Thabane
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Thabane in 2014
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| 4th Prime Minister of Lesotho | |
| In office 16 June 2017 – 19 May 2020 |
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| Monarch | Letsie III |
| Deputy | Monyane Moleleki |
| Preceded by | Pakalitha Mosisili |
| Succeeded by | Moeketsi Majoro |
| In office 8 June 2012 – 17 March 2015 |
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| Monarch | Letsie III |
| Deputy | Mothetjoa Metsing |
| Preceded by | Pakalitha Mosisili |
| Succeeded by | Pakalitha Mosisili |
| Leader of the All Basotho Convention | |
| In office October 2006 – 2 February 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Party established |
| Succeeded by | Nkaku Kabi |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Motsoahae Thabane
28 May 1939 Maseru, Basutoland |
| Political party | Lesotho Congress for Democracy (Before 2006) All Basotho Convention (2006–present) |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 5 |
| Education | National University of Lesotho (BA) |
Thomas Motsoahae Thabane, born on May 28, 1939, is a politician from Lesotho, a country in Southern Africa. He served as the Prime Minister of Lesotho two times. His first term was from 2012 to 2015, and his second was from 2017 to 2020.
He is also known for starting a political party called the All Basotho Convention (ABC) in 2006. He led this party until 2022. Before forming the ABC, Thabane was part of another ruling party, the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD), from 1998 to 2006.
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Understanding Tom Thabane's Political Journey
This section explores the key moments in Tom Thabane's career, from his early government roles to becoming prime minister.
Early Government Roles
Thabane began his career working for the government of Lesotho. He was a top official in the Ministry of Health until 1986. After a change in government, he continued to serve under a military leader until 1991. During this time, he also worked as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1990 to 1991.
In 1995, Thabane became an advisor to the Prime Minister. He later served again as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1998 to 2002. After that, he became the Minister of Home Affairs and Public Safety. In 2004, he was appointed Minister of Communications, Science, and Technology.
Forming a New Political Party
In October 2006, Thabane decided to leave the government. He then started his own political party, the All Basotho Convention (ABC). He wanted this new party to bring all people in Lesotho together. Many people hoped the ABC could help Lesotho's economy grow.
Soon after, 18 members of Parliament joined the ABC, making it the third-largest party. This change meant the ruling party had a very small majority. Because of this, an early election was called for February 2007. In that election, the ABC won 17 seats. Thabane believed the election was fair but not completely just.
After the 2007 election, there was a disagreement about how seats were given out. Thabane's party wanted him to be named the Leader of the Opposition, but this was not approved.
Becoming Prime Minister
After being in the opposition for over five years, Thabane's party formed a group with other parties. This happened after the 2012 election. As a result, Tom Thabane became the Prime Minister of Lesotho.
In August 2014, Thabane temporarily left Lesotho for safety reasons. He returned a few days later with protection from South African police.
After His First Term as Prime Minister
In the 2015 election, Thabane's party did not win enough seats to form a government on its own. He mentioned that this would likely be his last time serving in Parliament. He looked to leaders like Nelson Mandela as examples of those who chose to leave office.
In June 2015, Thabane and two other opposition leaders went to South Africa. They did not attend Parliament meetings, citing safety concerns in the country. They returned to Lesotho in February 2017. They announced that the then-Prime Minister, Pakalitha Mosisili, no longer had enough support in Parliament. They aimed to remove him from power.
Second Term as Prime Minister (2017–2020)
Mosisili's government was defeated in a vote, which led to a new election in June 2017. The ABC party, led by Thabane, won the most seats. With the help of other parties, they formed a new government. Tom Thabane was sworn in as Prime Minister again on June 16, 2017.
In 2020, Thabane faced pressure to step down from his role as prime minister. His coalition partners decided to withdraw their support. On May 18, he announced that he would resign the next day. Moeketsi Majoro, who was the finance minister, was chosen to take his place.
Thabane initially wanted to stay on as the leader of his party, the ABC. However, in January 2022, he announced his plan to step down from party leadership. He mentioned his health and age as reasons. The party then elected Nkaku Kabi to be the new leader.
Tom Thabane's Family Life
Tom Thabane has been married multiple times and has five children.
His first wife was Matoka Judith Thabane. They had four children together. She passed away in 2017 at the age of 79.
He later married Lipolelo Thabane. Sadly, Lipolelo Thabane passed away in June 2017.
In August 2017, Thabane married Maesiah Thabane in a ceremony in Maseru.
Honours and Awards
Tom Thabane has received special recognition from other countries.
International Recognition
- He was honored by the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, a royal family from Italy. He received the title of Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francis I.
Images for kids
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Thabane in 2014
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Thabane with Barack and Michelle Obama in 2014
See also
In Spanish: Tom Thabane para niños
