By Libuseng Nyaka
QWAQWA- Newly inaugurated Principal of Maluti-TVET Motlalepula Tsotetsi has been hailed as the most suitable candidate who did not only beat his competitors but excelled in his interview.
This reflects the fact that he was not parachuted to the position but is tried and tested having served in an acting capacity for the past four and half years.
Speaking in an interview with this publication the chairperson of the Maluti TVET college council Dr. Raymond Patel was full of praise for Tsotetsi.
“His initial appointment to the acting position was in May 2020. He did not hesitate; he is a servant-leader. Servant leaders are leaders who put the people first, they serve the people, and he has shown that quality through his four and half years of acting position.
“I was fortunate to being chosen as chairperson later to represent the college in the interview period of Mr Tsotetsi for the position. He showed such leadership during that interview. I can tell you that all the candidates that we interviewed, he did not just beat them, he stood head and shoulders above the rest.
“I wanted nothing better for the college and the person who is prepared to serve the college and do his best and that is what Mr Tsotetsi has demonstrated.”
Dr Patel hailed appointment of Tsotetsi as principal of Maluti TVET college as a great achievement not only for the college but for the community for the area.
“He comes from his area, a true son of the soil. A boy who was a shepherd growing up, coming back as a leader, as he described himself.”
In his acceptance speech, Tsotetsi said he will align his vision to that of the college and ensure that all stakeholders understand the vision set up by the council.
“The vision is, do with excellence, it means whatever we do there should be excellence, innovation and success that will inspire employability and entrepreneurship, that is the vision that we carry forward and at end of the day we are able to transform lives.
“That is a vision that one upholds. This means in teaching and learning and any of our operation, excellence and success should be at the forefront. But with the view of transforming lives of different in this regard, we need to work closely and collaboratively with industries and different stakeholders to ensure that whatever we are doing is a success. We are dealing with issues that affect the community so that should be our role.”
Newly appointed Principal of Maluti TVET College Motlalepula Tsotetsi.
Sharing the journey he has travelled before his ascension to the highest position, Tsotetsi said his acting as principal has been the longest but, compared it of that of a shepherd and a true reflection that he was not parachuted to the position as he has served in many positions and went through the ranks.
He compared his four and half years’ journey of acting as principal to the biblical story of David who shadowed position for Saul who served as king.
“Maluti TVET college writes another chapter in its history, the inauguration of the third principal of the college. The first principal was in 2003 while the subsequent principal was in office from 2013 to 2023. The actual appointment occurred in 2014. The third principal appointed in 2025 and has been shadowing from 21st of May 2020. My story is that of a shepherd.”
