The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) regrets to announce, with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss, the passing of Hon. Senator Chieftainess Nthati Lydia Bereng, the distinguished leader of the Kingdom of Lesotho delegation to the Pan-African Parliament. Hon. Senator Bereng succumbed to an illness on 22nd May 2024.
The Pan-African Parliament wishes to draw attention to the fact that though the news of Hon. Senator Bereng’s untimely demise filtered into the public domain on 22nd May 2024, as a member of the royal family, in honour of the traditions and customs of Lesotho and out of respect for the esteemed member of our Parliament, the institution could not publicly issue a statement until her obituary had been officially pronounced by the Senate of Lesotho. The official announcement was done yesterday paving the way for this statement.
The President of the Pan-African Parliament, H.E. Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira has described the untimely demise of Hon. Senator Bereng as a deep void left in our hearts and within the corridors of the Continental Parliament that will be difficult, if not impossible, to fill.
“The late Hon. Senator Bereng’s unassuming and soft-spoken demeanor masked a quiet strength and an unwavering dedication to justice, equity, and equality which embody the true spirit of Pan-Africanism. In this regard, Hon. Senator Chieftainess Bereng played an active and instrumental role in the fight for the observance of the principle of rotational leadership within the Pan-African Parliament,” he said.
As a member of the Pan-African Parliament Permanent Committee on Gender, Family, Youth, and People with Disabilities, the late Hon. Senator Bereng made invaluable contributions to the promotion of gender equality. She played a crucial role in assisting the Parliament in overseeing the development of African Union policies and activities relating to family, youth, and people with disabilities. Her work leaves an indelible mark on the institution.
On behalf of all Members and the Secretariat of the Pan-African Parliament, the President extends deepest condolences to Hon. Senator Chieftainess Bereng's family, the Government, the Parliament, and the people of Lesotho during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as we join in honoring the memory of a remarkable leader and cherished member of the legislative arm of the African Union.
Hon. Senator Bereng will be laid to rest at Phamong Moreneng in Lesotho on 1st June 2024. May her dear departed soul rest in eternal peace.
