Malawian woman Hellen Buluma has landed a top job in Lesotho after being appointed Commission Secretary to the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission.
The former National Oil Company of Malawi acting Chief Executive Officer assumed the role in March for the organisation which manages a large scale multi-billion dollar water transfer and hydropower project between Lesotho and South Africa.
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project has representation from South Africa and Lesotho.
In a statement officially announcing Buluma’s appointment, says she becomes the first female to take up the position since it was established in 1986.
It further says the role places her at the core of the Commission’s strategic coordination between between Lesotho and South Africa and undertaking crucial governance decisions.
Reads the statement in part: “Her appointment comes at a time when transparency and sustainable development practices are increasingly prioritised across infrastructure projects.
“Her track record at [Nocma] where she was credited with exposing procurement irregularities and resisting political pressure, adds a layer of assurance to stakeholders on both sides of the border.”
Bulama confirmed her appointment in a statement posted on social media platforms, saying it’s an honour.
Said Buluma: “I can confirm that I have been appointed the Commission Secretary for the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission, serving governments of the Kingdom of Lesotho and Republic of South Africa after undergoing a rigorous interview and selection process between July and October 2024.
“This is a huge responsibility and I am honoured to be entrusted by the two governments to serve them in such a capacity. I thank God for this opportunity and will serve the two governments diligently.”
Meanwhile, a number of well-wishers have congratulated her on her appointment, saying she is a resilient woman.
Buluma is PhD student in Public Law at Cape Town University, holds MA in International Development from University of Anglia and Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from University of Malawi.
