Outgoing LUCT registrar praised for visionary leadership

After nearly two decades of service at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT), outgoing registrar Moroke Hoohlo has left behind more than an administrative record. He leaves a legacy of leadership, resilience, and vision that colleagues say helped shape the institution’s identity in Lesotho.

As he prepares to step down from the role he has held since the university’s early days in the country, Hoohlo says two things remain closest to his heart: the growth of LUCT and the progress of the Masianokeng campus project.

Speaking during his farewell ceremony this week, Hoohlo pleaded that the project be closely monitored to achieve meaningful progress.

He appealed to LUCT Vice Chancellor, Tefo Macheli, to ensure it receives the support it needs and that visible progress is made soon.

Hoohlo acknowledged that challenges remain but stressed that the Basotho nation needs to see tangible results.

He also urged the university staff to live as a family and respect each other, calling for the strengthening of ties between Lesotho and Malaysia, where LUCT is headquartered.

“I ask you who are staying behind to build and strengthen relations between the two countries,” he noted.

Macheli described Hoohlo as a foundational figure in the establishment and growth of the university in Lesotho.

It was only befitting that the LUCT founder and late president, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Dr. Lim Kok Wing, had appointed Hoohlo to lead the university since its inception in Lesotho in 2008.

“Ntate Hoohlo, your name shall forever remain engraved in the history of Limkokwing worldwide. Your rapport, your professionalism, your ethical grounding is what defines all of us today.

“Our unique approach to student management and the structure of our management is what keeps the cohesion in this institution hence the resilience that you founded and that still prevails today,” Macheli said.

He added that Hoohlo had helped the institution over the challenges it has faced over the years, including competition from fly-by night schools.

During this time, LUCT introduced new courses such as degree or diploma in fashion and apparel design, and multimedia and graphic design.

The incoming registrar, ‘Mateboho Moorosi, said Hoohlo has served the university with integrity and dedication over the past 17 years.

“While it is difficult to say goodbye, it is also a moment to celebrate a career defined by commitment, professionalism and lasting impact.

“Being a registrar in a newly established institution in a country that has not been exposed much to the world is very difficult, and for the fact that a registrar is the heartbeat of an educational institution – who has to bring change – it is even harder as change is not easily acceptable,” Moorosi noted.

She added that Hoohlo was a pillar of the university through times of growth, change and challenges, yet he remained a steady hand.

“His leadership was especially evident during the most difficult moments, through student arrests and staff strikes. He demonstrated patience, wisdom and calmness.

“Hoohlo saw opportunities for dialogue, understanding and progress where some saw obstacles,” Moorosi recounted.

Faculty Manager Communication, Media and Broadcasting, Papiso Brown, said Hoohlo’s retirement is not merely the closing of a chapter, but a celebration of years of dedication, commitment, and service that shaped the institution.

Speaking on behalf of academic staff, Brown said the office of the registrar has consistently applauded standards that allow teaching, learning and research to flourish.

“Through your years of service, you have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, discipline and unwavering commitment to academic mission of this university,” she noted.

On his part, Moeketsi Letele, Chief Executive Officer of the Council on Higher Education (CHE) praised LUCT for having all its programmes fully accredited.

He also hailed Hoohlo for his hard work.

“The legacy you leave should amplify into human capital development that is needed by the country.”