Partners In Health (PIH) Lesotho has appointed ‘Mathemba Radebe as its new executive director. Her appointment marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first Mosotho woman to lead the organization in this role.
Radebe’s journey with PIH Lesotho began in July 2017 as a pharmacist for the National Health Reform program. In July 2020, she transitioned to pharmacy and medical supply chain manager, where she oversaw inventory management, maintained quality standards, and led planning, forecasting, and budgeting. Her leadership in this role was critical in ensuring the consistent availability of essential medicines across PIH Lesotho supported sites.
In April 2023, she was appointed deputy executive director, where she worked closely with leadership teams to strengthen operations, drive program growth, and guide strategic priorities. With a strong background in program leadership and strategic management, Radebe has consistently shown her ability to bridge technical expertise with visionary leadership.
We sat down with Radebe to reflect on her journey with PIH Lesotho, her vision for the organization’s future, and the values that continue to guide her as a leader.
How has your journey with PIH shaped your professional growth and prepared you for this leadership role?
When I joined PIH in 2017, I immediately immersed myself in its mission, which is the idea of being a preferential option for the poor and delivering high-quality care through modern technologies. That vision fascinated me because it went beyond service delivery; it was about building resilient, sustainable health systems.
I began under the National Health Reform Program as a supply chain officer and district pharmacist; it was an 11-month contract. The work was deeply hands-on. I offered technical support to pharmacy teams, worked on budgeting and forecasting, and helped stretch available resources to support our clinicians on the frontlines.
That experience grounded my leadership. It taught me that pharmacy is not just about medicines. It’s about systems, accountability, and problem solving. Later, when I became the pharmacy and medical supply chain manager, I started seeing how pharmacy fits into the larger PIH mission: ensuring every patient gets the care they deserve, no matter where they live.
You’ve held roles ranging from pharmacist to supply chain manager, and most recently deputy executive director. Which experiences have been most pivotal in shaping your leadership approach?
My pharmacy background trained me to think in systems. Procurement, inventory management, and risk mitigation, especially during crises, all require strategic thinking.
When COVID-19 hit, that mindset became essential. I served on the COVID-19 task team, helping ensure our staff had what they needed, from ventilators to protective gear. At a time when people were afraid to even meet patients, I was out training teams on equipment use and safety. That period stretched me beyond my comfort zone and shaped my courage, empathy, and collaborative spirit.
Later, as deputy executive director, I learned to view the organization as a whole. I had to connect communications, operations, and all the programs into one cohesive system. That role taught me the importance of transparency, cross-functional collaboration, and inclusive decision-making; values I’ll carry into this new chapter.
Pictured; ‘Mathemba Radebe, during the 2025 world TB day media press conference discussing TB treatment and other TB related issues.
Photo by Tšepo Monakalali / PIH
PIH Lesotho has a strong legacy in health reform and innovation. How do you envision building on that foundation to drive impact in the years ahead?
Leadership is a relay. You take the baton, honor the legacy, and add your own twist.
Having been part of the previous leadership team, I share the legacy we’re continuing. My vision is to scale up what already works while driving innovation. That includes expanding our use of artificial intelligence-based diagnostics, digitizing more of our systems, and strengthening data-driven decision-making.
But, the heart of impact is people. Our staff are the drivers of our mission. You can have the best systems in place, but if your team isn’t healthy or motivated, the mission stalls. So, one of my top priorities is staff wellness: ensuring that our people are capacitated, supported, and inspired to deliver excellent care.
We’ll also deepen our collaboration with the Ministry of Health and partners to ensure that our efforts align with national priorities and truly serve our communities.
Leadership often requires balancing strategy with compassion. How do you intend to inspire and support the PIH Lesotho team while meeting the evolving needs of the communities you serve?
I like to say, “conspire to inspire,” meaning two people or two groups working together for the inspiration. Leadership is not a solo effort; it’s about creating shared purpose.
For me, this means investing in people. Investing not just financially but through mentorship, growth opportunities, and feedback. I want to build a motivated, connected workforce that feels empowered to lead from wherever they are.
We’ve already made progress through wellness activities like corporate challenges and inter-site games initiatives that remind our staff that we’re one family. Going forward, I want to strengthen communication channels, ensure transparency in decision-making, and provide safe psychological spaces where people can speak freely and be heard.
We’re operating in a time of change, including expense reduction and shifting priorities, but our mission remains the same: to deliver dignified, reliable, and compassionate care. My role is to keep the team inspired and aligned with that purpose.
‘Mathemba Radebe at Botšabelo MDR-TB Hospital planting flowers during 2023 Global Day of Action, in honor of Paul Farmer’s legacy and their ongoing commitment to the PIH mission.
Photo by Mpho Marole / PIH
Looking back on your journey, what message would you like to share with young professionals, especially women in global health, who aspire to leadership positions like yours?
Lead with care and a clear sense of purpose. Whatever your role may be; nurse, technician, or manager do it with excellence and integrity.
Know your worth, but also be willing to give. Leadership is about service. Be resilient, stay teachable, and make yourself available for opportunities to learn and contribute.
When I was appointed deputy executive director, it wasn’t something I planned. I had just completed my studies at the University of Global Health Equity and said to my supervisor: “Please use me wherever you need me.” That openness changed my path.
And finally, lead with empathy. People are going through so much; kindness costs nothing but can open every door. Forgive yourself, practice self-care, and remember that leadership is not about perfection; it’s about progress, humanity, and heart.
Stepping into the highest position in the organization is both an honor and a responsibility. What are your top priorities as you begin this new chapter?
My top priority is continuity and ensuring that the strong systems and strategies already in place continue to serve our patients effectively.
Secondly, I want to foster innovation and collaboration across all departments, clinical and non-clinical alike. Everyone has a role to play in achieving our mission.
And finally, integrity. I want to lead with openness and accountability by always asking myself one question: “How are we improving the lives of the patients we serve?” Because that’s why PIH exists, and that’s what will continue to guide me every single day.