This section honours the men who carried Lesotho’s flag into the skies and helped shape the proud story of Basutair, Lesotho Airways and national aviation heritage.
Our First Black Pilots
In 1972, the Government of Lesotho selected Captain Qacha Watson Molapo and Captain Karohano Ntlaloe to undertake professional flight training in Scotland, making them the first Basotho to receive formal commercial pilot training abroad. Their pioneering achievements culminated in international recognition when they appeared on the front page of the Sunday Times on 13 May 1973 under the historic headline "Our First Black Pilots". Their success marked the beginning of a new era for Lesotho's aviation industry and inspired generations of Basotho to pursue careers in aviation.
Captain Qacha Watson Molapo
Captain Qacha Watson Molapo is one of the pioneers of civil aviation in Lesotho and among the first Black commercial pilots in Lesotho and the SADC region. Selected by the Government of Lesotho in 1972 with Captain Karohano Ntlaloe for flight training in Scotland, he became the first Mosotho to fly solo on 27 July 1973. He later served Lesotho Airways as Chief Pilot, Training Pilot and Operations Manager until its closure in 1997, and also flew for Interocean Airways and Air Botswana. Aircraft flown include the Cessna 150/172/206, Islander, Twin Otter, F27 Friendship, DC-3, DC-4 and ATR 42. Featured on the Sunday Times front page in 1973 under 'Our First Black Pilots', his legacy continues to inspire generations. During an aviation career spanning more than three decades, Captain Molapo accumulated more than 12,000 flying hours while operating a wide variety of aircraft, demonstrating exceptional skill across both light aircraft and regional airliners. His extensive experience made him one of the most accomplished airline pilots in Lesotho's aviation history and a respected mentor to generations of aviators.
Captain Duke Moorosi
Captain Duke Moorosi is recognised as the second Mosotho airline pilot, following the pioneering achievements of Captain Qacha Watson Molapo and Captain Karohano Ntlaloe. During a distinguished career of more than four decades, he became one of Africa's most respected airline captains, aviation executives and regulators. He accumulated over 6,000 flying hours, flew the Cessna 206, BN Islander, Twin Otter, Fokker F27 Friendship and Beechcraft King Air 300, and served Lesotho Airways as Check Pilot, Chief Pilot, Flight Operations Manager, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. He later held senior leadership positions at South African Airlink, South African Airways and served as Chairman of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). His outstanding contribution to aviation continues to inspire generations across Lesotho and Southern Africa.
Captain Masilonyane Ntabe
Captain Masilonyane Ntabe is one of Lesotho's pioneering airline captains whose remarkable journey reflects determination, resilience and an unwavering passion for aviation. After overcoming numerous setbacks, he completed professional flight training in the United Kingdom before joining Lesotho Airways, where he flew the Twin Otter and later the Fokker F27 Friendship on domestic and regional routes. He later served with the Lesotho Defence Force Air Wing, qualifying on the CASA C-212. His perseverance, professionalism and commitment to excellence continue to inspire future generations of Basotho aviators.
Captain Frank Green
Captain Frank Green is one of Lesotho's distinguished aviators who played an important role in the development of civil and military aviation in the Kingdom of Lesotho. Trained as a professional pilot in the United Kingdom, he served with Lesotho Airways and became one of the airline's respected captains.
During his aviation career, Captain Green flew numerous aircraft, including Cessnas, Britten-Norman Islanders, de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otters and the Fokker F27 Friendship. With many flying hours under his belt, he became known for his professionalism, operational experience and commitment to safe flight operations.
Captain Green also served as Chief Pilot for Lesotho Airways, where he contributed to pilot leadership, operational standards and the development of Lesotho's national airline. He later continued his service to the country through the Lesotho Defence Force Air Wing, flying the CASA C-212 Aviocar.
His career reflects dedication, leadership and aviation excellence. Today, Captain Frank Green's contribution is proudly preserved by the Flight & Aviation Museum of Lesotho as part of the nation's aviation heritage.
MR
Captain Mokoena Ramoleka
Captain Peter Mokoena Ramoleka is one of Lesotho's distinguished airline captains whose career reflects professionalism, precision and dedication to aviation excellence. Trained as a professional pilot in Ethiopia before completing advanced Fokker F27 training in New Zealand and Belgium, he built an outstanding career with Lesotho Airways, flying both domestic mountain routes and international services throughout Southern Africa.
During his distinguished career, Captain Ramoleka flew numerous aircraft including the Cessna series, Piper Aztec, Yak-18, Antonov AN-24, de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, Fairchild FH-227 and Fokker F27 Friendship. He accumulated thousands of flying hours while safely transporting passengers across Lesotho and the region, earning a reputation for exceptional airmanship, calm leadership and operational excellence.
Today his legacy is proudly preserved by the Flight & Aviation Museum of Lesotho, where his remarkable contribution continues to inspire future generations of Basotho aviators.
MN
Captain Moena Nkuebe
A valued name in Lesotho’s aviation history, recognised in the museum’s pilot profiles for service, courage and national contribution.
ML
Captain Mofalali Lebeko
Included among the pilots whose profiles will help future generations understand the people behind Lesotho’s aviation legacy.
