Our Team
Our people are not just employees; they are the heartbeat of our organisation
Fueled by Passion
Thet First Light Team
At First Light, we recognize that our success is deeply rooted in the exceptional talents and dedication of our team members. We are committed to finding and nurturing the best talent and utilising it to its ultimate potential. Our people are not just employees; they are the heartbeat of our organisation, ready to serve you with enthusiasm and expertise.
Our team is fueled by a passion for excellence and a genuine commitment to exceeding client expectations. Whether it’s addressing your unique challenges or seizing opportunities, our people are dedicated to delivering exceptional service.
We believe in the power of the right team, and therefore, we employ a rigorous selection process to ensure that we bring onboard individuals who align with our values and possess the skills necessary to excel in their roles. This process ensures that we have the right people for the job, individuals who are not only talented but also share our commitment to delivering excellence.
Ultimately, our goal is to add significant value to our clients’ endeavours. We’re not just a team; we’re partners in your success. Ready to adapt, innovate, and tackle challenges head-on, our people are here to meet your needs and contribute to your business growth.
The First Light Board
Meet our Board Members
Discover the strength of collaboration and the dedication of First Light’s exceptional team – where talent meets commitment, and success is a shared journey.
Mr. Baboloki Boniface Reetsang
Board Chairman
Mr. Baboloki Boniface Reetsang is a seasoned financial services professional with extensive experience in the retirement funds sub-sector. He has been serving as the Board Chairman for First Light since July 2018. Mr Reetsang has served as the General Manager, Benefits Administration at Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) where he planned, directed and coordinated the activities of the benefits administration of the pension fund. Given his expertise in pension fund administration, Mr. Reetsang was engaged by the NBFIRA in 2018 to conduct an inspection on pension fund administrators in Botswana. Furthermore, Mr Reetsang has been a trustee of the BPOPF and a committee member of the Botswana Public Officers Medical Aid Scheme (BPOMAS). He holds an MBA from the University of Botswana and has gone on to expand his expertise in retirement funds through professional training.
Baboloki Boniface Reetsang
Board Chairman
Mr. Baboloki Boniface Reetsang
Board Chairman
Mr. Baboloki Boniface Reetsang is a seasoned financial services professional with extensive experience in the retirement funds sub-sector. He currently serves as the Board Chairman of First Light, providing strategic leadership and oversight. Previously, Mr. Reetsang held the position of General Manager, Benefits Administration at the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF), where he successfully planned, directed, and coordinated pension fund benefits administration. His expertise in pension fund operations led to his engagement by the Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA) in 2018 to conduct inspections on pension fund administrators in Botswana.
Beyond his executive roles, Mr. Reetsang has contributed significantly to governance structures. He has served as a trustee of the BPOPF and as a committee member of the Botswana Public Officers Medical Aid Scheme (BPOMAS), reinforcing his commitment to fiduciary responsibility and member welfare. Academically, Mr. Reetsang holds an MBA from the University of Botswana and has further expanded his expertise in retirement funds through specialized professional training.
Pastor Phodiso Baitseng
Independent non-executive director
Pastor Phodiso Mokgosi Baitseng brings to First Light a wealth of experience spanning over thirty-two years in the financial service sector and has been appointed an independent non-executive director at First Light from February 2024. He has held several pivotal lead roles in banking, including Head of Governance and Control, Head of Corporate Operations as well as Head of Branch Operations at Absa bank Botswana (formerly Barclays Bank Botswana). Furthermore, Pastor Baitseng has served as a trustee of the Barclays Bank Botswana Staff pension fund and was the chairman of the investment committee. He holds an MBA from the University of De Montfort and has gone on to expand his expertise through various professional training courses including human resources, management and development.
Pastor Phodiso Baitseng
Independent non-executive director
Pastor Phodiso Baitseng
Independent non-executive director
Pastor Phodiso Mokgosi Baitseng brings to First Light a wealth of experience spanning over thirty-two years in the financial service sector and has been appointed an independent non-executive director at First Light from February 2024.
He has held several pivotal lead roles in banking, including Head of Governance and Control, Head of Corporate Operations as well as Head of Branch Operations at Absa bank Botswana (formerly Barclays Bank Botswana). Furthermore, Pastor Baitseng has served as a trustee of the Barclays Bank Botswana Staff pension fund and was the chairman of the investment committee.
He holds an MBA from the University of De Montfort and has gone on to expand his expertise through various professional training courses including human resources, management and development.
Mr Tefo Gakelebale
Chief Executive Officer
Tefo Gakelebale is a graduate of University of South Africa, he holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with Specialisation in Economics. His valuable experience in the financial sector spans over 12 years in back-office operations of a local Investment Management Company. Tefo has also been in the Real Estate industry prior to joining First Light in October 2021 as the Chief Executive Officer.
Tefo Gakelebale
Executive Director
Mr Tefo Gakelebale
Executive Director
Tefo has over 17 years of experience in the financial services industry, with extensive expertise in back-office operations, including 12 years at Fleming Asset Management (Pty) Ltd. He has also gained valuable experience in the real estate industry, further broadening his expertise across key business sectors. As the head of First Light, he provides strategic leadership, drives organizational growth, and oversees the implementation of the company’s long-term vision and objectives.
Tefo holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics from the University of South Africa and a Postgraduate Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management from Botswana Accountancy College.
The First Light Team
Meet ourTeam
Discover the strength of collaboration and the dedication of First Light’s exceptional team – where talent meets commitment, and success is a shared journey.
Tefo Gakelebale
CEO
Tefo has over 17 years of experience in the financial services industry, with extensive expertise in back-office operations, including 12 years at Fleming Asset Management (Pty) Ltd. He has also gained valuable experience in the real estate industry, further broadening his expertise across key business sectors. As the head of First Light, he provides strategic leadership, drives organizational growth, and oversees the implementation of the company’s long-term vision and objectives.
Tefo holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics from the University of South Africa and a Postgraduate Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management from Botswana Accountancy College.
Tefo Gakelebale
Executive Director
Tefo Gakelebale
CEO
Tefo has over 17 years of experience in the financial services industry, with extensive expertise in back-office operations, including 12 years at Fleming Asset Management (Pty) Ltd. He has also gained valuable experience in the real estate industry, further broadening his expertise across key business sectors. As the head of First Light, he provides strategic leadership, drives organizational growth, and oversees the implementation of the company’s long-term vision and objectives.
Tefo holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics from the University of South Africa and a Postgraduate Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management from Botswana Accountancy College.
Lloyd Keoreng
Compliance Officer
Lloyd is an experienced compliance professional with a strong background in finance, taxation, and insurance. He holds an Honors Degree in Business Entrepreneurship & Leadership from Botswana Accountancy College, in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University. Additionally, he has earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation from Botswana Accountancy College, as well as certifications in Long-Term and Short-Term Insurance from the Insurance Academy of Botswana.
Before joining First Light as a Compliance Officer, Lloyd worked for four years as an Accounts & Taxation Executive at Forvis Mazars, where he specialized in financial compliance, taxation strategy, and regulatory adherence. His expertise spans across risk management, financial compliance, and regulatory frameworks, making him a key asset in ensuring corporate integrity and operational excellence
Lloyd Keoreng
Compliance Officer
Lloyd Keoreng
Compliance Officer
Lloyd is an experienced compliance professional with a strong background in finance, taxation, and insurance. He holds an Honors Degree in Business Entrepreneurship & Leadership from Botswana Accountancy College, in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University. Additionally, he has earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation from Botswana Accountancy College, as well as certifications in Long-Term and Short-Term Insurance from the Insurance Academy of Botswana.
Before joining First Light as a Compliance Officer, Lloyd worked for four years as an Accounts & Taxation Executive at Forvis Mazars, where he specialized in financial compliance, taxation strategy, and regulatory adherence. His expertise spans across risk management, financial compliance, and regulatory frameworks, making him a key asset in ensuring corporate integrity and operational excellence
Ms Violet Baliki
Operations Manager
Violet Baliki is a seasoned Operations Specialist with 15 years of industry experience. She began her career in 2010 at Fleming Asset Management in the middle office and has since built a strong foundation in operations management.
She holds an Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification from Botswana Accountancy College and has earned an Investment Management Certificate through CFA UK. With seven years in management roles, Violet has honed expertise in administration, compliance, risk management, and fund accounting.
Before joining First Light in 2023, she played a pivotal role at Morula Capital Partners as an Operations Manager for over 4 years, where she was instrumental in establishing and structuring their operations department. Her deep knowledge of CIU liability administration and fund operations makes her a valuable asset in optimizing operational efficiency and risk management
Violet Baliki
Operations Manager
Violet Baliki
Operations Manager
Violet Baliki is a seasoned Operations Specialist with 15 years of industry experience. She began her career in 2010 at Fleming Asset Management in the middle office and has since built a strong foundation in operations management.
She holds an Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification from Botswana Accountancy College and has earned an Investment Management Certificate through CFA UK. With seven years in management roles, Violet has honed expertise in administration, compliance, risk management, and fund accounting.
Before joining First Light in 2023, she played a pivotal role at Morula Capital Partners as an Operations Manager for over 4 years, where she was instrumental in establishing and structuring their operations department. Her deep knowledge of CIU liability administration and fund operations makes her a valuable asset in optimizing operational efficiency and risk management
Unangoni Pilato
Operations Analyst
Unangoni Pilato is an Operations Analyst at First Light with a strong background in investment operations and data analysis within the financial services sector. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics of Finance from the University of Botswana.
She joined First Light as an Operations Intern and has grown within the organisation into her current role as Operations Analyst, reflecting her strong performance, technical capability, and commitment to operational excellence.
In her role, she supports investment operations processes, data analysis, and reporting, contributing to the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of operational outputs. Her analytical strength and attention to detail continue to add value to the firm’s service delivery and internal process improvement.
Unangoni Pilato
Operations Analyst
Unangoni Pilato
Operations Analyst
Unangoni Pilato is an Operations Analyst at First Light with a strong background in investment operations and data analysis within the financial services sector. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics of Finance from the University of Botswana.
She joined First Light as an Operations Intern and has grown within the organisation into her current role as Operations Analyst, reflecting her strong performance, technical capability, and commitment to operational excellence.
In her role, she supports investment operations processes, data analysis, and reporting, contributing to the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of operational outputs. Her analytical strength and attention to detail continue to add value to the firm’s service delivery and internal process improvement.
Gorata Lesiapeto
Operations Analyst
Gorata is an Operations Analyst at First Light, where she supports the operational management of multiple investment funds. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in International Finance and Banking through Botswana Accountancy College in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University and also possesses a Certificate of Proficiency in Long-Term Insurance.
She joined First Light as an Operations Intern and progressed into the Operations and Administration function before being appointed to her current role as Operations Analyst. This progression reflects her growing technical capability, strong work ethic, and deepening understanding of investment fund operations.
In her role, she is responsible for the oversight and execution of core fund operations, including trade processing, reconciliations, fund accounting support, and coordination with fund managers, custodians, and other service providers. She also contributes to compliance monitoring, audit coordination, and the continuous improvement of internal operational processes.
Her work is centred on ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and strong operational control across all fund administration activities within the business.
Gorata Lesiapeto
Operations Analyst
Gorata Lesiapeto
Operations Analyst
Gorata is an Operations Analyst at First Light, where she supports the operational management of multiple investment funds. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in International Finance and Banking through Botswana Accountancy College in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University and also possesses a Certificate of Proficiency in Long-Term Insurance.
She joined First Light as an Operations Intern and progressed into the Operations and Administration function before being appointed to her current role as Operations Analyst. This progression reflects her growing technical capability, strong work ethic, and deepening understanding of investment fund operations.
In her role, she is responsible for the oversight and execution of core fund operations, including trade processing, reconciliations, fund accounting support, and coordination with fund managers, custodians, and other service providers. She also contributes to compliance monitoring, audit coordination, and the continuous improvement of internal operational processes.
Her work is centred on ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and strong operational control across all fund administration activities within the business.
Ayanda Carol Seipone
Finance Officer
Ayanda holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting and Finance from Botswana Accountancy College, awarded in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University.
She is currently pursuing the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification.
Before joining First Light, she gained two years of professional experience at Air Botswana, where she worked in both the Treasury and Receivables departments. During this time, she acquired valuable experience in financial operations, treasury management, and receivables administration.
Ayanda Carol Seipone
Ayanda Carol Seipone
Finance Officer
Ayanda holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting and Finance from Botswana Accountancy College, awarded in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University.
She is currently pursuing the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification.
Before joining First Light, she gained two years of professional experience at Air Botswana, where she worked in both the Treasury and Receivables departments. During this time, she acquired valuable experience in financial operations, treasury management, and receivables administration.
Goitseone Letshabile
Office Assistant
Goitseone has over 10 years of work experience and joined First Llight in 2024 as an Office Assistant. In her role, she supports the efficient operation of the office by managing administrative tasks and coordinating logistics. Her strong organisational skills make her a valuable team member.
Goitseone Letshabile
Goitesone Letshabile
Office Assistant
Matlhogonolo Sewelo
Intern
Matlhogonolo is an operations intern at First light Multi Manager Management Company .
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Botswana. Prior to joining first light, Matlhogonolo gained valuable experience as a Stanbic bank Customer care consultant, developing strong client relationship management and problem solving skills that complement their analytical approach to the investment industry.
Matlhogonolo Sewelo
Matlhogonolo Sewelo
Intern
Matlhogonolo is an operations intern at First light Multi Manager Management Company .
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Botswana. Prior to joining first light, Matlhogonolo gained valuable experience as a Stanbic bank Customer care consultant, developing strong client relationship management and problem solving skills that complement their analytical approach to the investment industry.
Maatla Masole
Intern
Maatla is currently in her final year pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance at the University of Botswana. She chose to undertake her industrial attachment with First Light, where she has demonstrated a strong willingness to learn and adapt. In a relatively short period, she has gained valuable practical experience, learned a great deal, and proven to be a helpful, dedicated, and reliable member of the team.
Maatla Masole
Intern
Maatla Masole
Intern