In an exclusive interview, we take a look back at the recent festivities celebrating Lesotho’s 58th Independence Day and the 200th anniversary of its founding. The event took place on October 4th at the Setsoto Stadium in the capital city of Maseru.

Key attendees included King Letsie III and Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro. In a moving speech, King Letsie III stressed the importance of national unity, urging that internal divisions should not fracture the Basotho people. He highlighted hunger, unemployment, and poverty as the nation’s greatest challenges and called on the public to prioritize the collective good to ensure Lesotho remains a home for all.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was among the distinguished guests, pointing out the profound ties between the two nations. He spoke about their shared history, geography, culture, and language, emphasizing the long-standing friendship and mutual support, particularly during the apartheid era when Lesotho served as a sanctuary for many seeking refuge.

Lesotho gained its independence from British colonial rule on October 4, 1966, becoming a landlocked nation entirely surrounded by South Africa. The two countries have also been collaborating on cross-border water projects designed to address water shortages in South Africa while enhancing Lesotho’s water and electricity sectors.

Moreover, this year marks the 30th anniversary of restored diplomatic relations between China and Lesotho. The Mohale Road project is a key component of the Belt and Road Initiative, and in renewable energy, the first phase of the Lesotho Mafeteng Solar Plant, with a capacity of 30 megawatts, has been successfully launched with Chinese support.