MOSHOESHOE I INSTITUTE OF PEACE AND LEADERSHIP:‘SEMOSHOESHOE’

 

Writes Professor Keneuoe Motsoene

Lesotho is grappling with major issues on its path to a more prosperous and balanced future. Given its rich cultural history and resilient populace, Lesotho is finding its stride on the world stage mired by inconsistencies. For nearly a decade, Lesotho has been undertaking a journey of national reforms to address endemic political instability and foster harmony. However, despite rounds of political leadership changes and nearly eight years of attempts, the reforms have yet to yield the desired outcomes. Further exacerbating the situation are ‘famo’ music gang wars, which not only have political effects in Lesotho but also incite terror in communities in neighbouring South Africa. A growing concern is the involvement of young Basotho children in extremism and violent behaviour, a phenomenon locally known as ‘manomoro’, a group of young people typically aged from 13 to 25 who are responsible for violent crimes including murder and robberies. While others have said the manomoro gangs were linked to cults, their criminal activities have led some to call for urgent curbing of these threats to peace and order in Lesotho.

 

In response to these challenges, the National University of Lesotho launched an ambitious initiative in 2015. As part of its third home-grown introspection, the university set up the Moshoeshoe I Institute of Peace and Leadership (MIPL). Named after Morena Moshoeshoe I, the founding father of the Basotho Nation, the MIPL aims to instill his attributes of servant leadership, empathy, peace, patriotism, and unity among the present and future leaders of the nation. The institute’s mission is to nurture and inspire a new generation of leaders who can bring about change and drive socio-economic growth and development.

The MIPL adopts the Semoshoeshoe philosophical framework as its guiding principle. It aims to revive the virtues, values, and ethos of Morena Moshoeshoe I and reshape the mindset of every Mosotho individual towards maintaining peace, fostering servant leadership, and promoting ethical behaviour. This approach provides a national platform for individuals, groups, and organisations both within and outside Lesotho, fostering a shared belief in Morena Moshoeshoe I’s legacy of national unity, peaceful conflict resolution, servant leadership, and patriotism.

 

The institute has pioneered the National Semoshoeshoe renaissance campaign, which mirrors the Semoshoeshoe framework’s objectives. The campaign aims to engage all levels of Basotho society, inspiring a sense of national unity and promoting peaceful conflict resolution, servant leadership, and patriotism.

At its heart, the MIPL is committed to producing thought leaders grounded in the principle of Botho “Ubuntu,” a quality exemplified by Morena Moshoeshoe I. This focus on empathy and humaneness is central to the MIPL’s mission.

It aims to develop visionary servant leaders through rigorous training and research, guided by Moshoeshoe I’s principles, including peace, respect for self and others, unity, reconciliation, magnanimity, forgiveness, generosity, and inclusiveness.The relevance of MIPL’s mission is underscored by its alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.

This goal advocates promoting peaceful, inclusive societies for sustainable development and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The degradation of peace values, evident in moral decay among Lesotho’s populace, is a pressing concern. The MIPL seeks to restore these values through its activities and initiatives.

Looking ahead, the year 2024 holds considerable significance for Lesotho. This year will mark the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the Basotho nation. The Semoshoeshoe campaign is envisioned as a critical tool to prepare all Basotho for this historic milestone. By reflecting on the legacy of Morena Moshoeshoe I and embracing his principles, the campaign aims to foster a national renaissance of identity, love for fellow humans, and patriotism. This commitment to the spirit of Semoshoeshoe is central to realising “The Lesotho We Want” – a nation united, peaceful, and prosperous, in 2024 and beyond.

We believe in the transformative power of the Moshoeshoe I Institute of Peace and Leadership. We invite all stakeholders to join us on this journey of nurturing servant leaders, fostering peace, and creating a brighter future for Lesotho. Together, we can build a nation that embodies the spirit and vision of Morena Moshoeshoe I, a nation we can be proud to call our own.