Publisher’s Note
I am humbled to be publishing the fourth edition of Lesotho Insights™ – A Comprehensive Overview of Business, Development and Economy 2023-24. This is the Bicentennial edition that I promised our partners and readers, and I am ecstatic that the idea has finally come to fruition exactly as it was planned.
The 2023/24 edition celebrates the 200 years of the formation of the Basotho nation by King Moshoeshoe I. This is a historical milestone that acknowledges the generational achievements of the Basotho nation which has been hailed by historians and scholars as one of the most successful African state south of the Zambezi River in the 1800s. In its quest to contribute to this important turning point in the evolution of the Basotho nation, Lesotho Insights 2023/24 edition is thus a souvenir edition featuring a section celebrating the Great King Moshoeshoe I, a visionary leader who had bold aspirations and one who has been regarded as the greatest politician of his era because of his deft diplomacy and commitment to peaceful coexistence with other clans.
I am highly indebted, first to His Majesty King Letsie III for giving me an opportunity to talk to him and present his thoughts about our past and the future of Basotho as a people. The interview is featured on page… My tribute also goes to the scholars and historians who have contributed to this section. These include among others Lesotho’s first History Professor, Ntate LBBJ Machobane, the award-winning journalist, author, and political analyst, Max Du Preez, Professor Tefetso Mothibe, Kalosi Ramakhula, Tichere Nkoka, Stephen Gill and Mr. Sofonea Shale. These are eminent people in their own right and I need not mention their accolades and contribution to the narrative of the Kingdom.
However, to demonstrate the passion and commitment with which these contributors gave to the publication, I wish to single out Professor Machobane for a reason. As a retired and elderly historian, Professor Machobane rose above his impaired sight to work with me in crafting a beautiful article on the legacy of Morena Moshoeshoe. I am grateful to him and the rest of the contributors. Their work and opinions are timeless classics that I believe, truly make this edition a souvenir edition to be kept for future generations.
I also take this opportunity to convey my gratitude to Mr. Steve Mashoabathe Rasehloho, a skilled painter with a special passion for the history of the Basotho nation. His paintings are not just a work of art, but they tell a story based on his love of our history. The details shown on each piece are inspired by research and detail. I was astonished when he shared the story behind the painting of the “Three Kings”. This piece, which is a 250cm x 150cm, oil on canvas painting is not only beautiful and endowed with the Basotho heritage, it also has a well thought out story which I believe we should all appreciate. This has inspired me to write a small article about Steve and his art that you will find on page…
Otherwise, in terms of the content, you still have your standard updates on the status of the economy and key aspects of Lesotho’s growth trajectory. These are led by among others, Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project as well as the imminent start of the MCA Compact II.
We continue to grow year on year and we are pleased with our growth and how we have embraced digital distribution. I have had some very soothing stories of local and international readers on how they got hold of the copy and enjoyed it however far and wide across the globe.
With the change of government following the 2022 General Elections came a new Minister of Finance, who was also eager to continue the journey with us. I thank our new Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr. Retselisitsoe Matlanyane for her eagerness to contribute her foreword as a sitting Minister of Finance. Dr. Matlanyane is not new to Lesotho Insights but assumes a new role on a publication she has always supported.
Last, and by no means least, I wish to thank the team that is behind this book. I could not have made it without the top-drawer writers, designers, editors and the sales team that make Lesotho Insights. Thank you for your tenacity and perseverance against so many odds always stacked against us. With this, your sleepless nights have paid off, we have triumphed and we can only do it better as grow from strength to strength.
To our advertisers, readers and supporters, we remain grateful for your unyielding support. It is by your efforts that Lesotho Insights is what it is today. The courage that you gave us when we started, right in the middle of the Covid-19 is a testament that you are with us. Now that we see a bright future, we commit to walking the journey with you.
Please enjoy the Bicentennial edition which I believe is for keeps. I wish you all a pleasurable reading.
Manyathela Kheleli
Publishing Editor