…as the Mountain Kingdom marks 60 years of independence
Moroke Sekoboto
KING Mswati III of eSwatini has hailed Lesotho’s resilience, peace and national unity, saying the Mountain Kingdom’s six decades of independence demonstrate the strength of a nation whose roots run deep in tradition and solidarity.
Addressing thousands of Basotho gathered at Setsoto Stadium on Sunday to mark Lesotho’s Diamond Jubilee, King Mswati said the country’s 60 years of independence were “more than a date”, but a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.
He said Lesotho’s contribution to regional peace, governance and cooperation had helped shape Southern Africa’s political landscape, stressing that development could not take root without peace.
“There is an African proverb that says, ‘Trees with deep roots do not fear the storm.’ For 60 years, the Mountain Kingdom has lived that truth. Your roots run deep—in tradition, in peace, and in national unity,” King Mswati said.
He said the true strength of a nation was measured not only by its institutions, but also by the dignity, resilience and aspirations of its people.
From Lesotho’s highlands to its valleys, King Mswati said Basotho had continued to demonstrate commitment to protecting natural resources, conserving water and promoting sustainable agriculture.
He said these efforts contributed not only to Lesotho’s development but also to regional policymaking and cooperation across Southern Africa.
“As a signatory to the 1992 SADC Treaty, Lesotho has contributed to regional peace, governance, and cooperation. It has also advocated for the interests of landlocked developing countries, particularly in relation to cross-border transit and regional trade integration,” he said.
King Mswati said the Southern African Development Community was working towards Vision 2050, which seeks to create a peaceful, inclusive and industrialised region where people could live with dignity, opportunity and justice.
“Together, we continue to work for lasting peace and security under the call to silence the guns, because without peace, development cannot take root,” he said.
He also used the occasion to celebrate the special relationship between Lesotho and eSwatini, describing the two countries as “sister monarchies” rooted in traditional institutions and royal heritage.
King Mswati recalled the close friendship between the late King Moshoeshoe II and King Sobhuza II, saying the relationship between the two monarchies had endured across generations.
He said eSwatini had named a road in its capital, Mbabane, after King Moshoeshoe II as a lasting reminder of the friendship between the two kingdoms.
The eSwatini monarch also recalled King Letsie III’s attendance at eSwatini’s 50th Independence Anniversary, held together with the 40th anniversary of King Mswati’s reign.
“Today, as Lesotho celebrates 60 years of independence, we stand together in friendship, solidarity, and mutual respect,” he said.
King Mswati congratulated Basotho on reaching the milestone and wished Lesotho continued peace, dignity, unity and prosperity.
“My last visit to this very same stadium was in 2023, when we celebrated His Majesty King Letsie III. The joy and excitement that filled this stadium from start to finish remain a cherished memory. Today, we are back in the same place, this time to honour the independence of this proud Mountain Kingdom,” he said.
King Letsie III, in turn, used the Diamond Jubilee celebrations to reflect on Lesotho’s six-decade journey, acknowledging both the country’s achievements and the challenges that have shaped its development since independence on 4 October 1966.
The King said the country’s journey had been marked by difficulties that affected its foundations and stability, contributing to a weak economy, poverty and hunger.
However, he said Basotho had demonstrated patience and persistence in restoring democracy and building the country.
He noted improvements in infrastructure, education and health, while also pointing to Lesotho’s growing engagement with the international community.
“As the Kingdom of Lesotho proudly commemorates the diamond jubilee of its independence, we extend our deepest gratitude to the governments, institutions and peoples around the world who have walked alongside us throughout our six-decade journey as a sovereign nation,” King Letsie III said.
He said the anniversary was an opportunity not only to reflect on the country’s history and achievements, but also to recognise the friendships, solidarity and cooperation that had strengthened Lesotho’s position within the international community.
“Since gaining independence on the 4th of October 1966, Lesotho has remained steadfast in its commitment to peace, multilateralism, democratic governance and principled international engagement,” he said.
King Letsie III said Lesotho’s development had been supported by technical assistance, development cooperation, humanitarian support and diplomatic solidarity from international partners.
Looking ahead, he said Lesotho’s next chapter should be centred on protecting human dignity, strengthening democratic institutions and advancing sustainable and inclusive development.
“As Lesotho enters its next chapter, the nation reaffirms its dedication to protecting human dignity, strengthening democratic institutions, and advancing sustainable, inclusive development,” he said.
He identified climate action, food and water security, renewable energy, digital transformation and broad-based economic development as key areas requiring greater international cooperation.
The Diamond Jubilee celebrations, held under the theme “Honouring our past, shaping our future”, brought together senior government officials, ministers, ambassadors, high commissioners and representatives of international organisations.
Prime Minister Sam Matekane said the anniversary should remind Basotho of the sacrifices made by their forefathers in reclaiming the country’s identity.
He acknowledged that Lesotho had made significant progress since independence but said much remained to be done.
Mr Matekane called on Basotho to work together to build a prosperous country, urging them to draw lessons from their ancestors while preparing for the future.
He called for peace, stability and economic growth and warned against division, violence, corruption and discrimination.
The celebrations also featured performances by local artists including Selimo Thabane, Litšepe LR, Citizen, Apollo Ntabanyane, Puseletso Seema and Skebza D, adding a cultural dimension to a milestone that marked 60 years of Basotho nationhood.
The presence of King Mswati and other international dignitaries underscored the regional and international relationships Lesotho has cultivated since independence.
