By Letuka Chafotsa
Maseru — Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) on Monday donated M20 000 to the Royal Archives and Museum in commemoration of the 50th birthday of His Majesty King Letsie III.
LNDC presented the cheque to the King at the Royal Palace in support of the Royal Archives, Museum and Information Centre, a non-governmental organisation which was established in 2008.
Receiving the donation, King Letsie III accompanied by the Board of Trustees of the Royal Archives, Museum and Information Centre said: “We would like to express our deepest appreciation for we can see that you really understand what the Royal Archives and Museum is all about. You came at the right and expected time”.
Joshua Setipa Chief Executive Officer at LNDC said they were pleased to contribute to His Majesty’s Birthday.
“We would like to support the establishment of a royal archives at Matsieng as a one-stop information centre and research hub on Lesotho’s royal history, heritage and the chieftainship system”, Setipa said.
“A good part of this is enshrined in practices and leadership styles, rule of law and value systems. There is an inextricable link between Lesotho’s culture and her natural resources. Unfortunately, many perspectives of Lesotho’s royal culture as a national heritage, especially the oral aspects thereof, are being gradually lost and eroded”, Setipa added.
Setipa said LNDC encourages proper management of the Royal Archives and Museum because it is unique national wealth that can positively influence development policy and socio-economic development including nation building.
The purpose of the centre, which is located in one of the historical buildings in Matsieng, is to contribute to Lesotho’s sustainable development through the promotion of the country’s rich royal history and culture.
It contributes to a broad range of direct and indirect beneficiaries such as the Royal Family, Basotho in general, learners, researchers, tourists and local communities through the creation of micro enterprises and reception centres.
The organisation is run on behalf of the royal family by a 10-member Board of Trustees all of whom are volunteers, experts and professionals in fields related to anthropology, culture, history, library studies, archiving, museums and architecture.
