HIS Majesty King Mswati III has commended the Kingdom of Lesotho for its monumental contributions toward shaping the political and economic landscape of Southern Africa over the past 60 years.
Speaking at Setsoto Stadium during the Diamond Jubilee independence celebrations, the Eswatini monarch highlighted how the mountain kingdom transformed from a sanctuary for political exiles into a pivotal driver of regional integration.
The king, accompanied by Inkhosikati LaNgangaza, is in the mountain kingdom as a special guest for the celebrations.
In his address, His Majesty observed that Lesotho’s founding leader, King Moshoeshoe I, established a nation anchored on diplomacy, unity and refuge. This legacy was later demonstrated when the country sheltered thousands of South African refugees and exiles during the anti-apartheid struggle, providing them with safe haven and access to higher education.
Highlighting key economic and diplomatic milestones, the king noted that Lesotho played an instrumental role in founding the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) in 1980, which later transitioned into the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in 1992.
“As a signatory to the 1992 SADC Treaty, it promoted peacekeeping and governance, advocating for landlocked developing countries while emphasising cross-border transit and regional trade integration,” he said.
He further commended Lesotho’s vital contribution to human capital across Southern Africa. Institutions located in the Roma Valley served as the academic capital for the former High Commission Territories, educating key ministers and civil service leaders who went on to shape post-independence Eswatini and Botswana.
In addition to its political leadership, the king cited Lesotho’s development initiatives, such as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), pioneered soil and water conservation policies, and a robust textile manufacturing sector, as key benchmarks for regional cooperation and resource management.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Pholile Shakantu, is part of the local degelation, together with Justice Minister Prince Simelane, Princess Siphila, Indvuna Masheshisa, Eswatini Ambassador to Lesotho, Lindiwe Mndzebele, King’s Office Chief Officer, Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze and King’s Private Secretary Mbongeni Simelane, among others.
KING RAISES ‘SIYINQABA’ TOAST
STANDING as the special guest of honor to King Letsie III and the Basotho government, His Majesty King Mswati III was called upon to propose the historic 60th anniversary toast on behalf of all visiting dignitaries.
In doing so, His Majesty lauded the Basotho king, his government and the populace for the remarkable strides in development evident since his previous visit, particulalry with regard to infrastructure. He delivered an inspiring call to unity, encouraging the nation to remain strong in peace while walking shoulder-to-shoulder towards a shared, prosperous future.
The king then invited everyone present to raise their glasses, leading a toast wishing the Kingdom of Lesotho and its people enduring peace and prosperity. When the cheers and the clinking glasses began to settle, the king announced another round of toast saying they had merely completed the formal English version of the custom.
He then invited the assembled guests to prepare themselves for a vibrant toast the Swati way. He raised the royal cry of “Siyinqaba!” . The call was answered in unison by the guests with aplomb.
Reclaim Basotho identity – Lesotho PM
LESOTHO’S prime minister has urged the Basotho to reclaim a national identity shaped by discipline, resilience, vigilance, peace, hard work, and prosperity, as the kingdom marked its independence and paid tribute to its heroes and heroines.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister, Sam Matekane, traced the country’s long history of struggle and survival.
He recalled that in the 1820s, King Moshoeshoe I, founder of the Basotho nation, accommodated Dutch farmers and their cattle posts before facing colonial encroachment and intrusion in the 1830s and military attacks in the 1850s in defence of Basotho territory.
In 1868, he said, Queen Victoria decreed that Basutoland would become a British protectorate, although in practice it was treated as a colony.
The Basotho refused incorporation into the Union of South Africa in 1910, and in 1966 they attained independence from Britain, he explained.
The prime minister said independence was an occasion to recognise the efforts of their forefathers.
Looking ahead to what he described as the journey of the next years, which begins tomorrow (today), he said the nation must reclaim a Basotho identity marked by discipline, resilience, vigilance, peace, hard work and prosperity.
“We own our past and shape our future with our people,” he said.
King Letsie III extends special recognition to King Mswati III
KING Letsie III has paid special tribute to His Majesty the King and the Kingdom of Eswatini for the strong bond of ties with the Basotho.
Addressing the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Lesotho king described the king’s presence at the celebrations as having profound significance.
“We are especially honored by the presence of His Majesty King Mswati III, King of the Kingdom of Eswatini, on this momentous occasion. His Majesty’s presence is a powerful reflection of the deep and enduring bonds that exist between the kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini,” said King Letsie III.
He told the gathering that the two nations share a rich history, enduring cultural affinities and longstanding ties.
“These bonds transcend the formal relations between two sovereign States. They are rooted in a shared heritage and strengthened over generations through mutual respect, solidarity and close people-to-people connections. The presence of His Majesty today, therefore, carries profound significance and serves as a testament to the strength and endurance of the historic relations between our two kingdoms,” he stated.
The king also expressed the deep gratitude of the Basotho nation to foreign governments, diplomatic missions and international organisations, including the African Union, the Commonwealth and the United Nations, who have supported the country since it gained independence on October 4, 1966.
“This historic milestone is not only an occasion to reflect upon our shared history and the achievements of the past 60 years. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the enduring bonds of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation that have strengthened Lesotho’s place within the community of nations,” His Majesty stated.
He called for stronger international cooperation, democratic governance, and sustainable development while acknowledging the vital role played by international partners in delivering technical assistance, development support, and diplomatic solidarity over the past six decades.
Looking to the future, His Majesty reaffirmed Lesotho’s dedication to shared global values, human dignity and regional stability.
“Looking into the future, we stand ready to deepen our cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including climate action, food and water security, renewable energy, digital transformation, broad economic development and regional stability,” he stated.
The monarch emphasised that the national milestone extended far beyond celebrating statehood alone.
“The Diamond Jubilee is, therefore, more than a celebration of Lesotho’s sovereignty. It is a celebration of the friendships that have sustained us, the partnerships that have empowered us and the shared aspirations that continue to unite us,” he stated
