In the 1800s Southern Africa was a region of great turmoil with various tribes occupying the land and frequent battles between neighbouring clans. The indigenous tribes that occupied the area now known as Lesotho were ousted by chief Moshoeshoe who established his own stronghold at Thaba Bosiu, 24km (15 miles) east of Maseru. He gained a reputation for his ability to stave off attacks from subsequent marauders and over time, the numbers under his rule increased.
However, in 1867, prompted by the increasing pressure of attacks from the Boers, Moshoeshoe asked the British for protection in and in doing so, Lesotho (then known as Basutoland) became a British protectorate, which meant being under control of Cape Colony. This caused considerable tension which finally came to a head with the Gun War of 1880, and resulting in the country coming under direct rule from London.
Lesotho rejected an offer to become part of South Africa in 1910 and finally gained independence in 1966, a step which has brought its own set of problems. The country became a constitutional monarchy with elected parliament, but subsequent ruling regimes have been unstable, with military coups, governmental collapses and a monarchy in turmoil, which saw King Moshoeshoe II deposed twice, before dying in a car accident. His son King Letsie III is now king and the country is currently under democratic rule by the Lesotho Congress for Democracy party, headed by Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili. In the immediate aftermath of his re-election in 2002, Lesotho faced serious food shortages (then affecting much of southern Africa) and widespread starvation was narrowly averted on this occasion.
Much of Lesotho’s cultural legacy is tied up in its colonial one, with the architecture of older building in main towns such as Maseru bearing overtones of European influence. However, Lesotho’s past is still very much visible in the present and one can still see the cave drawings of the San bushmen and fossilised dinosaur trails that date back millions of years. In the rural areas which are often only accessible by foot or horseback, people’s way of life has not changed significantly for generations, with subsistence agricultural farming remaining the main source of income for families.
As in much of southern Africa, Aids and HIV are widespread throughout Lesotho, with around 23% of the adult population being infected. The government has stepped up efforts to combat the infection’s spread, sometimes working in conjunction with philanthropic efforts by NGOs, but it remains an incalculable task to deal with the pandemic and its consequences.
Around 80% Christian; mainly Anglican, Roman Catholic and Lesotho Evangelical. Indigenous beliefs account for the remaining 20%.
Social conventions:If spending some time in rural villages, it is polite to inform the head chief. It is likely that he will be very helpful. Normal social courtesies and a friendly, warm approach will be greatly appreciated. Dress should be practical and casual but local customs should be respected (including those regarding modesty in dress). Religion plays an important part in daily life.
Photography: Photographs must not be taken of the following: the palace, police establishments, government offices, the airport or monetary authority buildings.
Sesotho and English.
