Where is Lesotho?
Lesotho is a captivating, mountainous country nestled in the heart of Southern Africa. It is a hidden gem, nestled within the embrace of South Africa. The entire expanse of the nation’s borders stretches for 909 kilometres (565 mi).
The Kingdom of Lesotho is predominantly characterized by its highlands, where numerous villages can only be accessed on horseback, by foot, or via light aircraft.
Resources are limited – a result of the challenging conditions of the highland plateau and the restricted farming areas in the lowlands. The once British protectorate finds itself intricately linked to the vast expanse of South Africa that envelops it.
Throughout the years, countless individuals have been compelled by the scarcity of employment options to seek out opportunities in the mines of South Africa. The Lesotho Highlands Water Project was finalized in the 1990s to transport water to South Africa.
Lesotho faces significant challenges with one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally, where one in five adults is living with HIV. The country experiences more infections per 100,000 people than many others, including its neighbouring nations of Namibia, Botswana, and Eswatini.
THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO: INSIGHTS
Capital: Maseru
Size: 30,355 sq km
Population: 2.2 million
Languages: Sesotho, English
Life expectancy: 51 years for men and 57 years for women.
Monarch: King Letsie III
King Letsie III took the throne after his father, King Moshoeshoe II, was removed from power in 1990.
Five years later, following the return to civilian governance and in the midst of political turmoil, he stepped down, leading to his father’s reinstatement as the monarch.
Letsie III ascended to the throne in 1996 following the tragic car accident that claimed his father’s life. The monarch holds no authority in legislative or executive matters.
Prime Minister: Sam Matekane
Sam Matekane, a diamond magnate who transitioned into politics, ascended to the role of prime minister following his victory in the October 2022 elections, a mere seven months after establishing his Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) party.
He financed a political campaign that was brimming with a vibrant social media presence. His party secured 56 of the 120 seats in the National Assembly.
He campaigned on a platform aimed at putting an end to Lesotho’s recent political turmoil. He states that his main focus will be tackling corruption – “eliminating it entirely” – revitalizing the nation’s economy, and “removing politics” from the security forces.
The dynamic prime minister, Moeketsi Majoro, stepped into his role in May 2020, following the resignation of the seasoned leader Thomas Thabane, who found himself implicated in the tragic murder of his former wife.