Lesotho at 59: Celebrating Independence and 201 Years of the Basotho Nation

On 4 October 2025, the Kingdom of Lesotho celebrates its 59th Independence Day. For many outside Southern Africa, Lesotho remains a little-known country, often described simply as the “Mountain Kingdom” - a landlocked nation surrounded entirely by South Africa. Yet Lesotho’s history and identity stretch far deeper than its rugged geography: in 2025, the Basotho nation itself turns 201 years old, tracing its roots back to the visionary leadership of King Moshoeshoe I in 1824. In the early 19th century, southern Africa was gripped by widespread upheaval known as the Difaqane wars, which was a time when wars and migrations displaced countless communities. Amidst this turmoil, a leader named Moshoeshoe I gathered scattered clans, refugees, and smaller chiefdoms into a unified community. From his mountain stronghold at Thaba-Bosiu, Moshoeshoe emphasized diplomacy, generosity, and protection. He gave refuge to the displaced, resolved conflicts through dialogue, and forged a shared identity: the Basotho nation. This act of unification in 1824 is remembered as the birth of the nation that today proudly calls itself “Basotho,” meaning “the people.” Lesotho’s history is marked by both resilience and compromise. Threatened by expanding colonial powers in the 19th century, the Basotho kingdom accepted British protection in 1868. For nearly a century, it existed as the British colony of Basutoland. That changed on 4 October 1966, when the country gained sovereignty and became the Kingdom of Lesotho, making it one of the few African nations where traditional monarchy remains central to statehood. Today, Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy, ruled by King Letsie III, the great-great-grandson of Moshoeshoe I. This continuity of leadership makes Lesotho unique in Africa: the same royal line that united the Basotho nation two centuries ago continues to reign in the 21st century. Lesotho is known as the “Kingdom in the Sky” because its entire territory lies more than 1,000 meters above sea level. Its mountains shape both its culture and economy. The iconic Basotho blanket and the conical mokorotlo hat are enduring national symbols, worn in ceremonies and daily life. The Sesotho language, oral traditions, music, and community rituals bind Basotho identity across villages and cities. Despite modernization, these cultural symbols continue to represent unity and resilience. While Independence Day is a time of pride, it is also a moment of reflection on Lesotho’s present challenges. Unemployment Crisis: In 2025, unemployment has reached alarming levels, especially after the USA pulled off all AIDs from African countries. In fact, Prime Minister The Right Honourable Sam Matekane recently declared unemployment a national state of emergency, underscoring the urgency of creating jobs for the country’s predominantly young population. Economic Dependence: Lesotho’s economy relies heavily on a few sectors: textile exports, wool and mohair farming, remittances from Basotho working in South Africa, and the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which sells water and hydropower to South Africa. While these provide critical income, they leave the economy vulnerable to global shifts. Social Challenges: Lesotho faces some of the world’s highest HIV prevalence rates, as well as widespread poverty and inequality. Many Basotho rely on subsistence farming or migration to South Africa for work. Resilience and Hope: Despite these difficulties, Basotho remain known for their resilience, strong community ties, and faith in education and innovation as keys to the future. 201 Years of Nationhood, 59 Years of Independence This year, Independence Day holds dual meaning: 201 years since Moshoeshoe I built the Basotho nation in 1824, and 59 years since political independence in 1966. For Basotho, the story of their nation is not just about borders or treaties, but about unity, survival, and dignity. To the world, Lesotho may seem small - a nation of just over two million people surrounded by its powerful neighbor, South Africa. Yet its story is a powerful one. From Moshoeshoe I’s unifying vision in 1824 to the proclamation of independence in 1966, and now to the pressing challenges of 2025, the Basotho nation has endured through adaptability and resilience. As the Kingdom of Lesotho marks its 59th Independence Day and reflects on 201 years of existence, it reminds us that independence is not only about sovereignty, but about building a society where every citizen can thrive. For the Basotho, that vision remains as urgent and inspiring today as it was on the slopes of Thaba-Bosiu two centuries ago.