Maseru, Lesotho – King Mswati III has praised Lesotho for its contribution to the political and economic development of Southern Africa as the Mountain Kingdom marked 60 years of independence.
Speaking at Setsoto Stadium during Lesotho’s Diamond Jubilee independence celebrations, the Eswatini monarch reflected on the country’s history and its role in shaping regional cooperation.
King Mswati said Lesotho had evolved from a country that offered refuge to political exiles into an important participant in efforts to advance regional integration.
He also pointed to the longstanding relationship between the royal houses of Eswatini and Lesotho, describing the friendship between the two kingdoms as an important foundation as they work towards a future centred on peace and regional integration.
The King paid tribute to Lesotho’s founding leader, King Moshoeshoe I, whose leadership he said established a nation built around diplomacy, unity and a tradition of providing refuge.
Lesotho later became an important safe haven for thousands of South African refugees and exiles during the struggle against apartheid. The country also provided opportunities for higher education to South Africans, including students who sought refuge beyond the borders of apartheid South Africa.
King Mswati said Lesotho’s regional contribution also extended to economic and diplomatic cooperation.
He noted that the country played a role in the establishment of the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) in 1980. SADCC was later transformed into the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in 1992.
“Six decades ago, when the flag of independent Lesotho was first raised, it fulfilled the vision of your great founding father, King Moshoeshoe I. He established a nation founded on peace, diplomacy, unity and the welcoming spirit of refuge.”
Drawing on an African proverb, King Mswati said Lesotho’s resilience had been rooted in its history, traditions and national unity.
“There is an African proverb that says, “Trees with deep roots do not fear the storm.” For sixty years, the Mountain Kingdom has lived that truth. Your roots run deep in tradition, in peace and in national unity.”
The Eswatini monarch also paid tribute to Lesotho’s role during the liberation struggle in Southern Africa.
“We also ought to appreciate Lesotho for playing a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the region. The country provided asylum to thousands of South African refugees and exiles, including those seeking independence and students, and facilitated their education at institutions like the National University of Lesotho.”
King Mswati said Lesotho’s history demonstrated that national influence was not determined solely by geographical size or military strength.
“You have shown Southern Africa and the world something important: that the real strength of a nation is not measured by its size or its army, but by the depth of its culture and the dignity of its people.”
King Letsie III welcomes Mswati
King Letsie III also reflected on the relationship between Lesotho and Eswatini, saying the two kingdoms shared a long history, cultural connections and enduring ties.
The Lesotho monarch said the relationship between the two countries went beyond formal diplomatic ties and had been strengthened over generations through connections between their people.
“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.”
The presence of King Mswati III at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations placed the historic relationship between the two Southern African monarchies at the centre of Lesotho’s 60th independence milestone.
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