– BOND BETWEEN SISTER MONARCHIES STRONGER
– KING LETSIE III EXTENDS SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO KING MSWATI III
– RECLAIM BASOTHO IDENTITY – LESOTHO PM
– KING RAISES “SIYINQABA” TOAST
– SGOMBENI ADDS EXCITEMENT TO CELEBRATIONS
By King’s Office Correspondent
MASERU, LESOTHO – 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 emphasizing 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 Amabassador to Lesotho, Lindiwe Mndzebele, King’s Office Chief Officer, Chief Mgwagwa Gamedze and King’s Private Secretary Mbongeni Simelane, among others.
BOND BETWEEN SISTER MONARCHIES STRONGER
MASERU, LESOTHO – His Majesty King Mswati III has reaffirmed the deep, historical friendship uniting the monarchies of Eswatini and Lesotho as both nations look towards a shared future of peace and regional integration.
Addressing thousands of dignitaries and citizens gathered at Setsoto Stadium for Lesotho’s 60th Independence Anniversary, the King described the two countries as “sister monarchies” bound by a shared royal heritage, traditional values and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The King reflected on the warm relationship between the late King Sobhuza II and King Moshoeshoe II, whose mutual respect laid the foundation for enduring fraternal ties. He announced that to honor this lasting bond, Eswatini named one of its roads as King Moshoeshoe II Street in Mbabane.
He emphasised that the diplomatic visit reinforced the kinship between the two thrones, mentioning how not long ago, Eswatini had the privilege of welcoming His Majesty King Letsie III as a special guest when the country marked its 58th independence anniversary together with the 40th year of the King’s reign.
Looking ahead, His Majesty stressed that both nations must remain dedicated to continental goals, including the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 initiative to “Silence the Guns” and the SADC Vision 2050 framework aimed at creating an industrialised, peaceful and inclusive region.
He further extended warm fraternal wishes to King Letsie III, Queen ‘Masenate, the Lesotho government and the Basotho people as they embark on a new chapter of national growth and stability.
KING LETSIE III EXTENDS SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO KING MSWATI III
MASERU, LESOTHO – His Majesty 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 at Setsoto Stadium, 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 organizations, 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.
RECLAIM BASOTHO IDENTITY – LESOTHO PM
MASERU, LESOTHO – 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 defense 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 recognize 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 RAISES “SIYINQABA” TOAST
MASERU, LESOTHO – 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.
SGOMBENI ADDS EXCITEMENT TO CELEBRATIONS
King’s praise singer Cethuka Dlamini delivered a sterling rendition of the King’s tributes that ignited rapturous applause from thousands of Basotho who had gathered at Setsoto Stadium on a warm, 22-degree Sunday afternoon to mark their 60th Independence celebrations.
The praise singer was given the microphone on three occasions: upon the King’s arrival, prior to and after His Majesty’s address as guest speaker, as well as at the state luncheon. The Basotho were highly pleased and had mastered the cry of Bayethe at the close of the second rendition of the Swati royal poetry.
The mild heat did nothing to temper the pride of the Basotho nation on the day. Dressed in full royal splendor, the crowd transformed the stands into a sea of vivid color. Thousands proudly wore their traditional blankets (likobo), adorned in intricate, resplendent patterns—some woven with “60 years”—and perfectly crowned by the iconic Basotho straw hat, the Mokorotlo.
The energy reached a fever pitch upon the arrival of His Majesty King Mswati III, accompanied by Inkhosikati LaNgangaza. Moments later, escorted by a Lesotho Mounted Police Service convoy, His Majesty King Letsie III and Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso made their grand entrance. Mini Lesotho flags fluttered in a frenzy across the stadium, while above, three military helicopters painted the sky, carrying the giant national flag aloft in a flypast.
The Jubilee proceedings opened with a solemn prayer, as ministers from various denominations invoked blessings over the nation. Then came a 21-gun salute before the ground trembled with military precision.
A battalion of four companies and sixteen platoons, led with distinction by a female Lieutenant Colonel, stood on parade representing the Lesotho Defence Force, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service and the Lesotho Correctional Service.
As the crowd looked on, the armed forces showcased flawless drill displays, reaffirming their two-century legacy as guardians of Lesotho’s sovereignty, security and national prosperity.
A joyous musical feast followed, seamlessly bridging sacred gospel, cherished traditions, and modern youth culture. Semonkong-born gospel sensation Minister Spokes brought the entire stadium to its feet with a soaring, spirit-filled set that electrified the atmosphere.
The cultural spectacle deepened as a Mokhibo dance troupe took to the arena, enthralling spectators with their rhythmic, shoulder-gyrating choreography. Hip-hop icon Lits’epe then sent the youth into an absolute frenzy, showcasing his signature fusion of modern beats and traditional Sotho storytelling.
The musical momentum carried forward as another singer, Cityzeen LS, had the crowd singing in unison to his vibrant blend of Basotho rhythms and Afropop. In a moment of musical unity, an all-star collective of local artists delivered a spectacular, soul-stirring Independence song, before an international ensemble from Thailand took the field to present a brightly costumed display of traditional Thai dance.
As the performances drew to a close, the armed forces executed a final march-past. Across the pitch, performing students created a vivid human tapestry in the grandstands, spelling out artistic messages of congratulations facing the Royal Box.
The Diamond Jubilee celebrations concluded in elegance at the Lesotho International Convention Centre. There, under an atmosphere of live soulful ballads, the royal guests, foreign dignitaries and leaders gathered to enjoy a sumptuous celebratory luncheon, where His Majesty the King was requested to perform a toast to the King and country, capping off 60 years of sovereign independence in Basotho style.
