Lesotho shaped regional political and economic landscape, says King

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.

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