Motanyane chronicles Lesotho’s political journey 

Ithabeleng Qhasho 

VETERAN statesman and former Speaker of the National Assembly, Sephiri Enoch Motanyane, has officially launched his book, Lesotho Politics and Society: Some Personal Experiences (1958–2020). 

The book launch and signing ceremony, held at Lancers Inn this week, brought together members of the media, government officials, politicians, academics and invited guests to celebrate the publication of a work that documents more than six decades of Lesotho’s political and social history through Mr Motanyane’s personal experiences. 

The 87-year-old Mr Motanyane has dedicated much of his life to public service. He was first elected to Parliament in 1965 as the Member of Parliament for Malibamatšo Constituency and has served in several senior government positions, including Minister of Justice, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Speaker of the National Assembly from 2017 to 2022. 

Addressing attendees, Mr Motanyane said the book was intended to preserve the country’s history by sharing first-hand accounts of significant political developments and the lessons learned throughout his public service career. He expressed hope that the publication would serve as an educational resource for future generations and contribute to a better understanding of Lesotho’s democratic journey. 

“I wrote this account of my life to reflect on my journey, to acknowledge where I made the right decisions and where I fell short. Over the years, many people have said I did things in a certain way, of course from their own perspectives. I believed it was important to record my own account and present my side of the story. 

“As far as I know, and as has been mentioned, I am the only surviving member of the government and Parliament of the 1965 era, and I felt a responsibility to leave this record for future generations,” Mr Motanyane said. 

The publication reflects on key political events between 1958 and 2020, offering insights into governance, leadership and nation-building from the perspective of one of Lesotho’s most experienced political figures. 

Analysing the book, historian and author, Professor Motlatsi Thabane, stressed the importance of documenting Lesotho’s history. He said that although the book was written in English to reach a wider audience, there was also a need to produce more books in Sesotho. 

Prof Thabane expressed concern over the poor state of the National Archives, saying the lack of accessible historical records made it difficult for researchers and writers to accurately document the country’s past. He noted that many significant events, including the 1970 political crisis, remained inadequately documented. 

He also highlighted the book’s detailed account of rural life in Lesotho during the 1940s and 1950s, Mr Motanyane’s family background, his prison experiences and his reflections on the campaigns of the Basutoland Congress Party (BCP) during the 1965 and 1970 elections. He described the publication as an important contribution to preserving Lesotho’s history. 

Meanwhile, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs and Public Safety, Lesao Lehohla, reflected on his time with Mr Motanyane while they were detained at the Maximum Prison in 1970. Mr Lehohla said the prison brought together teachers, politicians, pastors, engineers and other professionals, creating an environment in which they learned from one another. 

The duo was part of the 30 opposition BCP officials, including their leader, Ntsu Mokhehle, who had been jailed by then Prime Minister Chief Leabua Jonathan. 

Chief Jonathan declared a state of emergency and suspended the Constitution before the full results of the general election held that year were known. BCP appeared to have won a majority. 

Mr Lehohla described Mr Motanyane as an energetic and disciplined leader who inspired fellow inmates through physical training and his enthusiasm for learning. Mr Lehohla said Mr Motanyane’s journey from being a teacher and mine worker to becoming one of Lesotho’s respected political leaders has been an inspiration. He added that the country’s greatest challenge today is whether it can withstand the political and economic pressures it faces. 

Guests at the launch described the book as an important addition to Lesotho’s historical literature, saying it provides valuable perspectives for policymakers, researchers, students and citizens seeking to understand the country’s political evolution. 

The event concluded with a book-signing session, where attendees had an opportunity to interact with the author and receive signed copies of the publication. 

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