Mohale FM A review of former Speaker, Sephiri Enoch Motanyane’s newly launched book, named, Lesotho Politics and Society: Some Personal Experiences (1958–2020), has highlighted the need to preserve Lesotho’s history through writing.
Analysing the book, Historian and Author, Professor Motlatsi Thabane said the publication provides valuable first-hand accounts of Lesotho’s political development, including rural life in the 1940s and 1950s, the 1970 political unrest, and the Basutoland Congress Party’s election campaigns in 1965 and 1970.
Professor Thabane, however, said Lesotho still has a weak culture of documenting its history and called for more books to be written in Sesotho.
He also expressed concern over the poor state of the National Archives, saying the lack of accessible historical records makes it difficult for researchers and authors to produce balanced accounts of the country’s past.
Meanwhile, former Deputy prime minister and minister of home affairs, Lesao Lehohla described Motanyane as an inspiring leader, recalling how they spent time together in Maximum Prison in 1970.
Lehohla said Motanyane’s discipline, enthusiasm and commitment to learning left a lasting impact on many people and continue to inspire generations of Basotho.
