LESOTHO AT 60
1966 – 2026
A Concept Note for an Academic Conference Commemorating Sixty Years of
Independence
Organised by:
Department of Political and Administrative Studies
National University of Lesotho
Conference Dates: 24-25 September 2026
Venue: National University of Lesotho, Roma Campus
1. BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
The Kingdom of Lesotho gained independence from Great Britain on October 4, 1966. As in
many postcolonial states, the end of European colonial rule was celebrated as a watershed
moment, marking a decisive shift toward self-governance, sovereignty, and the reclamation of
national identity. Uniquely among many African countries, Lesotho’s independence was
achieved peacefully, without the violence typically associated with liberation struggles. This
peaceful transition nonetheless carried the weight of enormous public expectations – of
democratic self-determination, socioeconomic upliftment, and the affirmation of Basotho
cultural identity on the world stage.
On 4 October 1966, Basotho witnessed the formal transition from the British Protectorate of
Basutoland to the independent Kingdom of Lesotho through a combination of national
ceremonies, official flag-raisings, and vibrant cultural displays. The annual commemoration of
Independence Day has since become a fixture in the national calendar, a moment of both
celebration and reflection. Sixty years on, in 2026, this anniversary assumes a heightened
significance – it is an opportune moment not merely to celebrate, but to engage in rigorous,
evidence-based stocktaking of what has been achieved, what has been lost, and what remains
to be done.
Due to its almost entirely homogeneous Basotho population, Lesotho was largely spared the
most acute nation-building challenges that beset many post-colonial African states. Yet state
building – the construction of effective, legitimate, and accountable institutions of governance –
has remained an enduring preoccupation. The record is mixed: remarkable achievements in
literacy, regional diplomacy, and democratic representation have been accompanied by
persistent political instability, economic dependency, and growing social insecurity.
Among its notable achievements, Lesotho boasts one of the highest adult literacy rates in
Africa, estimated at approximately 80%, reflecting decades of investment in primary and
secondary education, including the historic role of missionary institutions and the Catholic
Church. The country has made significant strides in advancing women’s political participation,
with female representation in parliament and public office increasing substantially over the past
two decades. On the international stage, Lesotho has established itself as an engaged member
of the multilateral system, holding active memberships in the United Nations, the
Commonwealth, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community
(SADC). It is within the SADC context that Lesotho played a notable diplomatic and logistical
role during the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
Yet these achievements must be measured against enduring structural challenges. Lesotho has
been consistently characterised by chronic political instability, which has on several occasions
resulted in the direct intervention of the military in politics – a phenomenon uncommon in
Southern Africa and deeply corrosive of democratic governance norms. In recent years,
Lesotho has experienced a serious internal security crisis, marked by rising homicide rates, the
proliferation of illegal firearms, and the emergence of violent gang networks in urban and peri
urban areas. Economically, the country remains heavily dependent on South Africa for imports,
remittances, employment, and trade – a structural vulnerability that constrains sovereign
economic policymaking. High youth unemployment, persistent poverty, and growing
inequality further challenge the optimism of independence.
It is against this complex backdrop – of genuine achievements and stubborn structural
difficulties – that the academic conference, proposed by the Department of Political and
Administrative Studies (PAS), situates itself. The sixtieth anniversary of independence offers
a uniquely compelling occasion for scholars, researchers, policymakers, and civil society to
convene in critical dialogue about Lesotho’s past, present, and future.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE CONFERENCE
Among others, the conference aims:
- To provide a rigorous, multidisciplinary academic platform for the critical assessment of
sixty years of Lesotho’s independence across political, economic, social, cultural, and
security dimensions. - To generate original, evidence-based scholarly contributions that document Lesotho’s
developmental trajectory and identify key drivers of progress and persistent constraints. - To facilitate constructive dialogue between academic researchers, policymakers, civil
society organisations, and development practitioners on priority challenges facing
Lesotho. - To celebrate and critically examine Basotho cultural identity, national heritage, and the
resilience of Lesotho’s society across six decades of independence. - To produce a corpus of peer-reviewed academic papers suitable for publication in a
recognised journal, thereby building the scholarly literature on Lesotho for future
researchers and policymakers.
3. THEMATIC AREAS
- Politics and Governance
- Economy and Development
- Youth and Unemployment
- Gender and Women’s Empowerment
- Civil Society and Democracy
- Church, Education, and Social Development
- National and Public Security
- Culture, Identity, and National Heritage
- Lesotho`s foreign relations
4. PUBLICATION PATHWAY
The organising committee will identify a credible peer-reviewed journal – or pursue a special
edited volume with a reputable academic publisher – to which papers presented at the
conference may be submitted for formal peer review and publication. Authors of accepted
abstracts will be notified of the selected publication outlet ahead of the full paper submission
deadline. All manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer review consistent with international
academic publishing standards.
5. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Contributions may take the form of an abstract of no more than 250 words with a short bio of
100 words to: tw.letsie@nul.ls stating the appropriate subtheme that best suits their
submission, as well as institutional affiliation. Upon acceptance of abstracts, presenters are
expected to send 10-page slides and a well-researched manuscript of between 6,000 and 8,000
words, inclusive of footnotes and endnotes but exclusive of references and appendices.
6. IMPORTANT DATES
Submission of abstracts (250 words + 100-word bio): 31 May 2026
Notification of abstract acceptance: 12 June 2026
Conference dates: 24-25 September 2026
7. CONTACT INFORMATION
All enquiries regarding abstract submissions, registration, sponsorship, and general conference
matters should be directed to Conference Secretariat: tw.letsie@nul.ls, +266 62670959
We look forward to welcoming scholars, researchers, practitioners, and public intellectuals
to Roma
as we collectively mark, reflect upon, and reimagine sixty years of Lesotho’s sovereign
journey.
Khotso. Pula. Nala.
