The National University of Lesotho (NUL) is mourning the loss of Professor Lehlohonolo Burns Banda Jiane (LBBJ) Machobane, a respected historian, scholar, farmer and author, who passed away on Saturday, 9 August 2025, after an illness.
Prof. Machobane joined NUL in July 1976 and served the University with distinction for over 30 years, retiring in June 2007.
During his tenure, he held key leadership roles including including Head of Department, Dean of Humanities, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Acting Vice Chancellor of NUL, and as Minister of Education for the
Government of Lesotho. He contributed significantly to the University’s academic and administrative development.
Government of Lesotho. He contributed significantly to the University’s academic and administrative development.
He made history as the first Mosotho to be appointed Professor of History at NUL, earning recognition for his expertise in African and Afro-American history, particularly Lesotho’s political and cultural heritage. His scholarship and publications have left an enduring mark on the study of Lesotho’s history.
Prof. Machobane will be remembered for his dedication to education, his intellectual rigor, and his lasting impact on generations of students and colleagues.
NUL has extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the wider academic community.
NUL has organised a memorial service in his honour on Thursday, 21 August, 2025 at the Netherlands Hall, Roma campus. He will be laid to rest on Friday, 22 August, 2025 in Maseru.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF PROF. LBBJ MACHOBANE
Professor LBBJ Machobane was born on 25 October 1941 in Morija. He was the first of 12 children in the family of JJ Machobane and Rahaba Kou.
A distinguished Mosotho historian, scholar, and public servant. He was the beloved husband of the late Professor Mrs. M.E.M. Machobane.
Professor Machobane’s remarkable academic journey began in Lesotho, followed by studies in the United States and the United Kingdom. He earned an Associate in Arts (High Honours) from Piney
Woods Junior College; a Bachelor of Science in History and English Literature from Tuskegee University; a Master of Education in Supervision and Administration, as well as a Master of Arts in History from Lehigh University, and a Ph.D. in African Constitutional History from the University of Edinburgh.
Woods Junior College; a Bachelor of Science in History and English Literature from Tuskegee University; a Master of Education in Supervision and Administration, as well as a Master of Arts in History from Lehigh University, and a Ph.D. in African Constitutional History from the University of Edinburgh.
A recipient of prestigious awards including the Ford Foundation Scholarship, Fulbright Fellowship, and Commonwealth Fellowship, he also received Lifetime Achievement Awards from Lesotho Haeso and the Lesotho Hall of Fame.
His career spanned decades of teaching and leadership, serving at institutions such as Jackson State University, Lehigh University, and the National University of Lesotho (NUL), where he became the first
Mosotho Professor in the Faculties of Arts, Social Science, and Law.
Mosotho Professor in the Faculties of Arts, Social Science, and Law.
He also served in key administrative roles, including Head of Department, Dean of Humanities, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Acting Vice-Chancellor of NUL, and as Minister of Education for the Government of Lesotho.
Beyond academia, Professor Machobane contributed greatly to community and international service, including membership on the World Bank Advisory Board on Education in Africa, chairmanship of
Machabeng High School, presidency of the Lesotho Academy of Arts, and leadership in the formulation of Lesotho’s Vision 2020.
Machabeng High School, presidency of the Lesotho Academy of Arts, and leadership in the formulation of Lesotho’s Vision 2020.
An accomplished author, he penned amongst others: Government and Change in Lesotho, King’s Knights and Essays on Religion and Culture Among Basotho. He further contributed to numerous academic journals and consultancy reports.
Prof. Machobane will be remembered for his intellectual brilliance, dedication to education, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of Lesotho. His legacy will continue to inspire generations.
He is survived by 8 siblings, 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
