MASERU- Lesotho today celebrated its Golden Jubilee as it marked its 50th year of independence from British colonial administration.
The packed Setsoto stadium witnessed the pomp and ceremony of police and army displays as well as song and dance by different cultural groups from the 10 districts of Lesotho.
Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili delivered an honest yet encouraging speech in which he spelt out the contradictions and complex challenges the nation has experienced from the time of the shortlived rule of the first Prime Minister Chief Maseribane, through Chief Leabua Jonathan's administration right up to date with the seven party coalition administration he leads.
Among other challenges Mosisili was open about colonial Britain's indifference to Lesotho's development.
In the 98 years of colonial rule, the colonial administration only managed to tar one kilometre. Even then this was only incidental since one member of the British Royal Family was visiting so he would not be seen to be driving from the station area to his host's residence on a dirt road.
"Today, within the 50 years of independence, the kingdom has more than 2000km of tarred road," Mosisili said, highlighting what many Pan-Africanists have always said about colonialism that any so-called developments initiated by colonialists were incidental and not intended.
Among the guests were King Mswati III of Swaziland, Lt General Ian Khama of Botswana, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and several envoys from different countries. South Africa was represented by Jeff Radebe, Minister in the President's Office.
Mosisili added that in 1966 there was only one bridge on the Senqu river in Quthing but now it has atleast five bridges.
He said it is the youth's responsibility to see to it that the country develops more in the coming 50 years.
"Youth should see to it that the country is more developed in the coming 50 years," he advised, urging youths to live in peace and find ways to resolve conflicts for a better future of the country.
