Faculty of Humanities

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14155/171

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Open Access
A history of block farming in Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 0106-08) Matela, Likeleli; Godfrey Hove
This thesis examines the history of block farming in Lesotho, tracing its origins from 1976 to 2018, using Mokema and Koro-Koro as primary case studies. It explores how its revival in the mid-2000s impacted on the livelihoods of the people. Block farming was initially introduced under Prime Minister Leabua‟s leadership as a strategic response to declining agricultural productivity and increasing food insecurity among Basotho farmers. This programme aimed to enhance food security among Basotho farmers by increasing agricultural productivity through government support and sharecropping arrangements. Despite initial successes in revitalizing fallow lands and improving farmers‟ livelihoods, block farming has faced challenges that hindered its profitability and sustainability. Factors such as fluctuating government support, resilience to climate change and lack of commitment from farmers are explored to understand their impact on the effectiveness of block farming. It demonstrates that some farmers view block farming as not an initiative open to everyone, rather as a political propaganda. Thus, besides filling a gap in existing literature on the impact of block farming, this thesis also engages farmers‟ standpoint about this initiative. This study utilizes qualitative data to assess the impact of block farming on food security in Mokema and Koro-Koro. By analysing historical data, focus group discussions and interviews with stakeholders in Mokema and Koro-Koro, this study provides a nuanced understanding of block farming‟s contributions to agricultural development in Lesotho and assesses its potential for future adaptation in the context evolving socio-economic conditions.
Open Access
A history of pastoralism in Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho) Moqiti, Keratuoe; Attah, Noah Echa
This study explores the history of pastoralism in Lesotho with a specific focus on the challenges encountered by herd boys in Mokhotlong between 2010 and 2020. For rural families in Mokhotlong, a district characterized by rugged terrain, high-altitude plateaus and harsh weather conditions; their animal stock has long served as their primary means of sustenance. However, the reality for herd boys, custodians of this livelihood, is not without hardships. The findings of this study were harvested through qualitative research methods including literature review, archival data, interviews, and focus group discussions. These findings revealed that challenges encountered by herd boys encompassed a web of economic adversities, environmental obstacles and socio-cultural complexities, which were further exacerbated by limited political representation. Efforts to improve access to services, promote sustainable practices and enhance resilience have been made, yet challenges persist. The implementation of nomadic education, the promotion of sustainable pastoral methods, the advancement of social, economic, and political participation, and the strengthening of resilience within this crucial sector of Lesotho's rural community must all be reviewed to solve these concerns.
Open Access
Adoption of horticulture projects and their effects on socio-economic development of local community in Mahobong community, Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho) Matsoso, Khamokha; Macheka, Maxwell T
Horticulture sector has emerged as a critical tool for reducing poverty and attaining economic growth globally. It is against this backdrop, that this study assesses the effects of horticulture to the socio-economic development of smallholder farmers in Leribe. The study used mixed research methods incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data, using a case study of farmers and the local community in Mahobong, Leribe. Face to face interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from a total of 35 purposively sampled participants. The findings of the study revealed the positive contribution of horticulture farming, to economic development of the farmers and the local community through income generation and job creation. The results of the study further indicated that horticulture farming contributed to social development, by enabling farmers to afford social benefits like healthcare access, education, shelter, food and water bills because of horticulture farming. The findings of the study also highlighted the various challenges like bad weather conditions, expensive agricultural inputs, lack of markets, theft and snakes that the farmers came across as they were farming their fruits. The study concludes that adoption of horticulture farming serves as a catalyst to both social and economic development of the farmers and other local people. Therefore, the study recommends that in order to increase fruits production, the Government of Lesotho should subsidise agricultural inputs for horticulture farmers.
Open Access
An analysis of political euphemisms
(National University of Lesotho) Nyabela, Mapitso Josephina; Martins, T
This study executes euphemism in Honourable Pakalitha Mosisili’s speeches using the Speech Act Theory as an analytical tool. The aim of the study is to investigate the use of euphemism in Honourable Pakalitha’s speeches. The study used video recordings from YouTube and the Facebook page of Democratic Congress. Pen and paper were used to collect data with an intention of watching and listening to the videos to write the identified euphemisms on the paper. The study’s findings reveal that Honourable Pakalitha has used various types of euphemisms in his speeches. These types include abstraction, metaphor and substitution. The results also highlight that some of the identified euphemisms are the Basotho proverbs of which abstraction was applied metaphorically while substitution was applied to neutralise the offensive word that was meant to be said. Although the types of euphemisms were used to transfer information politely and indirectly, the study also found that Honourable Pakalitha has used euphemism to mock and undermine, mostly using the Basotho idioms. In addition, the study found that euphemism is important in Honourable Pakalitha’s speeches because it allows him to put his thoughts or feelings that can be said to be offensive in a neutralised way. It is also found that the use of euphemism in an Honourable Pakalitha’s speeches is educational to the Basotho because they can learn how to choose vocabulary and start smooth conversations even though the feelings are offended
Open Access
An assessment of the usefulness of the concept of food sovereignty in achieving food security in Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 0100) Moholoholo, Thuso Hendrick; Setsabi, Setsabi
Lesotho is confronted with ongoing challenges pertaining to food insecurity (FAO, 2023), which are frequently addressed through market-centric strategies such as the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project (SADP). This initiative aims to foster the commercialisation of smallholder agriculture within designated value chains to bolster traditional metrics of food security (World Bank, 2016). Nonetheless, the prevailing food security framework usually neglects more profound issues connected to power dynamics, sustainability, and local governance (Clapp, 2021), which are pivotal to the alternative framework of food sovereignty (the inherent right of communities to determine their own food systems) (Patel, 2009; Wittman et al., 2017). This investigation seeks to fill the significant void in comprehending the potential conflicts and synergies between the market-oriented approach of SADP and the principles of food sovereignty within the context of Lesotho, particularly considering the conspicuous absence of explicit food sovereignty considerations in national policy. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the analytical relevance of the food sovereignty framework in elucidating the lived realities, perceived opportunities, and challenges encountered by farmers participating in the SADP as they navigate pathways toward sustainable food security. Utilising an interpretivist paradigm alongside a qualitative case study methodology (Yin, 2018), the study focuses on farmers affiliated with SADP farmers operating within selected agricultural value chains in the Maseru district of Lesotho. The collection of data primarily hinges on comprehensive, semi-structured interviews, augmented by pertinent document analysis. Thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006, 2021) serves to interpret the perspectives of farmers on essential dimensions of food sovereignty, encompassing autonomy, control over resources (including land, seeds, and knowledge), ecological sustainability, market dependencies, and overall empowerment within the SADP framework. The investigation of these experiences through the perspective of food sovereignty, the study explores the intricate ways in which market integration influences farmer agency and the potential common and uncommon grounds between SADP interventions and the transformative aspirations of food sovereignty. The anticipated results are expected to yield important empirical insights into the discourse related to food security and food sovereignty (e.g., Hospes & Brons, 2016; Patel, 2009), provide policy-relevant considerations for Lesotho in relation to sustainable and stable agricultural development, and inform development practitioners who seek interventions that genuinely empowers smallholder farmers.
Open Access
Analysis of a Sesotho verb phrase
(National University of Lesotho, 2024) Lepheana, Tseliso Emmanuel;
This qualitative study employs the mixture of the X-bar and RTM theories to analyse a Sesotho VP. The previous academics concentrated on different linguistic features and dimensions, in various languages. Their studies are also limited to the syntactic rule representation of a VP. This study has discovered that the concept of VP is ambiguous to Sesotho learners, teachers, and linguists studying Sesotho language. The study also discovers that the Sesotho VP’s unclear structure, which consists of multiple components, is a cause of this ambiguity. This study, therefore, aims to uncover the Sesotho VP syntactic structure, the constituents it carries, its grammatical functions, as well as the resolutions to its syntactic ambiguity in sentences. The findings of this study disclosed various Sesotho VP syntactic structures, such as V, V + AdvP + QualP, V + NP, V + PP, V + AdvP + AdvP, V + NP + QualP + QualP + AdvP, and V + AdvP. The grammatical functions of the Sesotho VP were revealed as; functioning as the predicate of the sentence, as the complement of a VP, and as the complement of the qualificative, which includes the AdjQual, RelQual, InterQual, as well as POSSQual. Furthermore, disambiguation mechanisms such as the principle of modification, the use of punctuationformal signal), and the change of word order principles, were identified as the strategies used to resolve the Sesotho VP syntactic ambiguity.
Open Access
Analysis of character portrayal of female characters in selected Sesotho literacy texts by female authors
(National University of Lesotho, 2007) Martins, Thabo Paul; Prof. Mokitimi, M. I. P.; Mr. Phafoli, L. S.
The study makes a critical analysis of portrayal of female characters in selected Sesotho contemporary texts by women authors. The study’s main thrust is to show how contemporary Basotho women writers portray female characters. The study has five chapters. Chapter one is an introduction. It gives the problem that prompted the undertaking of this study, the purpose, research question and hypotheses, review of related literature, theoretical framework, and methodology, organisation of the thesis, study scope and significance. Chapter two makes a critical analysis of how girl characters are portrayed. Explanation of terms such as characterisation and character are also provided. The names of the selected girl characters are provided. A synopsis of each text is given before discussing the characters that are present in it. Chapter three focuses on analysis of character portrayal of women. The names of the selected characters and the titles of the novel and short story books in which they are found are given. The character traits that the women characters have are also provided and analysed accordingly. Chapter four makes a critique of how the selected Basotho women authors portray female characters. The chapter is divided such we deal with the female characters as portrayed by a single author. Chapter five gives the conclusion, research findings, remarks and recommendations.
Open Access
The analysis of parenting styles in the selected Basotho folk-tales
(National University of Lesotho, 2023-11) Mahlaka, Masetene;
Parenting is one of the sensitive and challenging processes to both parents and children. For this reason, it needs to be handled with great care. Since every society has its own ways of handling parenting, the study analyses parenting styles in the selected Basotho folktales, Mosimoli le Mosimotsane, Tselane and Molisa-oa-lipoli.The results indicate that in the folktale, Mosimoli le Mosimotsane, there are two parenting styles, which are authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles. The findings show that death punishment that ʼMamosimoli administer to Mosimoli is not acceptable. Moreover, the results state that in the folktale Mosimoli le Mosimotsane, ʼMamosimoli discriminates Mosimoli and loves Mosimotsane. There are other parenting styles reflected in the folktale Tselane. These parenting styles are permissive and neglectful parenting style while in the folktale Molisa-oa-lipoli, the parenting style discovered is negative parenting style. The results clarify that there is positive parenting where parents love, support and take care of children. However, there is also a negative parenting stylewhere the parents hate, murder, abuse and chase children away from home. Therefore, the study recommends that more studies could be conducted to educate parents on advantages and disadvantages of parenting. It will help the parents to choose positive parenting against negative parenting to protect children against all forms of abuse.
Open Access
An analysis of the intricacies of political duties and obligations in light of civil disobedience
(National University of Lesotho, 2024-07) Tsooana, Khothatso Emmanuel;
The general understanding of a government is that of an artificial entity, created to escape a state of nature characterised by chaos and lawlessness, and which has been given a variety of mandates towards the people it governs. This implies that at the inception of such a government, there are a set of obligations and duties that it owes to the governed, who in turn have obligations towards the government itself. The thesis argues further that because the human person intrinsically and naturally craves for freedom, its lack thereof must be compensated through the benefits of being part of a civil state. If not, then it is more desirable to go back into the state of nature. This thesis, then, is an investigation into the intricate nature of the obligations and duties that the government and the governed have towards each other in the successful functioning of a polity. The thesis argues that the formation of a government is founded on a contractarian basis, from a social contract from which the obligations of both the government and the governed are derived. Arguing from this position, for this contract to work, both parties must abide by their obligations and duties which is the thesis’ conception of justice. An observation is made that power dynamics in the social contract between the government and its citizens are tilted in favour of the government, which has the potential to flout the terms of the contract since it controls coercive force. In the event that the government fails to fulfil its obligations and duties, thereby creating a travesty on this principle of justice, the thesis argues that the governed are under the moral imperative to abjure their obligations towards the state in an act of civil disobedience. In this light, the thesis argues that civil disobedience should be enshrined in the social contract as one of the measures to even- out the imbalance of power between the government and the citizens. Together with other measures to keep the government in check, the study argues that civil disobedience is one of thebest recourses to ensure that the shortcomings of the government are identified and promptly ameliorated. Through a comprehensive textual analysis and synthesis of literature on civil disobedience and the social contract, the thesis uses the Southern African country of Zimbabwe as a case study to demonstrate the veracity of its central arguments.
Open Access
Analysis of the language techniques and thematic Aspects of the Basotho accordion music
(University of Free State, 2009-12) Phafoli, Lehlohonolo; Rofessor Moleleki, Mohlomi
by the functionalist perspective, the study analyzes the Basotho accordion music over the period 1980 – 2005. Of particular importance are the various themes addressed by the verbal text that comes up in the music. Specifically, the study analyzes the language used in the composition of the songs accompanying the Basotho accordion music; the rationale behind the use of such language. The study also looks at the status of the composers or artists of the music as well as the role of their music among Basotho; and last, it looks at the reception of the Basotho accordion music by Basotho. In order to address the above purposes of the study, the qualitative method was used to interpret the songs. The population of the study was all the Basotho artists, radio presenters of the music, shop owners selling the music, street vendors and the public that listens to the music and buys it. A stratified random sampling method was used to select with the subjects of the study. A total of 100 songs were analyzed while 81 subjects were interviewed for this study. The findings of the study on the issues investigated are that, Basotho accordion music promotes or helps in the aesthetics of the Sesotho language; that it is a reservoir of rich language. The recurring themes in the music range from social, political and economic issues. The music forges patriotism among Basotho by promoting customs, norms and values of the nation. In terms of status, the artists are either illiterate or semi-literate and the music is their main means of livelihood. On the whole, most Basotho are receptive to Basotho accordion music in many different ways. The study concludes that Basotho accordion music is part of the oral traditional music of Basotho since it retains some features of oral traditional music. Accordion music is very rich in a variety of linguistic techniques common in oral traditions of Basotho. The music also reflects the lifestyle of Basotho because of its historicity and coverage of concerns of the nation.
Open Access
The applicability of the Western social contract theory to the Sub-Saharan African political context
(National University of Lesotho, 2024-08) Mahlatsi, Monaheng Joseph;
While much of the world is constantly progressing towards economic, political and social development, Sub-Saharan Africa is generally characterized by persistent political instability that has culminated into an incessant vicious cycle of poverty, conflict and a development deficiency. Colonialism and its attendant legacy in Africa are frequently cited as the main reason why these states have failed to achieve any noticeable accumulative growth. This thesis engages this idea from a social contract perspective. From this standpoint, the thesis is premised upon two observable facts; that state formation is artificial and that no state in the world has ever progressed significantly on a foundation that is politically, socially, culturally and ideologically borrowed. On the first assumption, the thesis argues that state formation is a function of the social contract theory, wherein individuals come together to agree on the type of state they would want to live under, specifying the concomitant obligations on all parties to the contract. The thesis argues that the advent of colonialism led to the formation of a colonial state through a social contract that was deliberately designed to recognize the humanity of the colonizer as superior, and the native Africans as inferior, thereby deserving subjugation andoppression. From this dimension, the social contract that led to the formation of the colonial state was Western-based, catering only to Western interests, and not designed for the native African. On the second assumption, the thesis argues that upon attaining independence, the new African states did not take time to formulate a new social contract based on African experiences, but simply adopted the colonial social contract with minor changes. The thesis demonstrates how this has immensely contributed to the problems that currently bedevil sub- Saharan Africa. It argues for the bold claim that there is need to have a complete overhaul ofthe colonial Western-based social contract, and for the formulation of a new social contract that is founded on authentic African principles. The widely recognized African principle of Botho, is identified as a source of inspiration for the African based social contract theory. Botho’s recognition of the humanness of others is isolated as the most important foundational principle that an African based social contract theory is to be founded. The recognition of the humanness of others is argued for as inculcating principles of governance that are based on accountability and the adoption of social, political and economic principles that promote human well-being for the citizens. In particular, the thesis argues that this kind of social contract theory would be instrumental in ending the cycle of poverty and instability that currently characterizes Africa. Finally, the thesis argues for a Bothocracy, ‘a government of and for the humane’ as the best form of government that should arise from an authentic African social contract theory.
Open Access
Assessing the effects of mining activities on youth livelihoods in mining communities in Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho) Monyane, Neo; Macheka, MT
The extraction of natural resources by global mining, has significantly impacts on livelihoods of people in the mining communities in Lesotho. Against the background, this study assesses the impact of mining companies on the livelihoods of youths in mining communities, drawing on experiences from Storm Mountain Diamond mine and the youth in the Kao community. The study adopted mixed method where structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. A total of 58 participants were engaged in the study. The study findings revealed that the youth around the Storm Mountain Diamond (SMD) mine engaged in farming, animal rearing, illegal mining and housework, which helped to improve their livelihoods before the establishment of the mine. The findings also revealed that after the establishment of the SMD mine, it contributed to skill development for youth, created employment opportunities for youth in the Kao community and promoted animal husbandry to improve the livelihoods of youths in the mining communities. However, the study revealed that the expansion of the SMD mine negatively affected youth farming and the operation of the SMD mine had harmful effects on youth farmers who reared animals. Additionally, the large-scale mining at SMD impacted previous illegal mining activities, which further harmed the livelihood of local youth. This study concludes that the presence of the Storm Mountain Diamond mine in the Kao community has had a positive impact on the livelihoods of youths, despite the challenges they still face due to the mine’s presence. The study therefore recommends that the comprehensive community development program be established to actively involve youth in decision-making processes related to mining activities
Open Access
Assessing the impact of rural-urban linkages on rural economies
(National University of Lesotho, 2023-07-23) Duma, Tsitso;
Issues related to rural inaccessibility, which include low levels of information flow and poor economic performance, constitute some of the current global concerns that have prompted the establishment of international agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Against this background, this study aims to assess the impact of rural-urban linkages on rural economies, specifically road and communication networks and their economic implications on thelivelihoods of Mateanong community. The research is qualitative in nature and has used interviews, open-ended questionnaires and focus group discussion as its main data collection methods. The study unearths that provision of proper rural road and communication networks enhances rural economic activities through increased market access, and also paves way for inclusive development by bridging rural-urban disparities. The findings of this study further show that lack of proper road and communication networks in Mateanong community council perpetuates issues related to poor agricultural productivity, poverty and lack of access to essential services prevailing in the area. This study concludes that rural-urban linkages promote the economic livelihoods of rural residents through enhanced accessibility, mobility and information flow. The study recommends that in order to promote rural livelihoods, the Government should enhance better funding for rural road and communication networks, develop effective project follow-up initiatives, and also prioritize performance-based tendering
Open Access
Assessing the spatiotemporal dynamics of seasonal and perennial surface water resources across Lesotho’s agroecological zones
(Elsevier, 2025-06-17) Singh, Kunwar, K; Sayed, Sayedeh Sara; BenYishay, A; Rantso, Tsepiso, A
Surface water resources are crucial for agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods, particularly in water-scarce regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa. In Lesotho, understanding the dynamics of seasonal and perennial water bodies is vital for informed water resource management and policy development. This study evaluates spectral indices for mapping and analyzing the spatiotemporal dynamics of surface water across different agroecological zones (AEZs) in Lesotho from 2016 to 2024 water years. Using harmonized Sentinel imagery integrated into a Random Forest machine-learning framework, we applied a range of water, vegetation, and soil indices to map surface water monthly and distinguish between seasonal and perennial water surfaces. Our findings reveal that the water ratio index was the most effective for mapping surface water across AEZs, out-performing others in distinguishing water from rangeland, cropland, and bare soil. Additional indices further improved water delineation in specific AEZs. Although no significant differences in classification accuracy were observed across AEZs (p > 0.05), visual inspection revealed misclassifications, mainly false positives, which could lead to overestimates of water area. Surface water trends vary regionally, with a significant increase in perennial water in the Foothills and Mountains, while seasonal water shows a non-significant decline, indicating divergent hydrological trajectories. These findings underscore the need for region-specific assessments and management strategies to address the evolving hydrological regimes. Our study provides a scalable framework for water resource assessment applicable beyond Lesotho, with significant implications for addressing water scarcity and guiding policies on water storage, climate-smart agriculture, and community-based governance in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Open Access
Availability and access to portable water in rural areas of Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho) Letsie, Ntsebo Irene; Musingafi, Maxwell C C
This study assessed the availability and accessibility of potable water in Thaba-Tseka, a mountainous district in Lesotho. Despite Lesotho's status as a water-rich country, many communities in Thaba-Tseka face significant challenges in accessing clean drinking water. Access to potable water in Thaba-Tseka District, Lesotho, remains a significant challenge despite the region's proximity to major water infrastructure projects like the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The primary objective of studies in this area has been to examine the availability and accessibility of potable water to the people of Thaba Tseka, to examine the challenges to water accessibility to the people of Thaba Tseka and to propose possible solutions to improving water access in Thaba Tseka. Findings indicate that many communities in Thaba-Tseka rely on unprotected water sources, such as open wells and springs, which are susceptible to contamination. This has led to frequent outbreaks of waterborne diseases, including diarrhea and vomiting, particularly affecting children and vulnerable populations. Despite the presence of large dams like Katse and Mohale, constructed under the LHWP to supply water to South Africa, local communities often lack direct access to these water resources. Infrastructure intended to provide clean water has been inadequately maintained, with damaged pipes and taps remaining unrepaired for extended periods due to unclear responsibilities between the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) and the Department of Rural Water Supply (DRWS). The studies conclude that the lack of access to potable water in Thaba-Tseka is not solely due to physical scarcity but is exacerbated by institutional shortcomings, inadequate maintenance of infrastructure, and insufficient community engagement. The disconnect between large-scale water export projects and local water needs highlights a disparity in resource allocation and prioritization. Recommendations emphasize the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to water resource management in Thaba-Tseka. This includes establishing clear accountability between LHDA and DRWS for the maintenance and repair of water infrastructure, investing in the rehabilitation and expansion of local water supply systems, and ensuring that a portion of the revenues generated from water exports is allocated to improve water access for affected communities. Additionally, community-based water management committees should be empowered and trained to oversee local water resources, promoting sustainability and resilience. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving public health, enhancing educational outcomes, and fostering socio-economic development in Thaba-Tseka.
Open Access
Basotho and the mines
(University of Cape Town, 1995-09) Maloka, Edward Tshidiso;
This thesis examines how Lesotho came to depend on the export of its men to South African mines; what the experiences of these men were; and how all this impacted on Basotho society during the years between c.1890 and 1940. The thesis is divided into three parts. Part I focuses on the context and dynamics of labour migration and recruitment in Lesotho during the late 1880s to the late 1930s. This Part lays the basis for subsequent sections by showing which sections of Basotho opted for labour migrancy; and why it was men and not women who, initially at least, became migrants. In discussing the decline of the Basotho economy in the 1920s and 1930s, this section also shows how this was characterised not only by dependence on migrantsJ earnings, but also by the orientation to and concentration of Basotho labour on the Witwatersrand gold mines. Part II discusses various themes relating to life and conditions on the mines and in the compounds during the period up to c.1940. While specific note is taken of the African minersJ death and accident rate, most attention is devoted to the various ways which Basotho miners developed for dealing with the sickness, death and destitution befalling their compatriots in the compounds and on the mines. Conversion to Christianity was an important part of some miners experience, as church forums and the bible could be used for recreational purposes, while literacy classes imparted many with essential skills which could lead to promotion on the mine. But competition for promotion and favours, as well as conflicting survival strategies, often resulted in violent conflict among African miners. Although some scholars have mistakenly attributed such conflict to ethnic factors alone, this thesis argues for an approach which is simultaneously historically and materially grounded. Part III, by using the case of infectious and occupational diseases, and prostitution and commercial beer-brewing, traces ii and analyses the impact of the migrant labour system on Lesotho. The thesis shows how the spread to Lesotho of such diseases as syphilis and tuberculosis was directly linked to contact with South African towns and mining centres through wage labour. Beer canteens and brothels emerged and flourished in colonial Lesotho not only because of the decline of the countryJs economy and the breakdown of Basotho social structures, but also because these establishments serviced the migrant labour traffic itself. The significance of this study lies in two areas. Historiographically, this study seeks to contribute to migrant labour studies in Lesotho in particular and Southern Africa in general. Its approach stands between economism which attributes the causes of labour migrancy solely to economic factors, and those paradigms which privilege ideas and culture over material factors. There is a dialectical interplay between material factors and ideas, although the former ultimately determines the latter. Secondly, the significance of this study lies in the fact that many of the issues raised, especially those in Part III, continue to pose serious problems for Basotho people and their government to this day. Knowing something about the origins and history of these problems may contribute to finding lasting solutions. This study, therefore, is about Lesotho, Basotho, and the mines.
Open Access
Basotho sex work in the light of Basotho traditional moral values
(National University of Lesotho, 2023-11-23) Tiheli, Celestina Makopano;
The purpose of this study was to interrogate sex work in Lesotho in the light of Basotho traditional moral values premised on the Relational Moral Theory. This study aimed at finding out how sex workers view sex work in consideration of the Basotho traditional moral values; and examined circumstances that lead to sex work. Basotho traditional moral values provide norms for good conduct practiced openly and proudly as part and parcel of Basotho way of life. When it comes to sex work, it is rather a recent phenomenon whose practice is covered with secrecy and obscurity in Lesotho. It is in this case that this study is aimed at conscientising and sensitising the government of Lesotho about the state of sex industry and to intervene where necessary. Of the utmost importance in the analysis, the study looked into sex workers’ views on sex work in the light of Basotho traditional moral values. Sex workers shared their opinions on sex work as far as Basotho traditional moral values are concerned, such as sex work as a slavery, sex work as dirty work and sex work as evil and sex workers’ views that support sex work. It also looked into ways and strategies that can be employed to combat sex work situation in Lesotho, for instance factors that contribute to sex workers in Lesotho such as: child-headed families which includes the death of parents and divorced parents. Abduction, lack of education, unemployment, poverty, and migrant labour are also factors. The study addressed ways and strategies to combat the sex work situation in Lesotho. The strategies have been sourced from the sex workers themselves through interviews. These include counselling sessions for sex workers, job creation workshops and subsistence farming projects for sex workers. In order to address the above intentions of the study, the study implored qualitative approach. Therefore, this approach was selected in order to understand the attitudes, beliefs and get some other important information from the participants. The study employed two sampling methods namely: purposive sampling and snowball sampling. The researcher purposely chose some new sex workers and some veterans (old sex workers) in order to get different experiences and information. The snowball sampling technique was suitable for the researcher as the population under investigation is sensitive and hidden (Browne, 2005: 1). For the collection of data, the study employed focus group discussions. A focus group is more appropriate in this study since it helped the researcher to understand how sex workers think and feel.
Open Access
Biographies of Lesotho authors and music artists
(National University of Lesotho, 2016) Phafoli, Lehlohonolo;
The research on the Biographies of the Sesotho authors and music artists is lone venture of the National University of Lesotho through one member from the Department of African Languages and Literature. The National University of Lesotho granted funds to the sum of M40, 895.00 to Dr. Lehlohonolo Phafoli who became the Principal Researcher and the overseer of the whole process. The Principal Researcher worked closely with research assistants from the ten districts who coordinated and interviewed informants. The following were responsible for this mammoth task;  Mrs. Nthabiseng Koatsa  Mrs Magaret Lerotholi  Mrs Theresia Lekota  Ms Martha Seobi  Mr. Khoase Motsoafa  Mrs `Mathabelo Nkune  Mr Maloka Phamotse  Ms Nthabeleng Sekhonyana  Ms. Selimoleng Setsomi  Mr Mone Ramone The actual business was done through pre-arranged appointments which were followed by visiting areas and interviewing & recording the information from the authors and music artists. With regard to accountability, the Principal Researcher made regular financial accounting of activities that enabled the release of funds on a regular basis until the last cent. The principal researcher collected 55authors and 147 + music artists within and outside Lesotho. The biographies were transcribed, typed and edited to a certain extent, and they are currently stored in both the soft and hardcopy. In conclusion, it could be said that the exercise was a success. The hardcopies have been spiralled in a form of booklet for further proof-reading and production of final copy. The main obstacle was that the funds dried up before further activities could be completed.
Open Access
Chaka in fact, in mystery, and in fiction
(National University of Lesotho, 2023-10) Thulo, Mojalefa;
The present study analyses the use of fact, mystery, and fiction as portrayed in the novel Chaka. The study employed a secondary data method for data collection and the data was collected from the documented sources. The findings of the study revealed that the factual events employed in the novel about the affairs of Chaka's life let the message of the book stay close to factual history. The fictional events are used to produce the desired effect and to suit Mofolo's purpose in writing the novel Chaka. Mofolo uses the mysterious events to overstate the factual events and to produce comic effect. All these three factors are employed to create dramatic tension, to generate intensity, and also to suit Mofolo's purpose in writing Chaka. The study concludes that not all events depicted in the novel should be taken as literal representations of facts. Instead, readers ought to recognise that certain events depicted in the novel are fictional, even bordering on the mystical.
Open Access
Christian missions and healthcare in Basutoland
(National University of Lesotho, 2023-08) Khanyetsi, Bohlokoa;
The central aim of this study is to explore the history of St. Joseph’s Mission Hospital in Roma, Lesotho within the context of the larger role of Catholic Missions in the health care system of Lesotho during the colonial era. Thus, the thesis examines the origins, development, and operations of the hospital within the broader religious, political, and socio-economic context of the colonial period. This study joins broader historiography conversations on the role of the church, and missionaries in African societies, particularly scholarly points of view regarding circumstances that led to their involvement in the African health sector. When St. Joseph’s Hospital was established in 1937, it started as a small clinic but developed into a well-established hospital serving the Roma community and other neighboring communities as well. The study argues that the mission’s agenda, from its inception, was to use the hospital as a tool for converting Basotho to Catholicism. This thesis further argues that the hospital was established to fulfill the responsibilities of Holy Family Sisters and Oblates Fathers whose main goal was to offer health services as an inroad to converting patients to their Church. The study concluded that there were minimal political ambitions in the establishment and operations of the hospital during the period under review.