It’s True, Sechaba ke poho (power lies in the nation). More than ever before has this phrase become so relevant and at the heart of many Basotho. Of course not everyone believed it to be true, well not until recently. The phrase has always been used during political campaigns with very few really questioning what it entailed. I believe that in the first half of 2012, the political situation in Lesotho gave definition to “the power rests within the people.”
There is a first time for everything. This year’s elections, unlike previous years, were very different. Reasons as to why they were different are many, but I'll simply make reference to the realization by Basotho that power lies in us. For the first time, pre and post election time was peaceful. For the first time, the youth was actively involved throughout the entire electoral process. For the first time, elections in Lesotho were internally and externally regarded as free and fair. For the first time, technologies and social media were used effectively bringing awareness across borders of election news and messages. For the first time, a coalition government is formed and governs Lesotho. For the first time, rather than dividing people, our political parties have united Basotho. And for the first time ever, a leader voluntarily steps down, giving up all powers as head of state.
Sechaba ke poho!
Lesotho has always been politically divided since independence, and this has resulted in the vast disintegration of Basotho. For years, employment, educational opportunities, friendships, social status, etc., were all dependent on what political party won and was favoured.. The divisions caused tensions, instability, demoralization, prevented development, and essentially the perplexity of who Basotho are.
The Basotho culture is established upon the grounds of unity. There’s a Sotho proverb that says Lefu la noha ke ho tsamaea e le ngoe, (the death of a snake is the result of its solitude.) The message is that individualism kills. Another proverb says Letsoele le beta poho, (unity is victory.) These and many other proverbs encouraging unity have been passed down from generation to generation. Our single ethnic identity and language reinforce the union of Basotho and what can be achieved when we are in union.
Sechaba ke poho.
The journey has only begun for Basotho. My hope is that the recent actualization, that power for change does not lie in individuals, remains. And after these elections, I hope that collectively within the nation, the unity between Basotho continues to prevail.
Khotso.Pula.Nala.
Peace.Rain.Prosperity.
Mosa Makutsoane
Mosa was born in Hlotse, Lesotho, and is finishing her final year of undergraduate studies pursuing degrees in Environmental Science and International Studies.
