Bongiwe Zihlangu
MASERU — Lesotho political leaders on Friday unanimously vowed to rise above their differences in the interest of the Basotho nation.
They said this at the commemoration of the December 9, 1982 Maseru massacre of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) political activists.
Basotho National Party (BNP) leader, Thesele ‘Maseribane, All Basotho Convention (ABC) leader, Thomas Thabane and the ruling Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) secretary general, Mothetjoa Metsing, made the pledge while addressing the 29th anniversary of the massacre in which 30 ANC activists and 12 Basotho were killed by the South African Defence Force (SADF).
The commemoration, held at Pitso Ground, was hosted by the BNP whose late founder Leabua Jonathan protected the ANC’s liberation army elements from South Africa’s apartheid regime.
‘Maseribane said Jonathan stood steadfast even when the apartheid regime promised him that they would hand over opposition Basotho Congress Party (BCP) leader, Ntsu Mokhehle, who was in exile, if he surrendered the then South African Communist Party (SACP) leader, Chris Hani.
Jonathan is said to have infamously retorted: “It is not our custom as Basotho to barter with people as if they were cattle at an auction.”
Jonathan was ousted in a military coup in January 1986.
Metsing appealed to Lesotho political parties not to look at the ANC celebrating with the BNP as reason enough “to cause strife between us”.
“Our plea as the LCD is that the commemoration of this day should rise above our political differences,” Metsing said.
“This gesture by the ANC should not divide us as Basotho. It should unite us because the attacks by the Boers were carried out on Basotho and not a specific political party.”
Metsing also commended ‘Maseribane for organising the event adding, “This shouldn’t be the last”.
“Ntate Thesele, I applaud you for this day. If we don’t use this event as a platform to unite us, what else will? Let’s hold hands and forge the way forward,” Metsing said.
Thabane said although the day brought back a lot of pain, it would be prudent for people to learn that “revenge is not the key”.
“When former ANC president Nelson Mandela forgave the Boers, we were all shocked. But that left us a very important message, that of reconciliation,” Thabane said.
“That message is also relevant on this day. Ntate Metsing, I pray that as long as you still lead us, you will observe carefully how leaders treat their subjects.”
‘Maseribane said he was open to all possibilities and willing to work with everyone.
“I am open to working in harmony with everybody for the preservation of events of this nature,” ‘Maseribane said.
“After the demise of our government, there were so many challenges which stood in the way of our relationship. But that never had adverse effects on our alliance,” ‘Maseribane said.
Also in attendance were the Matsieng Principal Chief Masupha Seeiso and trade unionist Vuyani Tyhali who was representing the Communist Party of Lesotho (CPL).
The ANC delegation was represented by National Executive Committee member, Ngwako Ramathlodi, Free State Provincial Secretary General, Sibongile Besani and South African High Commissioner to Lesotho, Happy Mahlangu.
The ANC had come to Lesotho to commemorate the day in line with the party’s resolution to visit all African countries that harboured its political activists as the party celebrates its 100th anniversary next year.
Ramathlodi attributed the success of the ANC in the 1994 elections to Jonathan’s “generosity and wisdom”.
“In particular we recognise the leadership of Jonathan against the mighty machinery of the apartheid regime. He stood steadfast against all odds and paid the price by being ousted,” Ramathlodi said.
He also applauded all political leaders for the cooperation they had shown by coming to the event.
“You’ve come from your different parties to join us in celebration. You’ve come to help us form the present, so that we can build the future.”
The ANC, Ramathlodi added, was not formed to be a divisive party but a unifier.
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