Bereng Mpaki
THE Royal Family was on Friday presented with a new book that chronicles the country’s finest achievements.
Titled Best of Lesotho, the book was presented to King Letsie III and Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso at a ceremony held at the Royal Palace.
Trade and Industry Minister Joshua Setipa, who made the presentation, said the book was meant to celebrate Lesotho and showcase its investment opportunities, industries, culture and people at their best.
He also said the project was inspired by the need for a reference point where the country’s finest assets and its cultural background could be found in one book. The book has 288 pages and 11 chapters.
“We realised the importance of teaching our people and other nations about our history in relation to our business opportunities, cultural practices and some of the milestones we have achieved,” Mr Setipa said on the sidelines of the handover ceremony.
The minister indicated the book recognised some of Lesotho’s past and present individuals who excelled in different spheres of life.
He also said 500 copies of a royal edition of the book capturing the country’s royal heritage, had also been handed over to the Royal Family.
He said a decision was still pending on how the public would access 30 000 copies of the standard edition that had been produced.
The minister said the launch of the book was made to coincide with the 50th Independence anniversary in recognition of the achievements of the country over the same period.
He also revealed that production started in 2013 and took so long because many people had to be interviewed in the process.
Mr Setipa was accompanied by Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) Chief Executive Kelebone Leisanyane and LNDC Brand Management and Communications Officer Lerato Tsoinyane.
Mr Tsoinyane said the project was led by Matlotliso Dube, a Mosotho agent of international media company Global Village Partnerships (GVP).
Represented in over 40 countries, GVP builds and manages the license agreements and joint venture relationships with its publishing partners around the world who publish the Best of and other titles as they are developed in their local markets.
Mr Tsoinyane also said the Best of book series was also published online.
“The publication is meant to boost trade, development and cultural relations,” he said.
“Best of Lesotho reaches over two million readers in more than 175 countries. It targets captains of industry, business people, heads of state, ambassadors, potential investors and tourists.”