Tapping into the Political Assets of Basotho Traditional Religion: In Search of Political Stability in Lesotho

Abstract

In this article, I employ a critical literature review to address three key points. Firstly, I argue that ongoing political and constitutional reforms in Lesotho are unlikely to establish long-term political stability, supported by historical evidence. I reinforce this argument by highlighting past political reforms that failed to achieve lasting stability in Lesotho. Additionally, I show how political stability rooted in Basotho religious beliefs existed before the influence of Western Christianity and colonialism. I demonstrate how colonialism, specifically coloniality, contributes to the persistent political volatility in Lesotho. Lastly, I present reasons for reviving Basotho political traditions embedded in traditional religious beliefs. My argument draws from the perspectives of the Lekhotla la Bafo decolonisation movement, representing subalterns who endured oppression under colonial rule and educated elites aligned with colonialism. I propose the retrieval of Lekhotla la Bafo's views through the school system, aligning with Durkheim's theory of education's function and decoloniality border thinking.