MASERU – The presiding officers of Lesotho’s two parliamentary chambers have welcomed Eswatini legislators to the Mountain Kingdom, describing the visit as an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the two sister kingdoms.
President of the, Senate Mamonaheng Mokitimi and Speaker of the National Assembly, Tlohang Sekhamane extended the warm welcome during a gathering that brought together politicians from Eswatini and Lesotho for a programme of sporting activities.
Mokitimi said the visit was significant because it allowed legislators from the two countries to interact beyond formal parliamentary proceedings, providing an opportunity to build relationships through sport, teamwork and mutual respect.
“Lesotho and Eswatini share a unique identity as two kingdoms in the Southern African region. Beyond our shared traditions of monarchy, we are connected by our common aspirations for peace, development, regional integration and the prosperity of our people,” she said.
She noted that parliamentarians spent much of their time debating legislation, scrutinising policies and addressing matters of national importance. The sporting programme, however, offered a welcome break from these responsibilities while creating room for fellowship and healthy competition.
The activities include football, women’s football, handball and tug-of-war, with Mokitimi expressing particular pleasure at the inclusion of women’s football.
She said this reflected a shared commitment to promoting women’s participation and leadership, not only in Parliament but across all spheres of society.
Meanwhile, Speaker Sekhamane described Lesotho and Eswatini as sister kingdoms whose close relations were rooted in their shared history, cultural traditions and respect for the institution of monarchy.
He highlighted the two countries’ distinctive position in Southern Africa, noting that they were the region’s only sovereign monarchies that had retained their traditional kingship institutions.
Sekhamane said the relationship between the two countries extended beyond their shared heritage, with their parliamentary leaders maintaining close working relations and consulting each other on matters of mutual interest.
He also pointed to the respect accorded to the Eswatini monarchy across the continent, saying the institution remained an important source of pride for the two kingdoms.
In a light-hearted address, Sekhamane encouraged the visiting legislators to take time to appreciate Lesotho’s distinctive geography and cultural identity during their stay.
He explained that Lesotho’s lowest point was the highest lowest point of any country in the world, with the country’s entire territory lying above approximately 1,400 metres above sea level.
The Speaker encouraged the visitors to explore the capital, Maseru, and purchase a traditional Basotho hat, known as a mokorotlo, to take home as a reminder of their visit.
Sekhamane further suggested that the close relations between the two countries could be reflected in the naming of a road or other public feature in Eswatini in honour of Lesotho’s monarchy, pointing to existing examples of symbolic recognition between friendly nations.
Turning to the sporting programme, he said the activities would provide another opportunity for legislators to strengthen their bonds in a relaxed environment.
He also joked about the participation of the Speaker of Lesotho’s National Assembly, who, at 71, was expected to take part in a football match.
Sekhamane urged the players to ensure that his counterpart had an opportunity to score, drawing laughter from those attending.
He said the sporting activities were expected to become a regular feature of engagements between the two parliamentary institutions, with the possibility of introducing additional games during future visits.
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