It is an incredibly hard craft trying to make an impact in Lesotho. Trying to influence that things go better in concert with infrastructure and other improvements, just an incredibly difficult and thankless task.
I am only going to speak for myself, and perhaps reflect on this journey, of trying to change my little corner and sphere of influence for the better. I write this column in conjunction with my radio show, and weekly Twitter spaces with the intention of building the country. I figure if we can share knowledge and experiences and inspire one other with thoughts and deeds, then we are stronger for it.
On our weekly spaces, the chat is sober, it is measured (for the most part) and in the main presents an array of views from people who are just as interested in seeing Lesotho succeed. The biggest spaces I’ve hosted relate to government with its three arms, and other matters that may seem removed but affect our daily lives. This column spends a lot of time trying to coral a movement of more active citizenry and civic participation. There are occasions where its musings are about my general life, but the main focus is to advocate for an active discourse.
Sadly, the resistance is strong from those who are quite happy with the status quo and see no reason for change. A thing I’ve decried before “Ke Lesotho mona” continues to be used as a stick to beat those with good intentions in to submission. On a recent Facebook post, I marvelled at people demeaning the road network improvement, insisting that they are starving and do not “eat roads”. I was dumbfounded reading comments that supported this notion.
Furthermore, people climbed on to their soapboxes to bemoan the lights that are on. I could not believe my eyes. These basic things that we’ve been deprived of for so long being chastised and labelled rich people’s aspirations. What absolute madness.
To this end I opined (only half in jest) that when my wife finally allows me to throw my hat in the political ring it will be to run on a ticket of nation building and unity, as well as active corporate citizenry. I am so strong on that need for unity, and desire for a national purpose. If we could all set aside our personal goals for a bit and focus on the nations, I’m almost certain everybody will benefit from that. We will see the country begin to flourish in the way it is meant. The kingdom in the sky need not only be a motto nor an aspirational symbol, it can also be where we reside. All the way up, in the sky!
We will not be discouraged. We’ll continue to try and educate, inform, and enhance the situation in the country. We will not be deterred by naysayers. I invite you all to not be metered and to healthily engage in taking this great nation forward.
