Lesotho General Information Area: 30,355 sq km (11,720 sq miles). Population: 2,143,141 (2000). Population Density: 67.9 per sq km. Capital: Maseru. Population: 170,000 (1990). GEOGRAPHY: Lesotho is a landlocked country surrounded on all sides by South Africa. It is a mountainous kingdom situated at the highest part of the Drakensberg escarpment on the eastern rim of the South African plateau. Its mountainous terrain is cut by countless valleys and ravines, making it a country of great beauty. To the west, the land descends through a foothill zone of rolling hills to a lowland belt along the border where two thirds of the population live. Three large rivers, the Orange, the Caledon and the Tugela, rise in the mountains. Government: Kingdom. Gained independence from the UK in 1966. Head of State: King Letsie III since 1996. Head of Government: Prime Minister Bethuel Pakalitha Mosisili since 1998. Language: Sesotho and English. Religion: Christian; mainly Anglican, Roman Catholic and Lesotho Evangelical. The remainder belong to other denominations, including Islam. Time: GMT + 2. Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Communications:   Telephone IDD is available to some cities. Country code: 266 (no area codes). Outgoing international code: 00. There is a limited internal telephone network. Mobile telephone GSM 900 networks operated by Vodacom Lesotho and Econet Ezi-Cel. Coverage is limited to main urban areas. Internet There are Internet cafes in Maseru. ISPs include LEO Internet Services (website: www.lesoff.co.za). Telegram Limited facilities exist in main post offices and hotels. For charges, contact the High Commission or Embassy. Post Post offices are generally open Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1400-1630, Sat 0800-1200. Press Southern Star and The Survivor are the major English-language newspapers. The Mirror and Lesotho Today are also published in English. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 21.47 12.10 11.94 6.005 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 15.58 11.98 6.035 0.909 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes No Yes Australian Yes No Yes Canadian Yes No Yes USA Yes No Yes OtherEU Yes No Yes Japanese Yes No Yes Note: Visitors travelling via South Africa will need to comply with South African passport/visa regulations. PASSPORTS: Required by all. VISAS: Required by all except the following for stays of up to three months: (a) nationals referred to in the chart above; (b) nationals of Commonwealth countries (except for nationals of Bangladesh, Cameroon, Fiji, Ghana, India, Mozambique, Nigeria and Sri Lanka who do require visas); (c) nationals of Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Madagascar, Norway and Switzerland. Types of visa and cost: Tourist and Business: £5 (single-entry); £10 (multiple-entry). Validity: Single-entry: up to three months. Multiple-entry: up to six months. Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Contact Addresses section. Application requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) Two application forms. (c) Two passport-size photos. (d) Return ticket. (e) Business sponsor’s letter for Business visa. (f) Fee. Working days required: One. Temporary residence: Apply to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Maseru. Enquire at Embassy for details. Money Currency: Loti (M) = 100 lisente. Notes are in denominations of M200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lisente. The plural of ‘loti’ is ‘maloti’ and the singular of ‘lisente’ is ‘sente’. The South African Rand is accepted as legal currency on a par with the Loti (Rand R1 = 100 cents). Credit & debit cards: Limited acceptance of Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Travellers cheques: These are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Currency restrictions: The import and export of local and foreign currency is unrestricted. Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Loti against Sterling and the US Dollar: Date May ’02 Aug ’02 Nov ’02 Feb ’03 £1.00= 14.58 16.45 14.99 12.83 $1.00= 10.01 10.82 9.48 8.06 Banking hours: Mon-Tues and Thurs-Fri 0830-1530, Wed 0830-1300, Sat 0830-1100. Duty Free The following goods may be imported into Lesotho without incurring customs duty: 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco; 1l of spirits and 2l of wine; 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette. Gifts up to value of M500. Note: (a) Goods with serial numbers must be declared. (b) No alcohol may be imported by South African nationals. Public Holidays Oct 4 2002 Independence Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Mar 11 Moshoeshoe Day. Apr 4 Heroes’ Day. Apr 18 Good Friday. Apr 21 Easter Monday. May 1 Workers’ Day. May 29 Ascension. Jul 17 King Letsie III’s Birthday. Oct 4 Independence Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Mar 11 Moshoeshoe Day. Apr 4 Heroes’ Day. Apr 9 Good Friday Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 1 Workers’ Day. May 20 Ascension. Jul 17 King Letsie III’s Birthday. Oct 4 Independence Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever Yes 1 Cholera No No Typhoid and Polio 2 N/A Malaria No N/A 1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required of all travellers arriving from infected areas, even if they do not leave the airport. 2: Typhoid fever is common in some areas. Poliomyelitis has very nearly been eradicated, so risk of infection is very low. Food & drink: Tap water is considered safe to drink. However, drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. Other risks: Hepatitis A and B occur. Lesotho is free of bilharzia (schistosomiasis) and people may swim in fresh water without danger. Health care: Health insurance is recommended. Note: Since the most practical way to reach Lesotho is to go through South Africa, it will also be necessary to conform to South African health regulations. Travel - International AIR: Lesotho’s national airline has closed down. South African Airways (SA) has daily flights to Maseru from Johannesburg (flight time is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes), where connections to the rest of the world can be made. Approximate flight times: From Maseru to London is 14 hours (including a stopover of 2 hours). International airports: Maseru (MSU) (Moshoeshoe I International) is 18km (11 miles) south of Maseru. Buses go to the city (travel time – 30 minutes). Airport facilities include a bank and bureau de change (with limited opening hours on Tuesday and Friday), bar, restaurant (0800-1730), flight information (0800-1630), left luggage facilities, car hire and post office (Mon-Fri 0800-1630). Departure tax: M20. Transit passengers and children under five years of age are exempt. ROAD: There are three major road links to South Africa: at Maseru Bridge, at Ficksburg Bridge and at Caledonsport. Other crossing points exist, but the road surfaces are less good. Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg Bridge are open 24 hours a day. Caledonsport is open by 0800 but may close as early as 1600. Bus: Minibuses run regularly between Maseru and Johannesburg. Road tax: M5, payable by all travellers leaving Lesotho by road. RAIL: Lesotho is linked with the South African railway system by a short line (2.6km/1.6 miles) from Maseru to Marseilles, on the Bloemfontein/Natal main line. However, this is only used for goods trains at present. Travel - Internal ROAD: Traffic drives on the left. The road system is underdeveloped and few roads are paved. The main road which runs through the towns from the north to the western and southern borders is tarred, but other roads can be impassable during the rainy season. There are minibuses in the lowlands. Car hire is available in Maseru. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended. National driving licences are normally valid, providing that they are either in English or accompanied by a certified translation. Enquire at the High Commission or Embassy for details. TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives travel times (in hours and minutes) from Maseru to other towns in Lesotho. Road Teyateyaneng - Leribe 1.00 Butha-Buthe - Mokhotlong 7.00 Qachas Nek 8.00 Thabatseka 5.00 Mohales Hoek 1.30 Quthing 3.00 Mafeteng 1.00 Accommodation HOTELS: There are hotels of varying quality in the main towns and mountain lodges giving access to the wilder regions. There are several hotels in Maseru of international standard. Further information can be obtained from the Lesotho Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). LODGES: Commercial concerns have built several lodges (mostly self-catering) providing bungalow accommodation. Introduction Note: Civil unrest throughout 1999 has caused some destruction in most of the town centres and the country is still in the process of rebuilding. MASERU: Lesotho’s capital is the obvious stepping-off point for a holiday. There are local highlights to visit such as the historic cemetery and the fascinating architecture of the King’s Palace and the Prime Minister’s Residence. From Maseru, you can take many day trips, either independently or by luxury minibus, visiting surrounding points of interest. Near Maseru, the Ha Khotso Bushmen Rock Paintings make an interesting visit. Also nearby is Thaba Bosiu, a flat-topped hill where the Basotho made a last heroic stand against the Boers. Many of their chiefs are buried here. THE SOUTH: The southern region of Lesotho is being promoted for tourism, with hotels at Moyeni and Mohales Hoek with facilities for horseriding, mountain climbing and hiking. Worth visiting in the district are the Motlejoeng Caves, 2km (1.2 miles) south of Mahale’s Hoek; the dinosaur footprints at Moyeni; the Masitise Cave House and the petrified forest on the mountain of Thaba-Ts’oeu. In the southeast, in the region bordering South Africa, is one of the most beautiful parts of Lesotho, if not southern Africa. It is ideal for trekking. Places of most interest include Ramanbanta, Semonkong (where the Maletsunyane Waterfalls can be visited) and the Sehlabathebe National Park. Sport & Activities Pony trekking: At the moment three treks are on offer, two of them covering the great falls at Ribaneng, Ketane and Maletsunyane, the latter being particularly noteworthy as it is the highest single-drop fall in southern Africa. There is a choice of return, once Semonkong has been reached, between going back to Maseru by road on the fourth day or continuing the pony ride for another two days to Ha Ramabanta, where motor transport will be available for the return to Maseru. The other route is the Molimo Nthuse circular trip, starting at the Molimo Nthuse (‘God Help Me’) Centre (the actual base for the Basotho Pony Trekking Centre) and going over Thaba Putsoa (‘Blue Mountain’) Pass to reach Ha Marakabei-Senqunyane Lodge on the second day. The return trip via Molikaliko and Qiloane Falls reaches Molimo Nthuse from a different direction on the fifth day. Unlike the three falls of the first trip, Qiloane is a wide fall with several smaller drops. Overnight stops are usually made in the rural areas in the huts of the remote Basotho where a taste of real Basotho life is experienced. All the routes pass through magnificent countryside. Skiing: In conjunction with a private company, the Lesotho government has developed a modern ski resort in the heart of the Lesotho highlands. Opened in Summer 2002 and just four and a half hours’ drive from Johannesburg, it is hoped the resort will attract skiers from both Southern Africa and Europe (website: www.afriski.co.za). Mountain climbing: Mountain climbing is a popular and ideal way of seeing the rugged beauty of the land. Birdwatching: As many as 279 species of birds have been recorded and keen birdwatchers should take a trip along the Mountain Road to see birds rare to southern Africa. Fishing: Lesotho’s dams and rivers contain local and imported fish. Brown and rainbow trout and carp provide satisfying sport for anglers. Other: Horseracing is a popular sport and meetings take place throughout the country. Football is Lesotho’s national game and matches are played most Saturdays and Sundays. Maseru has high-standard tennis courts. For swimming, bilharzia-free rivers and lakes and hotel pools are available for bathing. Social Profile Food & Drink: The main hotels in Maseru serve international food, but there are also some interesting places to dine in the main towns. Hotels and restaurants in Lesotho cater for all nationalities. There are halal foods and seafood. Cooking styles include French, Italian, Continental and Chinese in Maseru. Much food has to be imported from South Africa, but freshwater fish is in abundant supply. Good beer is widely available and better establishments will have a good choice of beers, spirits and wines. Nightlife: Some hotels and restaurants have live entertainment. There are also several cinemas in Maseru and there are casinos at the two major international hotels. Shopping: There are many handicraft shops and centres selling items including Lesotho’s famous conical hats; grass-woven articles (mats, brooms and baskets); pottery; wool and mohair rugs; tapestries and other textiles; rock painting reproductions; traditional seed, clay bead and porcupine quill jewellery; silver and gold items; copper work (particularly chess sets of African design) and ebony items. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1500. Social Conventions: If spending some time in rural villages, it is polite to inform the Head Chief. It is likely that he will be very helpful. Normal social courtesies and a friendly, warm approach will be greatly appreciated. Dress should be practical and casual but local customs should be respected (including those regarding modesty in dress). Religion plays an important part in daily life. Photography: Photographs must not be taken of the following: the palace, police establishments, government offices, the airport or monetary authority buildings. Tipping: It is customary in restaurants and hotels to give a tip as a reward for good service. Business Profile Economy: The earnings of the estimated 150,000 Lesotho nationals working in South Africa account for a substantial proportion of the country’s income. Inside the country, 40 per cent of the workforce are engaged in agriculture, farming maize, wheat and other crops. Wool, mohair and hides are important exports. Nonetheless, Lesotho’s vulnerability to drought means that over half the country’s food must be imported from South Africa. There are known reserves of ores and minerals, including diamonds, uranium, lead and iron ore, but little exploitation has taken place. Light manufacturing, meanwhile, has grown steadily with food, drink and textiles as the main products. Tourism is a major source of foreign exchange. Lesotho’s government has historically relied on foreign aid, particularly for infrastructure programmes (large parts of which were destroyed during a major civil insurrection in 1998). The most important infrastructure project of recent years has been Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which aims to deliver water to South Africa and provide 60 per cent of Lesotho’s electricity supply. South Africa is Lesotho’s major trading partner and the Southern African Customs Union provides over 95 per cent of the country’s imports. Unfortunately, Lesotho and South Africa also share the scourge of the region, HIV/AIDS, which has infected over one third of the productive labour force. Business: Lightweight suit, shirt and tie should be worn for business meetings. English will be spoken by most businesspeople. Usual business formalities should be observed, but expect a casual atmosphere and pace. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1245 and 1400-1630, Sat 0800-1300. Government office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1245 and 1400-1630. Commercial Information: The following organisations can offer advice: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Marketing, PO Box 747, Maseru 100 (tel: 317 454; fax: 310 326); or Lesotho National Development Corporation, Private Bag A96, Development House, Block A, Kingsway Road, Maseru 100 (tel: 312 012; fax: 310 038; e-mail: lndc@ilesotho.com; website: www.lndc.org.ls); or Lesotho Chamber of Commerce and Industry, PO Box 79, Maseru 100 (tel: 323 482; fax: 310 414 or 311 066; e-mail: lcci@lesoff.co.za). Conferences/Conventions: The Lesotho Tourist Board can provide advice (see Contact Addresses section). Climate Temperate climate with well-marked seasons. Summer is the rainy season; 85 per cent of rainfall occurs from October to April, especially in the mountains. Snow occurs in the highlands from May to September. The hottest period is from January to February. Lesotho is a land of clear blue skies and more than 300 days of sunshine. Required clothing: During the summer, lightweight cottons with warmer wear for the evenings is needed. In winter, medium- to heavyweight clothes are advised. Waterproofing is necessary during the rainy season. History and Government History: The Basotho only emerged as a nation around 1820 when Moshoeshoe the Great gathered the remnants of tribes scattered by Zulu and Matabele raids and established a stronghold at Butha-Buthe, and later on the mountain of Thaba-Bosiu, about 30km (20 miles) from what is now Maseru. In 1868, Moshoeshoe placed himself and his people under the protection of the British government. The Kingdom of Lesotho under King Moshoeshoe II became independent in 1966. The nation is an amalgamation of mainly Sesotho-speaking people, with some 20 per cent originally of Nguni descent, and the rest San, Griqua, Indian and European. From independence to the late 1980s, Lesotho’s politics were dominated by the Basutoland National Party (BNP), a conservatively inclined party initially favouring a policy of accommodation with South Africa, led by Chief Leabua Jonathan. His autocratic style of rule drew strong opposition, both political and paramilitary, in the form of the Lesotho Liberation Army, which received South African backing after Jonathan showed signs of tolerating the ANC. On 20 January 1986, Chief Jonathan was overthrown in a coup by Major General J.M. Lekhanya. Although the South African government vehemently denied any involvement, the new regime proved more amenable to South African regional security policies. In any event, Lesotho’s political options were constrained by South Africa: Pretoria’s closure of the border during 1983, which precipitated severe food shortages within Lesotho, was a telling reminder of South African power. Lekhanya clashed on several occasions with King Moshoeshoe, but in 1991 both Moshoeshoe and Lekhanya were overthrown by a group of army officers under General Elias Ramaema. The throne passed to Moshoeshoe’s son, the present King Letsie III. General Ramaema promised a return to civilian rule, and elections for a new National Assembly were held in March 1993. The Basotho Congress Party (BCP) swept the board and party leader Ntsu Mokhehle became Prime Minister. Eighteen months later, Letsie tried to dissolve the parliament and assume all legislative and executive power. However, under heavy diplomatic pressure, he was forced to restore constitutional government the following month, and then abdicated in favour of Moshoeshoe. Yet in late 1995, Moshoeshoe was killed in a car accident; Letsie succeeded him without controversy and undertook not to involve the monarchy in politics. Over the next 18 months, the BCP was riven by internal feuding, leading to the dissolution of the National Assembly and the calling of new elections in May 1998. At the subsequent poll, the BCP was all but wiped out in the National Assembly as the newly-formed opposition Lesotho Congress for Democracy, led by ex-Foreign Minister Pathtalika Mosilisi, took 58 of the 60 assembly seats. BCP supporters went on the rampage after the result, and the Government was forced to call upon South African assistance to restore law and order. Since then, however, Lesotho has enjoyed a period of welcome political stability. The 1998 result was repeated at the most recent poll in May 2002, with the Congress for Democracy winning an overwhelming majority once again. The opposition disputed the results but international observers declared the poll fair. Overshadowing the election was the plight of tens of thousands of people suffering from the food shortages which are afflicting most of southern Africa. This is the most urgent issue facing the new government. Government: Lesotho is a hereditary monarchy. The king is head of state with no formal executive or legislative powers. Executive power rests with a cabinet led by the Prime Minister. Legislative power is held by the 65-seat National Assembly, which is elected for a maximum five-year term. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.