LETSIE II

Letsienyane, (1867-1913), the eldest son of Lerotholi, succeeded his father as paramount chief of the Basotho of what is now Lesotho, upon his death in 1905. He took the patronym of his grandfather, Letsie I, becoming Letsie II. The eight-year reign of Letsie II (1905-13) was a quiet one, and was not characterised by any major or remarkable event.

In the earlier part of his life, he had only one experience of warfare. This was in 1898 when, while leading his father’s forces during the struggle between Lerotholi and Masopha at Thaba-Bosiu, he had a narrow escape.

Upon his installation, he moved the capital of the Basotho from his birthplace, Likhoele, to Phahameng, which was near to Morija. In 1906, a year after his installation, a railway line, which also crossed the first rail bridge to be constructed in the country, was introduced into Basutoland. This greatly facilitated the importation of merchandise as well as the export of large stocks of grain produced in the country. The railway line was officially opened in the same year by Lord Selborne, the British high commissioner, who also laid the foundation stone of the first industrial school to be built in Basutoland.

Letsie II lacked the resolve and fortitude that characterised some of his predecessors.

MOKUBUNG KOMO