REMARKS DELIVERED BY HER EXCELLENCY MOLELEKENG E. RAPOLAKI ON THE OCCASION OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE 37TH ANNIVERSARY OF LESOTHO’S INDEPENDENCE

OCTOBER 4, 2003

Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Fellow Countrymen,

I guess I should offer my sincere apologies for the fact that we were not able to organize a better weather for this occasion, nevertheless I hope the cool weather will not deter you from indulging in the video presentation that will be shown on the screen and enjoying our hospitality. For those of you who have been to Lesotho, you will testify that Basotho are indeed hospitable people. For those who have never been to Lesotho, I wish to extend an invitation for you to go and experience our hospitality.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Before I begin my remarks, may we observe a moment of silence in the memory of the late Queen Mother, Her Majesty, Queen ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso, who passed away on the 6th of September 2003.

May her soul rest in peace!! Thank You.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The purpose of today’s occasion is not to make long speeches, but to celebrate the birth of our nation known as “The Mountain Kingdom, or the Kingdom in the Sky”. However, I feel obliged to say a few words on the development progress made so far and the challenges that remain.

Thirty - Seven years ago Lesotho obtained her independence from the British. Through the years, we embarked on a long journey in search for Political Stability, Economic Prosperity and Development. I am pleased to indicate that today we are on a steady path to attain the outlined objectives, particularly with regard to political stability, peace and security.

In May 2002, we held our general elections, which were declared both free and fair by all those who witnessed the electoral process. The outcome was also acceptable to the political parties, and this ushered a new era of democratic dispensation, uncluttered by instability, as was the case in 1998. The new Mixed Member Proportion model seems to have addressed our long-festering political problems. The country is now focused on achieving its developmental goals, at the center of which is the employment creation and income generation for more than 60% of the population considered below the poverty datum line.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The African Growth and Opportunity Act marked the dawn of a new relationship between the U.S. and Sub-Saharan African countries. The legislation, which offers duty and quota free access to goods from eligible countries to the U.S. market, has had a tremendous impact on our economies. In Lesotho, the benefits accrued from this arrangement have trickled down to the grassroots level of our society. Employment grew from 20 600 locals in March 2001 to 45 000 in November 2002, thereby making the private sector the largest employer since independence. Given this background, we therefore appeal to the U.S. Administration to extend the Multi Fiber Agreement, which is due to expire in 2004. We are also eager to see the legislation extended beyond the 2008 deadline.

Lesotho, as a member of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) is also participating in the US – SACU Free Trade Agreement negotiations. We are hopeful that the outcome will build on the already existing benefits accrued under AGOA.

Some of these achievements would not have been possible had it not been due to the cordial bilateral relations that subsist between Lesotho and the U.S.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

In our quest to achieve sustainable development, investing in human resources has been one of the priorities of the Government. The introduction of Free Primary Education in 2000, underscored the Lesotho Government’s commitment to ensure that all people get access to basic education, which is essential for societal transformation. The Government has also endeavoured to address the issue of gender equality in all sectors.

As we recall with gratitude, the overwhelming international support that we received when the dark days of apartheid threatened our very own existence, we realize that a new challenge calling for a similar if not better assistance has encroached our nation. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is threatening to demolish the achievements that have already been made. The disease ravages indiscriminately through villages, leaving a trail of orphans in its path. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State gathered in Maseru in July this year to chart the way forward to combat this deadly pandemic. We therefore call upon our cooperating partners particularly the U.S. Administration, the Private Sector and Non Governmental Organizations of this great nation to join hands with us in the fight against poverty and this disease, the worst disaster in our nation’s history.

In Conclusion,

I wish to thank the U.S. Government, the International and Private Organizations, and individuals who have worked tirelessly to assist us as we face the daunting task of overcoming the overwhelming challenges facing our nation.

I would also like to take this opportunity to launch our Embassy Website. You can now log on to www.lesothoemb-usa.gov.ls to access information, make inquiries or give your comments on any area of interest. My staff and I stand ready to assist.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I now have the pleasure to propose a toast to the cordial bilateral relations that subsist between the Kingdom of Lesotho and the United States of America, the well - being and prosperity of the Basotho Nation and the
Good health of their Majesties the King and the Queen!!!

KHOTSO, PULA, NALA!!