AFDeL2022: Academic Forum for Development of Lesotho: Think Tank Online Conference 2022 Online Conference Maseru, Lesotho, March 19-21, 2022

There is little agreement on why Basotho’s experiences of their country’s relationship with RSA should be what they are. For some, the explanation is structural, and has to do with the quantity and quality of size of Basotho’s territory; namely, the limited territorial extent and inadequate economic endowments. For others, the country has lacked leadership that has failed in, at least, two ways. First, failure to marshal and distribute the country’s limited resources in an equitable manner. Second, lack of imaginativeness necessary to fully appreciate ways in which current Lesotho/RSA relations have a bearing on the Basotho’s ability to live better lives. In turn, this failure has meant that, over the last 50 years, Lesotho’s ruling elite have not explored ways in which current Lesotho/RSA relations can be changed with a view to relieve Basotho of hardships associated with the country’s internal socio-economic arrangements, on the one hand, and the current Lesotho/RSA relations, on the other.

However, all analysts and observers agree that some combination of Lesotho’s limited resources, on the one hand, and lack of imagination among those who have ruled the country, on the other, means that the state lacks capacity to:

1. fund and manage public institutions in ways that can ensure good governance;
2. provide society with adequate public services in health and education;
3. provide society with adequate socio-economic security.

Current relations between LS and RSA mean that Basotho cannot access these services and socio-economic security without enormous hardships at Lesotho/SA borders. As is known, one result of Lesotho’s structural and other circumstances is that, the country has experienced unceasing political instability since independence, and, in that time, majority of Basotho have suffered untold socio-economic insecurity that violate their fundamental right to human dignity.

Submission Guidelines

All papers must be original and not simultaneously submitted to another journal or conference. The following paper categories are welcome:

• Long paper of up to 6000 words
• Short paper of 1500 words
• Snapshot paper of 1000 words
• Panel proposals (300-500 words abstract) and panel name of members
• We welcome other forms of presentations that those wishing to participate may propose.

Committees

AFDeL Executive Committee

• President                Prof. Makoala Marake                  National University of Lesotho

• Deputy President    Prof. Tefetso Mothibe                 Independent Consultant

• Secretary General   Prof. Ts’epo Mokuku                    National University of Lesotho

• Treasurer               Prof. Mosotho George                  National University of Lesotho

• Publicity Officer      Dr. ’Mamotsamai Ranneileng       National University of Lesotho

Organizing committee

• Conference Chair              Prof. Makoala Marake

• Conference Deputy Chair   Prof. Tefetso Mothibe

• Conference Secretary        Prof. Ts’epo Mokuku

• Programmes Chair             Dr. Munyaradzi Mushonga

• Finances                           Prof. Mosotho George

• Publicity and Logistics       Dr. ’Mamotsamai Ranneileng & Dr. Fabiane Mopeli

Organizing Partners

• National University of Lesotho     Dr. Fabiane Mopeli

• University of the Free State        Dr. Munyaradzi Mushonga

• Transformation Resource Centre  Mr. Lira Theko & Ms Monts’eng Mohapi-Moluoane

Contact

All questions about submissions should be emailed to: info@afdel.org.ls