Lesotho 
President Mbeki pays fine to Lesotho king

King Letsie III wished that the deliberations between the government of Lesotho and that of South Africa would bear long lasting fruits.

When the Basotho King made a brief welcome message to the South African President and also accepted a fine imposed on President Thabo Mbeki for not being able to attend in person the Royal Wedding in February last year, he observed that the shared bonds of origin - of language, culture, history and geography - between the two countries should continue to be the guiding star in strengthening the special relations.

- We are ... delighted that your government and my government are in the post-apartheid era, assiduously addressing themselves to forging relations that will be mutually beneficial to our people and indeed relations that are in consonance with the noble aspirations of our sub-region and the wider African continent as articulated in this new millennium, said King Letsie III.

The King also said that the fine imposed on Mbeki was according to the Basotho customary law, further explaining that he had to be harsh on the SA President - other than other people invited, from Europe and other parts of Africa, who could not attend - saying Mbeki has a 'strong Basotho blood running in his veins'.

- Today we are deeply impressed to witness that you have made good the 'fine' by bringing this magnificent beast to our court, said King Letsie. "Your gesture is a powerful and eloquent statement of the special relations between our two countries. We know from your determined pursuit of the much celebrated African Renaissance that you are not one to easily forget your roots," said the King.

Mbeki, who had earlier promised that if the King was not satisfied with the cow, another one would be provided by his Chief Minister Mangosutu Buthelezi, was provided with the beast by the Manyatseng Farmers Association, whose representative Ntate Ramotete Litsoane said they felt that as Basotho in South Africa, separated only by borders, still felt duty bound to follow their customs and obey when the King has commanded.

He said their group, of about 84 farmers, were guided by the wise Basotho words that a chief is dressed, and felt it was their right to not only advise Mbeki on the payment of the fine but also to help raise the fine.

The occasion at the Royal Court was also attended by Queen Karabo and the Queen Mother, 'M'e 'Mamohato Bereng Seeiso. Also in attendance were Mbeki's support team made up of Ministers for Safety and Security, Steve Tshwete; Home Affairs, Mangosutu Buthelezi; Trade and Industry, Alec Erwin together with Penuell Maduna of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. 

Based on an article by Mopheme (Maseru, Lesotho)

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