Kananelo Boloetse
The proposal to name the Marakabei-Monontša road after United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has sparked debate in our country, and rightly so.
While António Guterres has undoubtedly made significant contributions to global peace and development, the naming of this critical infrastructure in his honour raises questions about our priorities and our respect for national identity and history.
Lesotho, a nation rich in culture and history, has no shortage of heroes who have shaped its destiny.
Our ancestors, freedom fighters, and unsung Basotho champions deserve to be immortalised in the landmarks and institutions of our land. Naming places after them is not just an act of recognition but a declaration of who we are and where we come from.
Naming infrastructure after international figures, while well-intentioned, often feels like an abdication of our responsibility to celebrate local heroes. From Morena Moshoeshoe I, the founder of our nation, to the countless individuals who have contributed to our society’s development, we have a wealth of people to honour.
These are the names that should echo through our valleys and mountains, not just for the sake of pride but to remind future generations of their roots.
When Basotho see roads, schools, or hospitals named after their compatriots, it fosters a sense of ownership and connection to the achievements of their fellow citizens. It inspires young people to dream big, knowing that their contributions, too, can be etched into the fabric of the nation.
While António Guterres has made commendable efforts in addressing global challenges, his direct impact on Lesotho is limited. Naming a major road after him could dilute the importance of local recognition. This is not to diminish his legacy but to assert that our national landmarks should primarily celebrate those who have shaped our specific context and narrative.
The Marakabei-Monontša road represents a significant development in our country’s infrastructure, improving connectivity and economic prospects for the communities it serves. Naming it after a Basotho hero would emphasise the role of our people in driving progress and highlight our capacity to achieve great things as a nation. It would serve as a powerful statement of national pride, resilience, and identity.
Lesotho must prioritise celebrating its own people. As a nation grappling with economic and social challenges, it is imperative to build a strong sense of identity and pride in our achievements. Naming places after international figures, no matter how illustrious, risks overshadowing the contributions of our own people and alienating future generations from their heritage.
Let us celebrate António Guterres in other ways if we wish to honour his contributions, perhaps through diplomatic or ceremonial recognition. But when it comes to naming our roads and landmarks, Basotho deserve to see themselves reflected in the names that shape their everyday lives.
The government should reconsider its proposal and engage the nation in a broader conversation about who we choose to honour and why. Marakabei-Monontša and other such landmarks belong to the people of Lesotho. They should tell the story of our struggles, triumphs, and aspirations, not serve as a stage for global figures who, while respected, remain distant from the lived realities of our nation.
Basotho deserve better. Let our landmarks remind us—and the world—of who we are.
Click here to find more