Lesotho’s literary landscape is set for a vibrant transformation, driven by the passionate efforts of Writers Space Africa-Lesotho (WSA-L).
As a national chapter of the renowned Writers Space Africa (WSA) Magazine, WSA-L is committed to amplifying the voices of Basotho writers and connecting them with international audiences.
WSA Magazine has long been a champion of African literature, showcasing diverse genres such as poetry, short stories, flash fiction, children’s literature, and creative nonfiction.
Now, WSA-L is bringing this energy and opportunity to Lesotho, with the organisation’s Public Relations Officer, Tebello Motuba, leading the charge.
“Our mission is clear,” Motuba explains. “We want to advocate for Lesotho’s writers and readers, especially within our schools. We need to see local books by local authors on global shelves.”
This vision seeks to address a critical challenge: Lesotho’s literacy gap. While some Basotho are proficient readers and writers, others face significant barriers. WSA-L aims to bridge this divide by encouraging young people to engage with locally produced literature and fostering a culture of reading and storytelling.
Despite its ambitious goals, WSA-L faces several hurdles. The absence of in-house publishing facilities and limited funding restrict their ability to effectively promote their initiatives.
Furthermore, gaining recognition from government ministries, particularly in the arts and culture sector, remains a challenge.
Nevertheless, WSA-L remains steadfast in its mission, organizing events to foster dialogue between writers, authors, and aspiring creatives. “We aspire to transform the literary landscape by cultivating a thriving reading and writing culture,” Motuba states.
A key objective is to ensure that every WSA-L member has the opportunity to publish their work, whether it’s a personal project, a poetry collection, or a collaborative book. “We believe every writer deserves to have their voice heard,” Motuba emphasises.
To achieve this vision, WSA-L seeks collaborations with major organizations, securing funding and greater recognition. By partnering with literary institutions, publishing houses, and cultural organisations, they aim to create sustainable opportunities for their members.
Excitingly, Maseru will host the eighth edition of the African Writers Conference (AWC), one of the continent’s most esteemed literary gatherings, from October 27 to November 2, 2025.
This major event, themed “Celebrating African Narratives: Uniting Culture and Empowering Creatives,” is an annual initiative powered by the African Writers Development Trust (AWDT) in collaboration with Writers Space Africa (WSA).
The main event, scheduled for Friday, will be free and accessible both in-person and online. Attendees can look forward to engaging with guests from Uganda, Nigeria, and Tanzania, and around 20 participants from Botswana.
This conference presents a unique opportunity for young Basotho writers and readers to connect with established authors, explore the richness of African literature, and showcase their own creative works. Beyond promoting Basotho literature, the event will foster partnerships between African writers, strengthening the continent’s literary network.
WSA-L is not just building a literary organisation, it is leading a movement, inspiring a new generation to embrace their stories and share them with the world. For the youth of Lesotho, this is an invitation to join a community where their voices matter and their stories can shape the future.
I am an IT officer by day, immersed in the world of technology, troubleshooting systems, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Now, my passion lies in storytelling. I am a writer at heart, fascinated by the power of words to inform, engage, and inspire.
