CULTURE
The contradictions created
by Lesotho's political independence and economic dependence are
reflected in the cultural life of the country. Despite the country's
increasing urbanization and the growth of modern institutions
and bureaucracy, the overall objective of the Sotho is to build
the rural homestead and perpetuate traditional institutions. The
people remain loyal to the system of chieftaincy, although this
traditional level of leadership has been discredited by the international
community. Institutions such as the initiation schools, which
perpetuate traditional values, are still significant but are changing
in structure and declining in importance.
The historical traditions
and legacy of Mshweshwe, founder of the nation, remain strong,
and there is national pride in Lesotho's history of resistance,
the role of the Sotho in building modern southern Africa, and
the achievements of such writers as Thomas Mofolo and such composers
as Joshua Pulumo Mohapeloa. The newspaper Leselinyana la Lesotho
has been published for more than a century, and printing presses
at mission stations, such as the Morija Press, have made a substantial
contribution to the religious and educational literature of southern
Africa.
Sporting activities are extremely
popular, even given the low income level of the country. Football
(soccer) is the most widely played sport in Lesotho, but because
many of its best players go to South Africa for economic gain,
Lesotho does not excel in international competition. Judo, boxing,
and long-distance running are also popular, the first two benefiting
from training facilities provided by the police force. Horse racing
is an athletic competition important to rural social life.
