Lesotho 1970

Lesotho 1970: An African Coup Under the Microscope provides a gripping examination of a pivotal moment in the political history of Lesotho, a small but culturally rich nation nestled within South Africa. This book delves into the January 1970 coup, when Prime Minister Chief Leabua Jonathan suspended the constitution and declared a state of emergency, disrupting the democratic process and altering the nation’s trajectory. Through a detailed narrative, the author, Bennett Makalo Khaketla, offers a rare insider's perspective on the intersection of colonial legacy, political dynamics, and resistance movements in Lesotho. The work provides historical context, from the rise of Moshoeshoe I to Lesotho's struggles with economic dependence on South Africa, painting a vivid portrait of a nation grappling with external and internal pressures.

Khaketla, a prominent political figure and Secretary-General of the Marematlou Freedom Party, brings unparalleled insight to the analysis of Lesotho’s political, economic, and social fabric. The book contextualizes the country’s political instability within broader regional and historical frameworks, exploring the implications of the coup on governance and democracy in post-colonial Africa. With Khaketla’s unique blend of political experience, literary prowess, and cultural engagement, Lesotho 1970 offers an invaluable resource for understanding the challenges of state-building and legitimacy in a divided and economically constrained society.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1972.