Maseru, Mar. 10—Lesotho is headed for a 60th independence anniversary and the Lesotho News Agency (LENA) which was established 19 years later reflects on its transformation over the decades.
Before LENA’s creation, the country relied largely on Radio Lesotho, established in 1964 just two years before independence as the only electronic media outlet in the country. In the years following independence in 1966, state media dominated the flow of information, with radio serving as the main source of news for many Basotho, particularly those in rural areas where access to newspapers was limited.
The establishment of LENA in 1985 marked a significant milestone in Lesotho’s information sector. Since then, the media environment has gradually evolved to include community and private radio stations, newspapers, and digital platforms.
According to the agency’s sixth director, Moroa Mopeli, the creation of LENA represented a turning point in the country’s information independence.
The establishment of LENA played an important role in disseminating government information and covering national events, while later on, the Lesotho National Broadcasting Service became a central channel through which citizen received official news and public announcements.
Mrs. Moroa Mopeli: SIXTH DIRECTOR LENA SINCE 1985 REFLECTS BACK AT ESTABLISHMENT OF LENA 20 YEARS AFTER INDEPENDENCE
“The establishment of LENA in 1985 stands as a turning point in the nation’s journey towards information dissemination freedom and cultural preservation.’’
‘’The birth of LENA nineteen years later addressed a different kind of freedom, informational independence and transformed Lesotho from a consumer of information into an active narrator.’’
‘’In the two decades following 1966, Lesotho like other developing nations, relied heavily on foreign wire services such as Reuters, SAPA and newspapers from neighbouring RSA for both international and local news with an exception of a few local newspapers of which some were owned by Churches.’’
‘’LENA was established to disseminate government policies, strategies and agendas as well as to bridge the gap between the rural and the urban centres, ensuring that the voice of Basotho was not portrayed through a foreign lens.’’
‘’LENA stories focused on grassroots development and national interest. ‘’
RURAL INTEGRATION
‘’ It provided a platform for developmental news, highlighting agricultural progress, health initiatives, and local governance that larger international outlets ignored.’’
STORIES THAT LENA COVERED OVER THE YEARS
POLITICS
‘’LENA provided the quote-on-the-ground; record of the return to civilian rule in 1993 and the various coalition governments that followed.’’
THE MONARCHY
‘’ It has documented the ceremonial and unifying role of the Monarchy, providing a continuous record of public engagements of King Moshoeshoe II and King Letsie III, in this era the list now includes, the Queen, Princesses and the Prince.’’
LEGAL EVOLUTION
‘’By reporting the proceedings of the National Assembly and the Senate, LENA has archived the legislative shifts that have shaped Basotho law.’’
PUBLIC HEALTH
‘’It played a critical role in documenting the nation’s response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and, more recently, the COVID-19 recovery efforts.’’
HUMAN INTEREST
‘’ Unlike foreign agencies, LENA records the quote-on-quote stories: village water projects, and the successes of local heroes—which collectively form the social fabric of the nation.’’
BRIDGING DIGITAL GAP
‘’As we look at these 60 years, the transition of LENA from a teletype/paper-based agency to a digital newsroom is its final act of documentation.’’
HISTORICAL NOTE
‘’Without LENA’s localised reporting, much of the developmental history of districts such as Mokhotlong or Thaba-Tseka and hard to reach areas would likely have been lost to time, as these areas were rarely visited by international press.’’
‘’International news agencies often focus only on the capital, Maseru. LENA’s unique mandate is its presence in all 10 districts.’’
DISTRICT REPORTING
‘’ LENA captures the history of rural development, agricultural shifts/climate change, and local leadership in all districts. LENA’s Record (1985–2026).’’
‘’LENA has survived through political shifts and economic hardships, never ceasing its work as the information hub. Lesotho enters its sixth decade of independence; the Lesotho News Agency is transitioning from being a traditional wire service to becoming a multi-platform digital newsroom.’’
‘’LENA has moved beyond text-based dispatches. It is now in the process integrating real-time video reporting across media platforms.’’
‘’In an era of deep fakes and social media and fake news, LENA’s role as a verified state source is critical for national stability and public trust.’’’
Today, the rise of social media and online platforms has dramatically changed the way information is shared in the country. News is now accessible through smartphones, allowing citizens to engage more actively in national conversations.
Despite this progress, challenges remain, Journalists continue to face limited resources, safety concerns and the pressures of working in a small media market.
Media analysts says the 60th independence anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the crucial role journalism has played in documenting Lesotho’s political transitions, social change and national development.
As the country looks toward the future, many believe strengthening media independence and sustainability will be essential in ensuring that Basotho continue to have access to credible and reliable information.
LENA Directors since 1985
Mr. Litsebe Mokhachane
Mr. Lebohang Lejakane
Mr. Nkoe Thakali
Ms. Riddah Phangwa
Ms. Mothepane Kotele
Mrs. Moroa Mopeli
Ends/MP/BM
