Ntsu Mokhehle was a prominent Lesotho politician and the founder of the Basutoland Congress Party (BCP), who played a crucial role in the political landscape of Lesotho throughout the 20th century. Born on December 26, 1918, in the rural area of Teyateyaneng, Mokhehle came from a humble background and pursued education with determination. He completed his primary education in Lesotho before moving to South Africa, where he attended the University of Fort Hare, a prestigious institution known for nurturing future African leaders.

At Fort Hare, Mokhehle became politically active and was exposed to the ideas of African nationalism and anti-colonialism. His time at the university significantly influenced his political ideology, leading him to advocate for the liberation of Basutoland (now Lesotho) from colonial rule. In 1952, Mokhehle founded the Basutoland Congress Party (BCP), a nationalist movement inspired by similar liberation movements across Africa. The BCP sought to achieve independence for Basutoland through constitutional means and aimed to address issues of social and economic inequality.

Mokhehle's leadership of the BCP made him a central figure in Lesotho's struggle for independence. However, his political career was marked by significant challenges. Following Lesotho's independence from Britain in 1966, the country experienced political instability, with tensions between the BCP and other political factions. Mokhehle and his party faced repression from the ruling Basotho National Party (BNP), led by Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan. The BCP's efforts to gain power were met with resistance, leading to a period of political turmoil and violence.

In 1970, the BCP won a majority in the general elections, but Jonathan refused to relinquish power, leading to a constitutional crisis. Mokhehle was forced into exile, where he continued to lead the BCP and maintain pressure on the Lesotho government. The political situation in Lesotho remained tense throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with the country experiencing periods of authoritarian rule and external interventions.

Mokhehle returned to Lesotho in the early 1990s as the political climate began to shift. In 1993, following a period of military rule, Lesotho held democratic elections, and the BCP, under Mokhehle's leadership, won a decisive victory. Mokhehle became the Prime Minister of Lesotho, marking a significant moment in the country's history. His government focused on rebuilding the nation and addressing the economic and social challenges facing Lesotho.

Despite his political successes, Mokhehle's tenure as Prime Minister was not without difficulties. His leadership style faced criticism, and internal divisions within the BCP led to the formation of a splinter group, the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD). Mokhehle eventually left the BCP and joined the LCD, which became the ruling party after the 1998 elections. He continued to serve as Prime Minister until his resignation in 1998, citing health reasons.

Ntsu Mokhehle passed away on January 6, 1999, leaving behind a complex legacy. He is remembered as a key figure in Lesotho's struggle for independence and democracy, as well as a leader who faced numerous challenges in navigating the turbulent political landscape of his country. Mokhehle's contributions to Lesotho's political development remain significant, and his life reflects the broader struggles of African nations in the post-colonial era.

REFERENCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ntsu_Mokhehle