ANNEX  II 

A SUMMARY PRESENTATION (INTRODUCTION AND

RATIONALE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF A

LONG -TERM NATIONAL VISION FOR LESOTHO)

 M.K.  TSEKOA

GOVERNMENT SECRETARY

NATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

17 JANUARY, 2001

NATIONAL DIALOGUE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT

OF A LONG-TERM VISION FOR LESOTHO

Welcome to 2001

Welcome to the New Millennium

Welcome to the National Convention Centre and to this Important National Dialogue.

You bring with you a diversity of knowledge,

A diversity of experience,

Of views and beliefs

As well as of attitudes and approaches to life.

That diversity is a strength for this nation.

And yet, it is our hope and prayer that you bring with you a sense of oneness and collective endeavour in the face of a ruthlessly divisive world.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS NATIONAL DIALOGUE

In summary they are:

¨      To take stock of Lesotho's development performance since independence.

¨      To build consensus on the need to develop a long-term national vision for Lesotho.

¨      To define the framework, the structures and approaches that will enhance a successful formulation of a long-term national vision for Lesotho.

¨      To define the next steps and the time frame for the formulation of a vision for Lesotho.

THE RATIONALE

¨      a ship that sails without a well defined direction may never reach its destination, it may never celebrate arrival;

¨      an unguided missile is a dangerous thing;

¨      collective energy, collective focus and collective endeavour will always enhance chances of real progress;

¨      every successful nation has a rallying point, a common factor, a unifying, inspiring theme;

¨      we are faced with a simple choice between keeping abreast with civilisation and progress on the one hand or embracing decadence, stagnation and regression on the other;

¨      also, we have to make a deliberate choice between survival or extinction as a nation.

OUR EXPECTATION

¨      Grab this opportunity with both hands

¨      Be full of inspiration

¨      Deliberate freely and objectively

¨      Be honest, be responsible

¨      Listen, Listen, Listen!

¨      Contribute positive things (build, do not destroy)

¨      Learn from the experience

¨      Brevity is of the essence

¨      Put LESOTHO first

            The "me factor"                                    -                  NO!

            Your Constituency                               -                  NO!

            LESOTHO AND THE BASOTHO           -                  YES!!

AFTER ALL, WE EACH HAVE ONE LIFE AND WE HAVE ONE COUNTRY TO LIVE OR DIE FOR.  WE SHOULD NEVER ACT AS IF WE HAVE ANY OF THESE TWO VALUABLE GIFTS IN THE BANK.

I THANK YOU!