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2:3~ image by
Martin Grieve, 08 Oct 2006
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A news source from Lesotho
reports that parliament has voted 84 to 18 in support of a proposal to change
the national flag, and that there is a final vote scheduled for this coming
Monday (http://www.pcfm.co.ls/news/news_lesotho_19_09_06.php)
Apparently the plan is to introduce the new flag at midnight 3 October as part
of celebrations on the occasion of 40 years of independence.
Jan Oskar Engene, 21 Sept 2006
"Anthony Manyeli of the National Independent Party said people liked the
country's first flag, which was introduced at independence from Britain in 1966,
as it
has the approval of the people." (http://www.andnetwork.com/index?service=direct/0/Home/older.fullStory&sp=l5214\8).
And furthermore:
"Lentsoe la Basotho of 8 June 2006 displayed on its front page four new
possible designs for Lesotho's national flag. As stated by the Deputy Prime
Minister,
Lesao Lehohla in Parliament on 6 June, these were the four short listed designs
from many which had been submitted, and it was now the turn of the public to
express an opinion on the designs. Three of the designs have a white triangle
enclosing a brown Basotho hat at the hoist. The fourth places the hat in the
centre of a horizontal white band. Apart from white and brown, two of the flags
have green, blue and white horizontal bands, while the others also have a black
band either instead of or in addition to white bands. If one of the designs is
adopted for its new flag, Lesotho will set something of a record in changing the
design of its flag twice since Independence. The Independence flag was designed
by a local architect, Peter Hancock, but its original yellow Basotho hat was
changed to white deliberately by the then government so that its original
colours would coincide with those of the Basotho National Party. Because of this
political association, the Military Government which came to power in 1986
commissioned a new design, and the present flag, designed by Sergeant
Retelisitsoe Matete of the Lesotho Defence Force, was introduced in 1987. It now
seems, however, that a Basotho hat or mokorotlo is more favoured than the coat
of arms which appears on the present flag.
If a new flag is introduced it will deprive schoolteachers of a simple
geometrical exercise posed by the present flag which has a blue trapezium and a
green triangle in the triangular lower right half of the flag. According to the
legal description (although most real flags fail this requirement), the blue and
green portions of the flag have to be of equal area. If this is the case, what
is the ratio of the blue and green lengths on the lowest side of the flag?" (http://www.trc.org.ls/events/events20.062.htm).
Valentin Poposki, 21 Sept 2006
On
http://www.pcfm.co.ls/news/news_lesotho_12_09_06.php is the following:
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FAILS TO AGREE ON NATIONAL FLAG BILL
Members of the National Assembly failed to debate on the National Flag Bill 2006
after failing to agree that the standing order No. 53(2) be applied on Monday.
The standing order stipulates that the House could table the Bill for debate
without giving a four day notice if all members agree.
However, some of the members objected to the move made by the Deputy Speaker
Mr.Sephiri Motanyane, and the Bill will now wait for at least four days before
it could be debated.
The description and design of the proposed flag has three horizontal stripes
from top to bottom of Blue, White and Green bearing the proportions of 3:4:3 of
the width measurement, with a Black Basotho Hat centering in the White panel of
a height equivalent to 92 percent of the width of the White stripe.
The purpose of the Bill is to address the concerns of Basotho for the new
national flag with preferred description and design as the flag has never been
changed since 1987. It (the Bill) will ban the use of the National Flag
described in the Order of 1987 but provides for places where the National Flag
shall be flown.
The Bill is also intended to repeal the National flag Order of 1987 as well as
showing the seriousness of the need to respect the National Flag by imposing
penalties for any person who would show disrespect, contempt or irreverence
towards the flag.
Mikhail Revnivtsev, 24 Sept 2006
On
http://www.pcfm.co.ls/news/news_lesotho_13_09_06.php :
NEW PARLIAMENT BUILDING DESIGNED LIKE BASOTHO HAT
The new parliament building to be constructed on top of Mpilonyana Hill has been
designed to take the shape of a Basotho Hat. This was disclosed by the Leader of
the House and the Acting Prime Minister Mr. Lesao Lehohla when responding to
question over the National Flag Bill 2006 in the National Assembly on Tuesday.
Mr. Lehohla said the new parliament building has been designed in such a way
that it will shape like 'Mokorotlo', adding that it will look like a traditional
Basotho hut. Furthermore he said many Basotho identify themselves with
'mokorotlo' or Basotho Hat which he said even those staying in the neighbouring
South Africa display basotho hats on the back of their cars. 'It is therefore
befitting that the New National Flag bears Basotho Hat which is a symbol of
Lesotho,' he explained.
He stated that the Black colour on the new flag symbolises Africa which he said
is a Black continent that all should be proud of. Other colours on the flag are
White, Blue, and Green which represent peace, rain and prosperity respectively.
Other Members of Parliament questioned the Black colour on the National Flag.
Meanwhile, the Bill was discussed after long debate over the legal procedures
including a prerequisite of four days for the Bill to be discussed.
Mikhail Revnivtsev, 24 Sept 2006
On
http://www.pcfm.co.ls/news/news_lesotho_19_09_06.php :
MPS GIVE THUMBS UP FOR NEW NATIONAL FLAG BILL
Eighty four members of the national assembly (MPs) have voted for the New
National Flag Bill 2006 while eighteen voted against it. This was part of the
voting process to get two thirds majority in the National Assembly on Monday.
The New National Flag Bill is intended to replace the existing one which came
into being under the army regime in 1986 after the toppling of the then
Basotho
National Party (BNP) government. Speaker of the National Assembly Ms. Ntlhoi
Motsamai said for the New National Flag Bill 2006 motion to pass, there was need
for two thirds majority to agree hence arrangement was made for each MP to
respond by 'yes' or 'no' and eventually the Bill was read for the third time and
passed on the majority votes.
Two MPs Messers Moeketse Malebo who is the leader of Marematlou Freedom Party
(MFP) and Advocate Lekhetho Rakuoane of Popular Front for Democracy (PFD)
decided not to vote and abstained. Meanwhile, the leader of the House, Mr. Lesao
Lehohla had earlier stated that the New National Flag, will cost the Government
M84 470.00 to replace the existing one.
He pointed out that the design of the Flag was based on national egos of Peace,
Rain and Prosperity as well as the Basotho Hat, symbols which are familiar to
every Mosotho. On the other hand, some MPs expressed their concerns that the
nation was not given enough time to participate fully in the designing and
selecting of the New National Flag while others recommended that the first flag
which Lesotho hoisted when she gained independence from the British Colonial
rule be reinstated rather than putting up a new one.
National Independence Party (NIP) leader Mr. Anthony Manyeli said Basotho nation
do not respect their 'valuable things' like flags hence they are changed every
now and then. He was of the opinion that the first flag which was flown in 1966
when Lesotho got its independence should be brought back to avoid every
government in power changing flags.
While a member of Basotho African Congress (BAC) Mr. Hape Tsakatsi expressed
concern that not enough time was given to Basotho to exercise their right to
select the colours they want on the flag and the design. It is intended that the
New National Flag will be flown for the first time on October 03 this year at
midnight as part of marking the country's 40th independence.
Mikhail Revnivtsev, 24 Sept 2006
News from the
Lesotho Government Portal (http://www.lesotho.gov.ls/articles/2006/Senators_New_Flag.php)
is that a new flag has been adopted, a bill passed the Senate on Wednesday, and that
it will fly for the first time at midnight on this coming Tuesday, the 40th
anniversary of independence. The article states:
"The Upper House of Parliament
passed the National Flag Bill, 2006 without any objection during their debate on
Wednesday.
This means that the new flag will be hoisted on Tuesday midnight as Planned,
replacing the current one which was flown under the Military regime in 1986.
Speaking during the debate, the Principal Chief of Matsieng Chief Masupha Seeiso
appealed that the Bill be speeded up in order to give the Government adequate
time to make necessary arrangements for the New Flag to start flying on
Wednesday.
He however, expressed concern over the frequent changing of the national flags,
saying something has to be done to stop that tendency.
On the other hand, the Principal Chief of Kueneng, Mapoteng and Bela Bela
chieftainess 'Mantoetse Lesaoana Peete said she liked the colours in the new
flag as they are familiar and can be related to Basotho.
She also stated that the Government had no intention of changing the flag to
suit its interests, as the new flag has three colours of the opposition Basotho
National Party (BNP) and only two of the ruling Lesotho Congress Democracy
(LCD).
The Principal Chief said the Government should make sure that at midnight on
Tuesday, the new flag is flown at all government offices throughout the country
and other places, adding that at least two flags should be provided so that if
there can be problems with another, the second could fly.
She also expressed concern over the constant changing of the national flag
saying Parliament needs to revisit the constitution in a bid to stop the next
regimes from changing the national flag.
Another member, Major General Phisoana Ramaema said every Mosotho understands
why in 1986 under the Military rule, the national flag was changed adding that
it was only a divine intervention and the military had no interests in party
politics hence the Lesotho subsequently went back to democratic rule in 1993
without any ill feelings.
Other speakers included the Principal Chief of Tajane, Ponts'eng and Ramoetsane,
Chief Tlali Mohale who said the Government observed all the democratic
principles and procedures in changing the flag including consulting the public,
getting two thirds majority in the National Assembly and involving the
Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary to change the flag.
He also expressed satisfaction with the colours in the new flag saying they
promote peace, pray for rain and discourage Basotho from begging for food but to
produce their own.
In conclusion, the Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Rehabilitation, Law and
Constitutional Affairs Mr. Refiloe Masemene thanked the Members of the Upper
House for passing the bill.
He added that it will be easy to identify the new flag with Basotho because of
the hat on it.
The flag is estimated to cost close to M84 000 to change it".
Jan Oskar Engene, 01 Oct 2006
The article
describing the flag being raised is available here:
http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=285582&area=/breaking_news/breaki\
ng_news__africa/, with the following text and description:
"The tiny
Southern African kingdom of Lesotho celebrates its 40th anniversary of
independence from Britain on Wednesday by unveiling a new flag to replace a
martial one introduced after a 1986 coup.
Deputy Prime Minister Lesao Lehohla said the flag -- whose unveiling will cap
national celebrations -- showed "a nation at peace with itself and at peace with
its neighbours".
The new flag has three colours: blue for rain, white symbolising peace and green
indicating prosperity.
It will also sport a cone-shaped hat, worn by the country's indigenous Basotho
people.
The previous flag was designed by a military government after a 1986 coup. It
sports the same colours but also portrays a shield, a knobkerrie and spears.
..."
Željko Heimer, 03 Oct 2006
The official Description and Design of the new Lesotho flag
is contained in the following Schedule of the National Flag Act 2006: Section 3
DESCRIPTION
AND DESIGN OF THE NATIONAL FLAG
Three horizontal stripes from top to bottom of Blue, White and Green bearing the
proportions 3:4:3 of the width measurement, with a Black Basotho Hat centered in
the White panel of a height equivalent to 92% of the width of the White stripe.
Proportions: Width : Length 2 : 3
Colours: Pantone
Reflex Blue C; White; Black; Pantone Green 347C.
Information supplied by
the Lesotho Ministry of Home Affairs.
Bruce Berry, 03 Oct 2006
hat2006.gif)
image by Martin Grieve, 07 Oct 2006
Although, one should be careful (I haven't stressed
that in my last message) - no where is it said that the shape of the hat must be
the same as the one that was on the 1966 flag. The only thing that we know about
the hat is that it is a typical Basotho hat, depicted in black and has height
equal to 92% of the height of the white stripe.
Željko Heimer, 01 Oct 2006
scan
by Mikhail Revnivstev, 05 Oct 2006
The Basotho hat ("mokorotlo") along with the
Basotho blanket is part of the traditional dress of Lesotho. The shape of the
mokorotlo is said to have from Qiloane, the conical mountain near Thaba
Bosiu. Mokorotlo comes from the word "korotla" which means an expression of
disagreement. When a court case by two villagers was brought before the king or
chief before giving the verdict the king or chief would take off the hat. The
villagers then would know that the verdict was coming.
Mikhail Revnivtsev, 05 Oct 2006
An article by Scott Rosenberg of the History Department at Knox College in Galeburg (IL), USA on the Basotho hat is as follows:
The Evolution of a Symbol: Mokorotlo and National
Identity in Lesotho
The conical grass hat known as Mokorotlo is considered to be part of the
national dress of Lesotho. This paper will trace the physical and cultural
evolution of the hat, as part of the emergence of a national identity in Lesotho
during the twentieth century. The level of cultural prominence which these hats
have obtained illustrates the process by which clothing achieves both cultural
and national significance. Contrary to popular belief the Basotho have not
always worn these hats. There is no evidence of these hats existing during the
nineteenth century. In the early part of the twentieth century chiefs began to
wear a hat which was the forerunner of the modern Mokorotlo. At this time men
would wear this hat and sing a song known as Mokorotlo on their way to the
chiefs court. It is from this connection that the modern hat would become known
as Mokorotlo. In the years proceeding the Second World War hat makers began to
introduce new designs which drastically altered their position in Basotho
society. Previously these hats had been exclusively the domain of men, but
these new designs resulted in a change as women began to manufacture them for
sale to Europeans. These new designs which were mass produced for commercial
reasons, became increasingly popular with the general public in Lesotho. During
the 1950's political figures adorned themselves with these hats in an attempt to
link themselves with Lesotho's traditional power structure, the chieftainship.
By wearing these hats at rallies the politicians contributed to their growing
popularity.
These new designs developed cultural significance only after being
harnessed as a symbol by political leaders. Another factor which accelerated the
emerging importance of these hats was their increasing association with
Lesotho's founder, Moshoeshoe. Even though they appeared several decades after
his death it was a plethora of myths connecting Moshoeshoe with the Mokorotlo
hat which solidified it as a national symbol. The process by which these hats
became associated with Moshoeshoe is reflective of the construction of national
identity in Lesotho. The hat had become a powerful symbol of the nation, as one
Mosotho stated, "everytime we see that hat on the flag or on the automotive
licence plates we are reminded of Moshoeshoe."
(Source: Review of Southern African Studies, Volume 3 No. 2 December
1999, pp. 37-60)
Mikhail Revnivtsev, 05 Oct 2006
Last night, Bruce Berry sent me a photograph of the new
Lesotho flag. Also a close-up of the hat detail, and I have managed to draw this
up in vector format and hence export to gif format for the FOTW website. Bruce
photographed the flag courtesy of the official flag supplier to the Lesotho
Independence Celebrations which took place a couple of days ago.
Martin Grieve, 07 Oct 2006
After Martin's superb depiction of the design of the
Basotho hat on the new Lesotho flag, I checked Whitney Smith's "Flags through
the Ages and Across the World" (1975) [smi75b] and notice that the illustration of the Basotho hat on the 1966 flag is the same as that found on the new flag. This
confirms the earlier newspaper reports (from posts earlier this week) that the
original design of the hat has been re-instated.
I have a 1966 flag which has minor differences in the detail of the hat -
particularly its shape and the pattern on the base. I guess this is another
example of manufacturers licence.
Bruce Berry, 07 Oct 2006
scan by
Andries Burgers, 11 Oct 2006
In view of the recent discussion about the Basotho hat
on Lesotho's new flag, I thought that the members of the list might be
interested in what the hat actually looks like.
I attach a photo of a group of mounted Basotho in national dress consisting of
colourful blankets and the famous hat, plaited from reed grass. The picture was
scanned from the local Cape Town evening newspaper, The Cape Argus, and
it accompanied an article on Lesotho's economic future. The original context of
the photo was not explained.
Andries Burgers, 11 Oct 2006
scan by Andries Burgers, 11 Oct 2006
![[Lesotho roundel]](../images/l/ls_round.gif)
image by Željko Heimer, 7 Apr 2002
Roundel of green-white-blue.
The national flag is painted on the fin, explains the note.
[cos98] has a similar roundel, but with the
central disk being much larger.
Also, the pre-1986 aircraft marking are given there, as four coloured roundel of BWRV, out-to-in, and the national flag
on the fin.
It seems from the text, that the "roundel version of the national
flag" is also used, which I read as circular form of the flag.
Željko Heimer, 7
Apr 2002
The Royal Lesotho Defense Force-Air Squadron was founded in 1978 as the
Police Air Wing. Its roundel is shown above with Željko
describing it as being blue inside-white-green outside. Other sources [cos98] shows a similar roundel, but with the
central disk being much larger.
However, http://www.fighter-jets.de/fighterjets/luftwaffen/les.jpg
shows the
Dov Gutterman,
19 June 2004
