As Lesotho approaches its 60th independence anniversary this October, celebrations are met with quiet reflection and frustration from citizens who feel the Mountain Kingdom has stagnated over six decades of self-rule.

At 82 years old, Mr. Liphapang Kuoape has watched every chapter of Lesotho's national journey unfold from his home in Ha-Tumahole Machache.

He looks at the rolling landscapes and reflects on what could have been. He notes that with abundant natural wealth like diamonds and the "white gold" of flowing water, the nation should stand among the richest in Africa and the world.

"We have diamonds in our soil," he says, his voice steady with age and sorrow. "We have water, clean and strong, that flows down to our neighbors. With these riches, Lesotho should not be poor. We could be one of the richest countries in Africa and even the world."

Instead of widespread prosperity, Mr. Kuoape points to a deep sense of betrayal, stating plainly that the government stopped serving the collective public and instead answers only to a privileged few.

He notes that people believed freedom would bring food, jobs and a better life for everyone.

The government is not for the people anymore," he says. "It is only for certain individuals. They look after themselves and their friends, while the ordinary village person gets nothing."

Moreover, he says, he sees a nation standing still. While other countries that gained freedom alongside Lesotho have built strong economies, modern transport and good hospitals, Lesotho still struggles with deep poverty and young people leaving to find work elsewhere.

As the anniversary nears, Mr. Kuoape's words echo the thoughts of many Basotho. For them, turning 60 is a time for serious reflection, not celebration, until the wealth of the land truly serves all its citizens.

On one hand, 77 year old Mrs. 'Mateboho Hlalele also from Ha-Tumahole says national jubilation feels hollow when systemic corruption and self-serving leadership continue to eclipse the original dream of freedom and self-reliance.

She reiterates that while millions of liters of water are exported and high-value diamonds are pulled from the soil, basic livelihoods for ordinary families remain difficult.

She highlights that at Ha-Tumahole, children still travel over an hour or so to access secondary education as there has been only one primary school in the area.

She adds that there are still no proper roads and basic services like health are far. She urges the government to ensure that the next 60 years be of selfless service delivery to Basotho across the 10 districts.

On the other hand, Chief Tumahole Theko states that political friction created deep fractures instead of unity among Basotho.He notes that politics should have driven national development and peace.

Therefore he urges citizens to map out a clear path for the next 60 years. He insists that national pride must belong to every Mosotho, not just a privileged few.

Furthermore, he warns that leaders must wield political power strictly in service to the people's expectations. Meanwhile Basutoland became a British protectorate under the United Kingdom in 1868 and it gained independence and became Lesotho in October, 04, 1966.