LEBOLLO AS A SOCIAL INSTITUTION OF BASOTHO TRIBE

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This paper subscribes to the anthropological and sociological lens of Basotho’s cultural and traditional practice known as Lebollo. In Basotho culture, the institute of Lebollo is referred to as a traditional initiation social institution. The Basotho people mostly found in Sub-Saharan Africa, with Lesotho being their dominant location. In Basotho society, Lebollo is a socially acceptable traditional school attended both by young men and women. However, in a religious context it is a practice that is stigmatized, especially by the Roman Catholic Church. The main focus of this paper is to explore on the institution of Lebollo as a social institution in the Kingdom of Lesotho drawing attention to its nature. The history of Lebollo is outlined in this paper tracing its origins in the society of Basotho and exploring on the significance of impact on the social structure of Basotho people. The study adopted a qualitative theoretical approach with the use of secondary source of data collected from literature, journals, libraries, books and internet and personal observations. The Kingdom of Lesotho is a Christian dominating country with 90% of Christian population, and with the Catholics dominating. The general conclusion draws a condemnation of Lebollo by the Catholic Church and bringing to light the societal impact and community perception. This paper concludes by putting forward the artistic abilities the initiates are taught to the skills to compose African poems and songs known as ‘mangae’ during their initiation process and social complications, societal impact and community perception of Lebollo.