There is an axiomatic saying among Basotho that "a king is a king through his people".

This profound declaration encapsulates the essence of African democracy at work.

This concept, and many others, espousing the credo of putting the welfare of people before personal interest, shows that democracy and the ethos of good governance are not the sole preserve of Westerners.

Elsewhere in this paper is a story about an Ndebele king being sanctioned for dereliction of duty.

How different things would be if everybody in public office were to take to heart the idea that they are actually servants of the very people they're lording it over.