'Mantsopa

Mantsopa Makhetha (c. 1800 – 1894), also known as 'Mantsopa, was a highly influential prophetess and advisor in 19th-century Lesotho. Born in the Free State (now part of South Africa), she gained prominence amongst the Basotho people for her supposed ability to predict the future, provide guidance during times of hardship, and offer medicinal remedies.

Mantsopa's influence stemmed from her claims of divine communication with ancestral spirits and her ability to interpret natural phenomena. During a severe drought in the 1850s, her instructions to the Basotho regarding rainmaking ceremonies were credited with ending the drought, significantly enhancing her reputation and power. She became a trusted advisor to King Moshoeshoe I, founder of the Basotho nation, providing counsel on political and military matters. Her advice was particularly sought during the Basotho Wars against the Boers.

Despite her influence, Mantsopa's role was not without controversy. Some missionaries and members of the Basotho royal family viewed her with suspicion, perceiving her traditional beliefs as a threat to the spread of Christianity and established political power.

After Moshoeshoe's death in 1870, Mantsopa's influence waned. She eventually settled in the district of Morija, where she continued to practice her traditional healing and prophetic arts until her death in 1894. She remains a significant figure in Basotho history, remembered for her role as a spiritual leader, advisor, and symbol of traditional Basotho beliefs during a period of significant social and political upheaval. Her legacy continues to be debated and reinterpreted, highlighting the complex relationship between tradition, religion, and political power in 19th-century Lesotho.