Our History
The Durham Lesotho Link was founded in 1986.
It is an independent charity but was set up through the partnership of the Durham Diocese and the Diocese of Lesotho.
Bishop David Jenkins and Bishop Phillip Mokuku were the respective Diocesan Bishops.
The Durham Diocesan Synod agreed to this partnership on 2nd November 1985 and the Charity was established in May 1986. Early Executive Officers from Durham, Dr Peter Green and Paul Jefferson worked hard in partnership with EO’s in Lesotho, Revd Edwin Chaka, Stephen Molokeng and Me Rosalia Ramaholi.
Early Days
In the early days the projects were run out of an office in the compound of the Cathedral in Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho.
As the Link was an independent charity, with the aim of development, it was able to bid for money from the EU and British Overseas Development Agency.
From a process starting in 1996, with Me Christine Beukes, as EO 2001 to 2006, and Stephen Mabula on the staff, and EO from 2007 to 2013, the Link secured land at the Maqalika dam. This is a reservoir in Maseru. A boathouse, 2002, and offices, 2004, and accommodation for backpackers 2006 and an Ablution Block for campers, were built.
Over the Years
Over the years the site has seen extensive development. A Kitchen and Dining Room were added. The Rondavel, proving comfortable accommodation, was built in 2007, the Education Centre, 2011, Durham House accommodation in 2017, and the Kopanong meeting room in 2022. The site is now a 65 bed conference and residential centre, and well used by many people.
The Lesotho Durham Link now runs from there, with the Revd Dr Joseph Morenammele as EO, 2013 to now.
Past Lesotho EO’s were: Stephen Molokeng 1991-1994; Me Rosalia Ramoholi 1994-2001, Me Christine Beukes 2001-2006, Stephen Mabula 2007-2013.
Support has been given by Durham EO’s: Peter Green 1986 - 1994, Paul Jefferson 1994 -2001, The Revds. Rob and Margaret Bianchi, 2002 – 2022, and Lee Musson from 2023.
A Board in Lesotho and Trustees in the UK undergird the life and work of the Link.
