Mokhotlong Urban Council

Mokhotlong Urban is the principal town and administrative seat of Mokhotlong District, located in the rugged northeastern highlands of Lesotho. The name “Mokhotlong” roughly translates to “Place of the Bald Ibis” in Sesotho, reflecting the region’s rich natural heritage. Perched near the Maloti Mountains, Mokhotlong is one of the more remote urban centers in the country, with its elevation and terrain shaping both its economy and way of life.

The governing institution for this area is the Mokhotlong Urban Council, a legally recognized local government body within Lesotho’s system of decentralized governance. The Council comprises eleven councillors — as of 2017, four were women and seven men. As part of its governance structure, the Urban Council also includes representation from traditional leadership; for example, two chiefs were nominated to represent their peers in recent years.