Quthing Urban Council COE

Quthing Urban, also known as Moyeni, is the town that serves as the administrative heart of Lesotho’s Quthing District. Nestled in the southern reaches of the country, this urban area is not only a political hub but also a cultural and economic focal point. With a population of over 27,000 according to the 2016 census, Quthing (Moyeni) is divided into Lower Moyeni—largely residential and commercial—and Upper Moyeni, where many of the district’s administrative offices stand. 

The Quthing Urban Council, often referred to in local development contexts as the Council of Elders (COE), plays a pivotal role in the town's governance and community development. As part of Lesotho’s decentralised local government system, the council comprises elected councillors representing its electoral divisions as well as two nominated traditional chiefs, in line with national legislation. Through its involvement in local decision-making, service provision, and gender-equality initiatives, the Council has been a key driver for inclusive development—earning it a “Bronze” status in the Gender Links COE (Centres of Excellence) programme.