Thaba-Tseka Urban Council COE

Thaba‑Tseka is a mountainous town in eastern Lesotho, serving as the camptown (administrative centre) of the Thaba‑Tseka District. Located at an elevation of about 2,200 m, the town lies in rugged highlands surrounded by dramatic terrain, characteristic of the Maloti Mountains. Economically, agriculture and livestock farming dominate, with wool, mohair, and subsistence crops playing important roles. The district has made strides in food security, with community-led initiatives to increase self‑sufficiency. Culturally, Thaba-Tseka is rich in Basotho heritage — its communities are deeply connected to traditional institutions and mountain way of life, and local festivals and crafts reflect this strong sense of identity. 

The Thaba‑Tseka Urban Council is the local government body for the town of Thaba‑Tseka, and it is part of the SADC Gender Protocol “Centre of Excellence” (COE) programme, supported by Gender Links.  The council first joined the COE process in 2010, and by its 2015 evaluation had earned a Gold score, reflecting progress in gender mainstreaming and inclusive governance. The council has 14 councillors (10 men and 4 women), and though it does not have its own gender policy, it aligns its gender action planning with the national gender policy, as well as regional commitments such as the SADC Gender Protocol and Sustainable Development Goals. Through its COE engagement, the council has implemented community consultations, inclusive decision-making (including youth and people with disabilities), gender-responsive budgeting, and waste-management employment opportunities that prioritize women, youth, and persons with disabilities.