The teachings we are exposed to as children contribute to the beliefs we have and the shape how we view the world. The teachings we obtain from our elders are very important because they contribute to the kind of people we tend to become (our personality), and how we interact with others.

As a girl from the Basotho clan, there are many teachings that I believe to be endogenous to my ethnic group, that I got from my elders, but I am only going to discuss two of them. It has seemed to be very disrespectful when you raise your voice to a person that is older than you, even if you are called and there is distance between you and the person that is calling you, to show respect you have to close the distance and make contact with the person calling you. Ather people find it strange because you can just raise your voice a little bit to say what you need. You cannot raise your voice to an alder nor make an eye contact with them. When you speak with elders you have to bow your head as a sign of showing respect but one would argue that when one does not make an eye contact, it shows that they are hiding something. This was just to show the reader the structure of what I was referring to the teachings from Basotho.

Basotho believes in Ubuntu, that is referred as Botho. This belief underscores the importance of community, collective responsibility, and respect. Basotho teaches that one's identity and fulfillment are obtained through relationships and contributions to the welfare of others. It promotes values such as empathy, kindness, and support. Growing up with this belief have shaped how I interact with others. It has invented in me a deep respect for human dignity and a commitment to communal well-being. In my personal, I make by all means to practice empathy, recognize the interconnectedness of our actions, and contribute in a positive way to society. The spirit of Botho encourage me to value collaboration over competition and to seek harmonious relationship in all areas of life.

Another cornerstone of Basotho culture is the "lekgotla", the traditional council system. The lekgotla serves as a platform for communal decision making, conflict resolutions, and the preservation of cultural practices. This council is composed of village elders and leaders, plays an important role in maintaining social order and upholding justice. The lekgotla operates on principles of fairness, transparency and consensus. It provides a space where every voice can be heard, ensuring that decisions reflect the collective will of the community. This system fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members, as they are actively involved in governance and problem solving.

The teachings of the lekgotla have taught me the value of inclusive decision making and the importance of considering diverse perspectives. It has influenced my belief in the power of dialogue and the importance of listening to other people, more especially in times of conflict. In both personal and professional settings, I advocate for working together and seek to build consensus, drawing from wisdom and experience of people around me.