Abstract

The chapter defends a lesser-known formulation of the concept of human dignity understood in terms of seriti in Sesotho culture. I analyse two Sesotho proverbs, motho ha se ntja ha a lahloe and o se re ho moroa, moroa toe (Moroa is singular for Baroa (Bushman). Baroa also known as San or Khoi-San are indigenous hunter gatherer people and earliest inhabitants of modern day Lesotho and much of precolonial southern African. Many of their settlements can be traced to many of their paintings that can still be found in several caves in Lesotho today. Baroa lived in many of places that today are inhabited by Basotho people and much of Sesotho speaking cultures in Southern African. Descendants of Baroa can still be found today in parts of South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, among others.) as quintessential expressions of a long-standing tradition to respect the dignity of motho (a person). I use these proverbs as vantage points for analysis to reflect on the Basotho perspective of human dignity, which is both inwards looking and outwards looking. I contend that this account is an attractive interpretation of human dignity and is relevant first in informing policy development to address contemporary challenges of inclusiveness around pressing issues of gay and lesbian rights, migration, xenophobia and the recent rise of anti-immigrants’ sentiments. Second, this perspective can enrich contemporary conceptions of human dignity underpinning current international norms and standards. The chapter contends that the concept of seriti offers a fresh understanding and framing of the concept of human dignity worth consideration as an avenue for further study of the concept in ways that resonate with African cultures and, more specifically, African ethics and the key concept of botho (ubuntu).