"All Basotho Convention (ABC) leader Thomas Motsoahae Thabane has for the first time openly apologised to the Factory Workers’ Union (FAWU) for the death of its members two years ago." reports Public Eye of 15/12/2006
Apologising publicly for the death of the factory workers should be commended. We hope it is not the normal opportunism and 'crocodile tears' as we have seen with many politicians before him.
Most importantly, I hope that Monghali Motsoahae Thabane has staying power. Because there are many terrible things which he was directly responsible for during his tenure as a government of Lesotho Minister, to name a few:
- as a Minister of Foreign affairs he was responsible for hundreds if not thousands of blank passports that went missing from the department
- as a Minister of Communications he instructed his serviles within the department to cut MoAfrica Radio off air in Mafeteng
- in 1998 he invited foreign soldiers to invade Lesotho. I am not even sure what to call them, hired guns, mercenaries, soldiers of fortune, highway men, SANDF and BDF soldiers or SADC soldiers???
- in 1998, when asked to account for the killing of innocent LDF soldiers at Katse Dam by his gang of hired guns/mercenaries/SANDF and BDF soldiers, he said that people who were mourning their death "BA NA LE MEOKHO E BAPALANG". What a cheeky answer, from a cheeky old man. Heartless.
If he has staying power, he should be thinking of apologising for the above and more.......
For a long time I have been complaining about situations where our politicians failed the nation but never stated what could have been attempted instead: I have complained about our politicians avoiding specific plans in order to dodge accountability but I have not given out any example myself to clarify what I mean。Like many people I have criticized Let me put myself as a target to be criticized, evaluated and advised with a solid plan which a politician who could take it would not be running away of accountability, he or she could be straight away referred to what he promised and where he/she failed. I intend to just discuss just one specific plan that can be implemented to preserve Lesotho’s history and enhance tourism which would eventually attract both locals and foreigners constituting revenue for the country. Menkhoaneng to Thaba-Bosiu road – Lifaqane trek (Road): It has been repeated time and again that Lesotho has got no mineral resources which leads to the government main source of revenue as income tax (about 35%) and sales tax 14%. It must be noted here that from a mosotho salary a total of about 49% (35 +14) goes to the government as tax (a few years back in Botswana their income tax was only 5% - no wonder why the country has developed so much). But what has not been stated clearly is that we have human resources that could attract foreigners and mountains that make a very beautiful scenery and a sense of wilderness which so many foreigners are interested in. We have a rich unique tradition and culture which if put into proper use it could bring a lot of income for ordinary Basotho as well as the government.
Swaziland has the reed dance which attracts so many foreigners to that country every year while we watch and do nothing about our tradition. Even better than the Swazi reed dance we could have a historical trek that was once taken by Moshoeshoe from Menkhoaneng to Thaba-Bosiu in his endeavor to build the nation and survive wars. Here is the plan:
The government builds a road from Menkhoaneng to Thaba-Bosiu exactly on the path that was taken by Moshoeshoe 1 – This will protect our history as a nation. On this road all the important historical spots be distinctly marked – e.g. Places where there were cannibals, where Peete was killed, places like caves in Malimong where these cannibals used to live and how they used to surprise people etc.
With this road in existence, throughout the year both primary schools and high school students would easily be taking trips through it not only to learn the history but to live the Lesotho history. With individuals (including foreigners) taking trips to historical places on this road, the individuals who live on these places could sell their traditional attires or whatever resources they have hence earn a living.
At both Menkhoaneng and Thaba bosiu built a traditional Basotho villages for both tourists as well as Basotho where people could go to see how Basotho used to leave in those days. I have always wondered how our leaders feel about the issue that Lesotho citizens (especially students) go to Qwa-qwa to learn about the life of Basotho from their Basotho village –these includes even Basotho food, motoho, leting and how Moshoeshoe use to rule etc. It is high time that such villages are build where they belong and where they would benefit the country.
The presence of the road and these Basotho villages would lead to Lesotho millionaires like Nthane, Matekane, Kou, Lebona etc into building hotels or motels in forms of traditional Basotho houses where people visiting these places could stay, provided these rich guys are invited and made aware of the benefits or business opportunities they could reap from here. At the same time ordinary Basotho would gain by advertising their wares at these places. In fact the mountains, ridges and gorges would be a great attraction to the foreigners especially in winter when there is snow. Perhaps we are so used to snow in Lesotho that we forget that people from other countries do not know snow and are moving around the world to places where they may get snow.
Every year during our national day (Moshoeshoe’s day or independence day) the king（Letsie III and his wife）or whoever he dedicates to do the job leads the nation to repeat the great lifaqane trek (on foot or horseback) wearing traditional attires – It is this trek that resulted in us still being recognized as a nation yet nobody seems to care about it. Just think about how many people would love to make the trek in the presence of a king – this would certainly be re-living the history. There are usually lots of funds that are raised by organization from a fun walk –this would be more than just a fun walk. But the most important thing is that the ordinary Basotho along the road would benefit a lot as people would want to buy things that they may use as memories for having gone through the history.
The whole trek could be made as similar as possible (live) to the original by using our military (instead of letting them keep on eating beef and peanuts while they do nothing to bring revenue to the nation) to act as the King’s warriors protecting him and the nation and relaying messages (i.e. having lititimi le masupatsela) of what lies ahead as it used to happen. Some of them could be used in specific places to act as the cannibals and other challenges that Moshoeshoe met on his way to complete his journey – I guess this alone would attract so many foreigners to the country in an endeavor to become part of the historical moment every year where Basotho are proud in their traditional attire. A lot of students would take part as it happens with Morija Arts and Cultural Festival. Just think about the fun that people had in Setsoto when 40 years of independence was celebrated with various traditional attires –some of which identified people by their own chiefs, regions and clans. People singing and reciting their own poetry (lithoko) etc.
When one looks around in the whole world there are historical places that are a huge attraction for both people of the respective countries and foreigners as well as believers in a certain region, every the Muslim wants to reach Mecca in his life, Every Chinese wants to reach a place they call Thaishan, to see Bhudah and they all want to climb the great wall, ZCC members go to Morie, IPCC go to Silo, Catholics want to meet the pope, etc. What about Basotho?
The simple matching of the military (and the police) alone is enough to attract attention. People usually just go to Setsoto stadium to watch them –they do not go there to listen to speeches really. We should remember that the trek was along the hills which practically attract foreigners who mostly live in towns in their countries and are looking for adventure.
South Africa has Comrades marathon which attracts people throughout the whole world. This historical road from Menkhoaneng to Thaba Bosiu could be used in a similar manner for a historical marathon in the country. This is even more special because our country is at a high altitude – bringing a greater challenge to runners from outside Lesotho and giving Basotho an advantage. Perhaps we may not be aware that we are on top of the world – the kingdom in the sky. Just like we have companies sponsoring football, the marathon could be sponsored the same way.
We have roof of Africa – Let it also be planned such that it goes through these trek between Thaba-Bosiu and Menkhoaneng because we cannot build races courses like they have in first world countries where people like Schumacher raced. But the nature of our country provides a bigger natural challenge which racing cars and motorcycle drivers are looking for. Our terrain can be used to our advantage rather than complaining about what we do not have instead of using what we have. We would be having a very challenging car racing course instead of complaining about lack of funds to build one which looks like a stadium as they do in first world countries . Besides roof of Africa, marathon and national day match and others, there could be bicycle or horse races or speed walking (as they do in Olympics) competitions organized at different times of the year. This means the trek can be organized to be active all year round.
At the main entrance (khorong) to the Basotho castle which is Thaba-bosiu, there is a story of how Wepener was sitting down on a rock calling up on his soldiers who were below when a certain mosotho who was hiding behind a ts`ilabele tree used a huge boulder to kill him. This is supposed to be the closest place that the whites ever reached in their attempt to reach the top of Thaba-bosiu. For historical purposes this place requires the statue of Wepener with his gun and that mosotho warrior carrying a boulder behind the tree throwing it down. On a flat piece of stone it would be written what exactly was happening. The history then becomes live and permanent rather than only passed by word of mouth. At the top of entrance (khorong) statues of Basotho warrior guarding the entrance are made. All these statues that I am talking about can be made by basotho artists using stones! Thaba-Bosiu e tentšoe meru ea lifate. Moshoeshoe’s village at the top of Thaba-bosiu be preserved and brought as much a possible to its original state- this is supposed to be the pinnacle of our history and a great source of income for the country yet at the moment it is neglected (joaloka `moko oa pere) as if it is worth nothing at all. At the Moshoeshoe village on top of Thaba-Bosiu we still lack the statue of Moshoeshoe 1 perhaps under that historic that was used as Khotla where people were fined cows for breaking the law and the meat eaten by the whole nation.
People going up Thaba-bosiu or the stated Basotho villages would pay stipulated amount of money which will provide revenue for the country which would be a step towards decreasing the high income tax paid by Lesotho citizens by close to about 4%. With these structures in place the lives of ordinary people in all the historical Places between Thaba-bosiu and Menkhoaneng will improve as they would have business opportunities. With these structures in place, the nation has places of interest to go to during holidays which also serve as their history making the nation get interested in their identity. Ordinary basotho could rear ponies to be hired by people who intend to make the trek on horseback-Let us remember that foreigners ride on horseback not only for fun but because they do not have this opportunity in their countries. Besides the financial benefits, the trek would allow basotho citizens to have free unhindered movement within the country.
Open a regularly updated website that have archives for events that happen throughout the year on this Menkhoaneng to Thaba-Bosiu trek and historical sites. This could be where our all sorts of traditional clothing will play a major role. The archives should include lively photos of what happens, especially the cultural part as a way of advertising or selling the country to the whole outside world. At both Thaba-bosiu and Menkhoaneng built youth hostels (perhaps with a single room that can cater for four people) so that schools would have a place for their students to rest or sleep at cheaper costs when they visit these historic places. These hostels could also be used by visitors who are not well off financially to sleep in flamboyant hotels or motels. With these in place lounging for the rich and the poor will be catered for.
When foreign dignitaries are in the country there could be arrangements made for them to visit these historic places and even some of their meetings could be arranged to be held in hotels built around these places to induce their interest and as a form of entertainment for them as well as marketing. These will be continuous source of income for the country with very minor maintenance required. The project would create job opportunities for people of the respective regions and increase business opportunities enhancing the life of ordinary citizens and eventually bring development to the disadvantaged yet historical places. Time limit for this to be fully functional is five years. Now, how is this a bad plan? How can it be improved to better benefit Lesotho. This is certainly not vision 2020, or does it appear in any of the things stated in vision 2020? In any case what I have tried to put down here is what I think is a specific plan which if a politician states clearly he may be accountable for its failure or success. However we seem to be faced with a problem whereby someone simply writes down “We will improve tourism in the country” without stating exactly how they intend to do so. I have wanted to give this to any party which is open to criticism and ask them what they think about it – unfortunately all of them seem to have closed doors for discussion or do not want to give out their manifestos and plans of action –perhaps because they have non. Furthermore there are so many of the historical places that involve wars fought by Basotho which could also be developed the same way after this- stating clearly what is to be developed and what time limit is set and how that would improve the life of the people. This perhaps may be typical of what I want a politician to tell me before I vote for him or her! Let us go and vote but let us first find out what specific tangible plans these politicians offer. In any case we should be aware that some offer nothing and rely on ignorance of the people for voting for them knowing quite well that he/she is not capable of ruling the country but rather wants to take an advantage of proportional representation to have a place in parliament where he or she would earn tax free salary for his family and being provided free lunch.
Nkokoto, i am ofthe opinion that Tom did that coz has to with this workers and trying to clean up himself, but lets wait and watch what he will do for them after elction. Thabo goodpoints but trying to give light to ppl who do not see at all, if they were smart they could take it and do something , thats good viva!
we need serious change,and the abc will bring that change.the three musketeers have to go namely mosisili,moleleki and of course malie.these guys are richer than the country itself,and they still want some more.They have raped the country.
Blaming some people like ntate Moleleki and ntate Malie doesnt help with anything.We just have to give up on our counrty,anyboby from anywhere cannot help.Everybody have to fight for his head, just like they did.
Anonymous, you are probably right. However, blame is good if used in the right context and pointed at the right people. If done right, blame teaches how not to make the same mistakes in future.
In this case, if indeed this duo is bad for the country, then there is something to learn....DONT BOTHER ELECTING THEM IN THE NEXT ELECTIONS.
That is a very interesting staff from Thabo,u really showed patrotism for your own country. As a Tourism student you gave me a very good challenge and motivation. I am looking forward to working hard and ensuring that we pester our government to give us funds thereby making use of our country's resources.
8 comments:
Apologising publicly for the death of the factory workers should be commended. We hope it is not the normal opportunism and 'crocodile tears' as we have seen with many politicians before him.
Most importantly, I hope that Monghali Motsoahae Thabane has staying power. Because there are many terrible things which he was directly responsible for during his tenure as a government of Lesotho Minister, to name a few:
- as a Minister of Foreign affairs he was responsible for hundreds if not thousands of blank passports that went missing from the department
- as a Minister of Communications he instructed his serviles within the department to cut MoAfrica Radio off air in Mafeteng
- in 1998 he invited foreign soldiers to invade Lesotho. I am not even sure what to call them, hired guns, mercenaries, soldiers of fortune, highway men, SANDF and BDF soldiers or SADC soldiers???
- in 1998, when asked to account for the killing of innocent LDF soldiers at Katse Dam by his gang of hired guns/mercenaries/SANDF and BDF soldiers, he said that people who were mourning their death "BA NA LE MEOKHO E BAPALANG". What a cheeky answer, from a cheeky old man. Heartless.
If he has staying power, he should be thinking of apologising for the above and more.......
For a long time I have been complaining about situations where our politicians failed the nation but never stated what could have been attempted instead: I have complained about our politicians avoiding specific plans in order to dodge accountability but I have not given out any example myself to clarify what I mean。Like many people I have criticized Let me put myself as a target to be criticized, evaluated and advised with a solid plan which a politician who could take it would not be running away of accountability, he or she could be straight away referred to what he promised and where he/she failed.
I intend to just discuss just one specific plan that can be implemented to preserve Lesotho’s history and enhance tourism which would eventually attract both locals and foreigners constituting revenue for the country.
Menkhoaneng to Thaba-Bosiu road – Lifaqane trek (Road):
It has been repeated time and again that Lesotho has got no mineral resources which leads to the government main source of revenue as income tax (about 35%) and sales tax 14%. It must be noted here that from a mosotho salary a total of about 49% (35 +14) goes to the government as tax (a few years back in Botswana their income tax was only 5% - no wonder why the country has developed so much). But what has not been stated clearly is that we have human resources that could attract foreigners and mountains that make a very beautiful scenery and a sense of wilderness which so many foreigners are interested in. We have a rich unique tradition and culture which if put into proper use it could bring a lot of income for ordinary Basotho as well as the government.
Swaziland has the reed dance which attracts so many foreigners to that country every year while we watch and do nothing about our tradition. Even better than the Swazi reed dance we could have a historical trek that was once taken by Moshoeshoe from Menkhoaneng to Thaba-Bosiu in his endeavor to build the nation and survive wars. Here is the plan:
The government builds a road from Menkhoaneng to Thaba-Bosiu exactly on the path that was taken by Moshoeshoe 1 – This will protect our history as a nation. On this road all the important historical spots be distinctly marked – e.g. Places where there were cannibals, where Peete was killed, places like caves in Malimong where these cannibals used to live and how they used to surprise people etc.
With this road in existence, throughout the year both primary schools and high school students would easily be taking trips through it not only to learn the history but to live the Lesotho history. With individuals (including foreigners) taking trips to historical places on this road, the individuals who live on these places could sell their traditional attires or whatever resources they have hence earn a living.
At both Menkhoaneng and Thaba bosiu built a traditional Basotho villages for both tourists as well as Basotho where people could go to see how Basotho used to leave in those days. I have always wondered how our leaders feel about the issue that Lesotho citizens (especially students) go to Qwa-qwa to learn about the life of Basotho from their Basotho village –these includes even Basotho food, motoho, leting and how Moshoeshoe use to rule etc. It is high time that such villages are build where they belong and where they would benefit the country.
The presence of the road and these Basotho villages would lead to Lesotho millionaires like Nthane, Matekane, Kou, Lebona etc into building hotels or motels in forms of traditional Basotho houses where people visiting these places could stay, provided these rich guys are invited and made aware of the benefits or business opportunities they could reap from here. At the same time ordinary Basotho would gain by advertising their wares at these places. In fact the mountains, ridges and gorges would be a great attraction to the foreigners especially in winter when there is snow. Perhaps we are so used to snow in Lesotho that we forget that people from other countries do not know snow and are moving around the world to places where they may get snow.
Every year during our national day (Moshoeshoe’s day or independence day) the king（Letsie III and his wife）or whoever he dedicates to do the job leads the nation to repeat the great lifaqane trek (on foot or horseback) wearing traditional attires – It is this trek that resulted in us still being recognized as a nation yet nobody seems to care about it. Just think about how many people would love to make the trek in the presence of a king – this would certainly be re-living the history. There are usually lots of funds that are raised by organization from a fun walk –this would be more than just a fun walk. But the most important thing is that the ordinary Basotho along the road would benefit a lot as people would want to buy things that they may use as memories for having gone through the history.
The whole trek could be made as similar as possible (live) to the original by using our military (instead of letting them keep on eating beef and peanuts while they do nothing to bring revenue to the nation) to act as the King’s warriors protecting him and the nation and relaying messages (i.e. having lititimi le masupatsela) of what lies ahead as it used to happen. Some of them could be used in specific places to act as the cannibals and other challenges that Moshoeshoe met on his way to complete his journey – I guess this alone would attract so many foreigners to the country in an endeavor to become part of the historical moment every year where Basotho are proud in their traditional attire. A lot of students would take part as it happens with Morija Arts and Cultural Festival. Just think about the fun that people had in Setsoto when 40 years of independence was celebrated with various traditional attires –some of which identified people by their own chiefs, regions and clans. People singing and reciting their own poetry (lithoko) etc.
When one looks around in the whole world there are historical places that are a huge attraction for both people of the respective countries and foreigners as well as believers in a certain region, every the Muslim wants to reach Mecca in his life, Every Chinese wants to reach a place they call Thaishan, to see Bhudah and they all want to climb the great wall, ZCC members go to Morie, IPCC go to Silo, Catholics want to meet the pope, etc. What about Basotho?
The simple matching of the military (and the police) alone is enough to attract attention. People usually just go to Setsoto stadium to watch them –they do not go there to listen to speeches really. We should remember that the trek was along the hills which practically attract foreigners who mostly live in towns in their countries and are looking for adventure.
South Africa has Comrades marathon which attracts people throughout the whole world. This historical road from Menkhoaneng to Thaba Bosiu could be used in a similar manner for a historical marathon in the country. This is even more special because our country is at a high altitude – bringing a greater challenge to runners from outside Lesotho and giving Basotho an advantage. Perhaps we may not be aware that we are on top of the world – the kingdom in the sky. Just like we have companies sponsoring football, the marathon could be sponsored the same way.
We have roof of Africa – Let it also be planned such that it goes through these trek between Thaba-Bosiu and Menkhoaneng because we cannot build races courses like they have in first world countries where people like Schumacher raced. But the nature of our country provides a bigger natural challenge which racing cars and motorcycle drivers are looking for. Our terrain can be used to our advantage rather than complaining about what we do not have instead of using what we have. We would be having a very challenging car racing course instead of complaining about lack of funds to build one which looks like a stadium as they do in first world countries .
Besides roof of Africa, marathon and national day match and others, there could be bicycle or horse races or speed walking (as they do in Olympics) competitions organized at different times of the year. This means the trek can be organized to be active all year round.
At the main entrance (khorong) to the Basotho castle which is Thaba-bosiu, there is a story of how Wepener was sitting down on a rock calling up on his soldiers who were below when a certain mosotho who was hiding behind a ts`ilabele tree used a huge boulder to kill him. This is supposed to be the closest place that the whites ever reached in their attempt to reach the top of Thaba-bosiu. For historical purposes this place requires the statue of Wepener with his gun and that mosotho warrior carrying a boulder behind the tree throwing it down. On a flat piece of stone it would be written what exactly was happening. The history then becomes live and permanent rather than only passed by word of mouth. At the top of entrance (khorong) statues of Basotho warrior guarding the entrance are made. All these statues that I am talking about can be made by basotho artists using stones! Thaba-Bosiu e tentšoe meru ea lifate. Moshoeshoe’s village at the top of Thaba-bosiu be preserved and brought as much a possible to its original state- this is supposed to be the pinnacle of our history and a great source of income for the country yet at the moment it is neglected (joaloka `moko oa pere) as if it is worth nothing at all. At the Moshoeshoe village on top of Thaba-Bosiu we still lack the statue of Moshoeshoe 1 perhaps under that historic that was used as Khotla where people were fined cows for breaking the law and the meat eaten by the whole nation.
People going up Thaba-bosiu or the stated Basotho villages would pay stipulated amount of money which will provide revenue for the country which would be a step towards decreasing the high income tax paid by Lesotho citizens by close to about 4%. With these structures in place the lives of ordinary people in all the historical Places between Thaba-bosiu and Menkhoaneng will improve as they would have business opportunities. With these structures in place, the nation has places of interest to go to during holidays which also serve as their history making the nation get interested in their identity. Ordinary basotho could rear ponies to be hired by people who intend to make the trek on horseback-Let us remember that foreigners ride on horseback not only for fun but because they do not have this opportunity in their countries. Besides the financial benefits, the trek would allow basotho citizens to have free unhindered movement within the country.
Open a regularly updated website that have archives for events that happen throughout the year on this Menkhoaneng to Thaba-Bosiu trek and historical sites. This could be where our all sorts of traditional clothing will play a major role. The archives should include lively photos of what happens, especially the cultural part as a way of advertising or selling the country to the whole outside world. At both Thaba-bosiu and Menkhoaneng built youth hostels (perhaps with a single room that can cater for four people) so that schools would have a place for their students to rest or sleep at cheaper costs when they visit these historic places. These hostels could also be used by visitors who are not well off financially to sleep in flamboyant hotels or motels. With these in place lounging for the rich and the poor will be catered for.
When foreign dignitaries are in the country there could be arrangements made for them to visit these historic places and even some of their meetings could be arranged to be held in hotels built around these places to induce their interest and as a form of entertainment for them as well as marketing.
These will be continuous source of income for the country with very minor maintenance required. The project would create job opportunities for people of the respective regions and increase business opportunities enhancing the life of ordinary citizens and eventually bring development to the disadvantaged yet historical places.
Time limit for this to be fully functional is five years.
Now, how is this a bad plan? How can it be improved to better benefit Lesotho. This is certainly not vision 2020, or does it appear in any of the things stated in vision 2020?
In any case what I have tried to put down here is what I think is a specific plan which if a politician states clearly he may be accountable for its failure or success. However we seem to be faced with a problem whereby someone simply writes down “We will improve tourism in the country” without stating exactly how they intend to do so. I have wanted to give this to any party which is open to criticism and ask them what they think about it – unfortunately all of them seem to have closed doors for discussion or do not want to give out their manifestos and plans of action –perhaps because they have non.
Furthermore there are so many of the historical places that involve wars fought by Basotho which could also be developed the same way after this- stating clearly what is to be developed and what time limit is set and how that would improve the life of the people. This perhaps may be typical of what I want a politician to tell me before I vote for him or her!
Let us go and vote but let us first find out what specific tangible plans these politicians offer. In any case we should be aware that some offer nothing and rely on ignorance of the people for voting for them knowing quite well that he/she is not capable of ruling the country but rather wants to take an advantage of proportional representation to have a place in parliament where he or she would earn tax free salary for his family and being provided free lunch.
Nkokoto, i am ofthe opinion that Tom did that coz has to with this workers and trying to clean up himself, but lets wait and watch what he will do for them after elction.
Thabo goodpoints but trying to give light to ppl who do not see at all, if they were smart they could take it and do something , thats good viva!
Note that ABC and its leader have still not responded to my email....interesting indeed.
we need serious change,and the abc will bring that change.the three musketeers have to go namely mosisili,moleleki and of course malie.these guys are richer than the country itself,and they still want some more.They have raped the country.
Blaming some people like ntate Moleleki and ntate Malie doesnt help with anything.We just have to give up on our counrty,anyboby from anywhere cannot help.Everybody have to fight for his head, just like they did.
Anonymous, you are probably right. However, blame is good if used in the right context and pointed at the right people. If done right, blame teaches how not to make the same mistakes in future.
In this case, if indeed this duo is bad for the country, then there is something to learn....DONT BOTHER ELECTING THEM IN THE NEXT ELECTIONS.
That is a very interesting staff from Thabo,u really showed patrotism for your own country. As a Tourism student you gave me a very good challenge and motivation. I am looking forward to working hard and ensuring that we pester our government to give us funds thereby making use of our country's resources.
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