Pheello Mosesi
His Majesty King Letsie III’s eldest daughter, Princess Senate Bereng Seeiso, hosted a youth forum this week at the ‘Manthabiseng Convention Center, urging Lesotho’s youth to become more socio-economically productive for the betterment of the country.
The princess was accompanied by Prince Bereng Constantine Seeiso and the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Motlatsi Maqelepo.
The event attracted students from various higher learning institutions, including the National University of Lesotho (NUL), Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT), Lerotholi Polytechnic (LP), Lesotho College of Education (LCE), Centre of Accounting Studies (CAS), and Botho University (BU), as well as Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) boot campers.
Although the forum primarily invited students from higher learning institutions, in her keynote address, the princess emphasised the importance of inclusivity and called for all Basotho youth to engage in addressing shared issues.
The event began with a seMoshoeshoe presentation by NUL lecturer Liphapang Monese, who highlighted leadership and unity as key principles of Morena Moshoeshoe I’s governance.
Monese urged the youth to embrace these values and to lead with kindness and consideration, as Moshoeshoe did while shaping the nation over two centuries ago.
Following this, a panel discussion was held with representatives from the Student Representative Councils of BU, NUL, LUCT, and LP, focusing on the topics of Unity and Inclusivity.
The panelists were tested on their leadership abilities and their application of Moshoeshoe’s leadership principles. Afterward, the audience was entertained by Sesotho dances like Mokhibo and Mohobelo.
The second panel discussion, which focused on mental health and substance abuse, grew more intense.
The panel featured mental health expert Tebello Mochaba from Mohlomi Hospital, Prince Bereng Constantine Seeiso, former Miss Lesotho and current Miss Bicentennial Lintle Masasa, and others.
Panelists shared their personal experiences and discussed the impact of mental health issues on the youth, with expert insight provided by Mochaba.
The event culminated with Princess Senate addressing the youth:
“It is our responsibility as the youth of Lesotho to thank our great-grandparents for the path they paved for us as we celebrate this bicentennial. We now have a duty to respectfully discuss the issues that affect us and develop strategies to address them,” she said.
“We must work together to use our skills and talents to build a better Lesotho—one that we all can proudly be a part of.”
In closing, Princess Senate took a solemn oath: “As for me, Senate ‘Shoeshoe Ea Moshoeshoe,’ I vow that I will never allow the flame that we have lit today to burn out. This is my promise and my pledge!”
She also assured the audience that efforts would be made to ensure that the issues discussed at the forum would be shared with all young people, guaranteeing inclusivity in future actions.
