… Launch Diamond Jubilee celebrations
Refiloe Molise
Basotho gathered at Thaba-Bosiu Cultural Village on Wednesday this week to commemorate Moshoeshoe’s Day, celebrating the life and legacy of Morena Moshoeshoe.
The national event was attended by His Majesty King Letsie III, members of the royal family, government officials and traditional leaders, who joined Basotho from across the country to reflect on the unity, peace and visionary leadership that laid the foundation of the Basotho nation.
The commemoration also marked the official launch of Lesotho’s Diamond Jubilee, celebrating 60 years since the country attained independence.
The Diamond Jubilee represents a significant national milestone, symbolising endurance, strength and resilience after six decades of self-rule. The event also provided an opportunity for Basotho to reflect on the country’s journey since independence and the values of unity, development and national identity.
Speaking on behalf of the Principal Chief of Thaba-Bosiu, Leloka Mohalenyane welcomed Basotho to the national celebration and emphasised the significance of gathering at the historic birthplace of the nation.
He conveyed the gratitude of Principal Chief Khoabane Theko, who was unable to attend the event.
“The Principal Chief asked me to express his sincere gratitude to Basotho who came in large numbers to celebrate this important day at Thaba-Bosiu,” Mohalenyane said.
He also acknowledged the support of the Prime Minister and corporate sponsors who contributed to the celebrations.
Mohalenyane highlighted the unique traditional welcome accorded to King Letsie III during the event.
“Celebrating Moshoeshoe’s Day is one of the greatest moments for Basotho. It is not common for the King to be welcomed with horses, but today Basotho brought out their horses to honour His Majesty,” he said.
He encouraged Basotho to continue strengthening the celebration in the future.
“This shows the pride Basotho have in their heritage. Next time we must do even better to demonstrate our unity and the respect we have for this important day,” Mohalenyane said.
Speaking during the commemoration, Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane said the gathering was not only meant to honour Morena Moshoeshoe but also to mark the launch of Lesotho’s 60th anniversary of independence.
“We gather here today to celebrate the legacy of King Moshoeshoe I and to launch the Diamond Jubilee of Lesotho’s 60 years of independence. We will always remember that it was in October 1966 when Lesotho attained its independence,” Matekane said.
Lesotho gained independence from British colonial rule on October 4, 1966, under the leadership of King Moshoeshoe II.
Matekane also highlighted the significance of Lesotho being governed under a monarchy.
“In Africa, there are only a few countries that are led by monarchies, including Lesotho, Eswatini and Morocco. As Basotho, we are proud to be the Kingdom of Lesotho,” he said.
He said Moshoeshoe’s Day offers Basotho an opportunity to reflect on the values established by the founder of the nation.
“It is our duty as government and as Basotho to remember the good deeds of the founder of this nation and to reflect on what each of us can do to maintain peace, unity and grow the economy of our country,” Matekane said.
Quoting the words of King Moshoeshoe I, the Prime Minister said: “O ka nketsang ha e ahe motse, motse ho ahoa oa Morapeli Thesele,” emphasising the importance of community cooperation and collective responsibility in building the nation.
Matekane further called on communities, traditional leaders, the police and local policing forums to work together in combating corruption and strengthening peace.
“I want to assure Basotho that when there is peace and stability in the country, the economy will grow. Economic growth is the responsibility of every Mosotho,” he said.
He added that the government remains committed to prioritising the welfare of Basotho.
“As government, we will always put Basotho first by providing services that promote economic growth and ensure that peace and unity continue to prevail in the Kingdom of Lesotho,” Matekane said.
King Letsie III also reflected on the enduring legacy of Morena Moshoeshoe and called on Basotho to prepare for the upcoming Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
“We are here at Thaba-Bosiu again, as we have many times in the past, to remember the founder of the Basotho nation, Morena Moshoeshoe, with respect and love,” the King said.
“This is a significant day for all Basotho, no matter where we live in the country.”
The King encouraged Basotho to approach the journey towards the 60th anniversary of independence with reflection and prayer, emphasising the values of peace, unity and love established by Moshoeshoe I.
“From this day until October, as we prepare to celebrate 60 years of Lesotho’s independence, let us fix our hearts and minds as Basotho. Prepare our hearts and minds by remembering everything we celebrated during the 200-year anniversary of the nation founded by King Moshoeshoe I — peace, unity and love,” he said.
He urged the nation to pray for guidance and uphold the founder’s vision in daily life.
“On this journey of preparing for independence celebrations, let us pray that our hearts be filled with peace, unity and understanding. When there is no peace in our hearts individually, we cannot have it in our families, villages or in the country,” the King said.
“My prayer is that Almighty God opens our hearts and minds so that the aim of our founder stays in our hearts and heads.”
He concluded by reminding Basotho of the spiritual significance of the day.
“This is not a day for speeches, but for prayer to ask God to guide us as He guided the founder of this nation and to continue blessing us as we celebrate many years of independence as the Basotho nation. Let us all live in peace, unity and love,” the King said.
Summary
- The national event was attended by His Majesty King Letsie III, members of the royal family, government officials and traditional leaders, who joined Basotho from across the country to reflect on the unity, peace and visionary leadership that laid the foundation of the Basotho nation.
- Speaking on behalf of the Principal Chief of Thaba-Bosiu, Leloka Mohalenyane welcomed Basotho to the national celebration and emphasised the significance of gathering at the historic birthplace of the nation.
- “It is our duty as government and as Basotho to remember the good deeds of the founder of this nation and to reflect on what each of us can do to maintain peace, unity and grow the economy of our country,” Matekane said.
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