The headline sponsor of the Katse Tourism Festival 2026, the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), provided logistical and financial support exceeding M1 million in cash and in-kind contributions.
“The success of the Katse Tourism Festival 2026 reflects the power of partnership in unlocking tourism-driven economic opportunities. As headline sponsor, LHDA supported the festival logistically and financially to the tune of over a million maloti in cash and in-kind,” LHDA stated.
The event was made possible through the dedication of the organising committee, led by Katse Dam Action and Aid, alongside partners Jam Sessions and Leseli Tours.
“This collaboration demonstrates how tourism events can stimulate local economies while celebrating culture and community identity,” LHDA added.
Looking ahead, LHDA said it remains committed to expanding tourism opportunities across its project areas and invited more partners to support this growing platform for community-driven tourism development.
Held from Thursday, February 26 to Saturday, February 28, 2026, in the highlands around the iconic Katse Dam, this year’s festival showed renewed energy and visible growth. It expanded beyond its traditional weekend format, drawing exceptional participation from local schools and surrounding communities.
The addition of Thursday marked steady progress, with the day dedicated primarily to school activities involving 16 primary schools. This brought vibrant colour, excitement, and a deeper sense of community ownership.
From early Thursday through Saturday night, the festival grounds buzzed with children in school uniforms, teachers guiding performances, and parents cheering. Traditional dances, poetry, choral performances, and cultural displays took centre stage as young learners showcased their talents against the stunning backdrop of the dam and mountains.
Selikane Rakuoane, Chairperson of Katse Action and Aid, highlighted the significance of the Thursday programme.
“In the beginning, we focused only on the main weekend days, but now we are seeing real expansion,” Rakuoane said. “Sixteen primary schools participated this year. That alone shows the festival is growing.”
He described the vision as long-term and acknowledged that progress was gradual but optimistic.
“This event will eventually become what we want it to be. It takes baby steps. Growth does not happen overnight, but we are moving in the right direction,” he said.
Rakuoane stressed the need for stronger partnerships, particularly with the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC).
“We need the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation and others to fully support us. If we work together, this can become one of the biggest tourism events in the country,” he added.
While Thursday and Friday featured school competitions and community activities, Saturday delivered the main attractions: performances by local and international artists, food exhibitions, sporting events, and cultural showcases.
Organisers noted challenges with Saturday attendance, often lower than Thursday and Friday.
“The festival on Saturday needs more collaborations and broader advertising. It is normally not as packed as the other days,” one organiser observed. They believe enhanced marketing and strategic tourism-sector partnerships could boost turnout significantly.
The festival also advanced economic goals, with local vendors selling traditional food, crafts, and handmade products. Small business owners described it as a vital platform for reaching new customers and increasing income.
For LHDA, supporting the festival aligns with its 10-Year Strategy, viewing tourism as a pathway for livelihood diversification in project-affected communities. By strengthening participation in the tourism value chain, LHDA aims to deliver tangible benefits from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
Minister of Natural Resources Mohlomi Moleko thanked LHDA for its support, noting the festival advances the objectives of the 1986 Lesotho Highlands Water Treaty between Lesotho and South Africa. The treaty emphasises infrastructure development, including dams, bridges, and hydroelectric power stations, alongside tourism promotion.
“Beyond tourism, this festival shows young people that they can earn money from their talents,” Moleko said, referencing the cash prizes.
LHDA Chief Executive Tente Tente outlined plans to create more tourist experiences across LHDA-managed sites.
“We are aiming to host such festivals more frequently throughout the year in different locations under LHDA,” he said.
Summary
- The headline sponsor of the Katse Tourism Festival 2026, the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), provided logistical and financial support exceeding M1 million in cash and in-kind contributions.
- As headline sponsor, LHDA supported the festival logistically and financially to the tune of over a million maloti in cash and in-kind,” LHDA stated.
- Minister of Natural Resources Mohlomi Moleko thanked LHDA for its support, noting the festival advances the objectives of the 1986 Lesotho Highlands Water Treaty between Lesotho and South Africa.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
