For the first time in Lesotho, people living with lupus, their caregivers, and health workers will come together this May for a special gathering aimed at shining a light on a disease that remains largely unknown to many Basotho.
The Lupus Warrior Brunch, organised by Beka & Co., will take place on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Maseru Mall (former Westpack store). The event coincides with World Lupus Day and forms part of global Lupus Awareness Month.
Speaking ahead of the event, Beka & Co. spokesperson Thembeka Magaga Mokhalinyane said the timing was intentional.
“Lupus is real and it exists in our communities. Those living with it need understanding, support, and to know they are not alone,” said Mokhalinyane.
“Awareness in Lesotho is still very limited, which is why we are bringing this important conversation home.”
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. It commonly causes extreme fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and in severe cases, can lead to organ damage.
The condition disproportionately affects women and is frequently misdiagnosed, particularly in countries where public awareness remains low.
The inaugural brunch will combine expert health talks, personal storytelling from lupus patients, live music, and wellness checks. Healthcare professionals and wellness practitioners will address lupus and broader autoimmune care, with doctors and nurses expected to form part of the programme.
At the heart of the event will be Basotho lupus warriors bravely sharing their personal journeys. “Their voices are central to this gathering,” Mokhalinyane emphasised, adding that some warriors are open to speaking with the media to help raise further awareness.
Attendance is limited to 70 people to create an intimate and meaningful experience. The guest list includes individuals living with lupus, caregivers, parents of children with autoimmune conditions, health professionals, and interested members of the public.
Tickets are priced at M200, with organisers working alongside sponsors to provide complimentary and subsidised tickets for those who cannot afford to pay.
Beyond the meal, attendees can expect practical health information, peer support, wellness resources, and gift bags. The event has also been designed with accessibility in mind, taking into consideration the fatigue and mobility challenges often faced by lupus patients. Organisers hope the brunch will mark the beginning of sustained support for the lupus community in Lesotho. Plans are already underway toestablish ongoing awareness campaigns, community engagement initiatives, and potential support groups.
“We aim to make this an annual platform that continues to grow awareness and build a strong, supportive community,” Mokhalinyane said.
Summary
- For the first time in Lesotho, people living with lupus, their caregivers, and health workers will come together this May for a special gathering aimed at shining a light on a disease that remains largely unknown to many Basotho.
- Healthcare professionals and wellness practitioners will address lupus and broader autoimmune care, with doctors and nurses expected to form part of the programme.
- Organisers hope the brunch will mark the beginning of sustained support for the lupus community in Lesotho.
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
