The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority’s (LHDA) support of the rapidly growing Katse Dam Tourism Festival reflects its wider commitment to preserving the cultural and natural heritage of Lesotho.
As part of its broader mandate, the LHDA is historically renowned for investing in infrastructure projects and tourism initiatives that respect the environment and promote cultural preservation.
The Katse Dam, which serves as the centre piece for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), an elaborate network of water works between Lesotho and South Africa, is also a focal point for tourist attraction.
By sponsoring the Katse Dam Tourism Festival, the LHDA hopes to draw attention to the area’s natural beauty and rich traditions while ensuring that such development is environmentally sustainable.
This year’s edition of the festival, held from March 7-8, witnessed the unwavering support of the LHDA, ensuring the successful delivery of the two-day extravaganza that featured a myriad of cultural and traditional performances, traditional cuisine, athletics events and aerobics and top billed performances from some of the prominent local musicians.
The annual festival, which carries the tagline A Cultural Celebration of Moshoeshoe 1 not only showcases the vibrancy of Lesotho’s traditions, but also highlights how heritage and tourism can go hand in hand to boost local economies and bring communities together.
Every year, the hosting of the festival coincides with the celebration of Moshoeshoe’s Day: a public holiday that takes place on March 11 to commemorate the passing of the founder of Basotho nation, king Moshoeshoe I.
Now in its fourth installment, the vibrant festival is the brainchild of the locals living within the Katse Dam village vicinity.
LHDA’s vital role in the festival
The presence of the LHDA at the festival emphasised the importance of such events in promoting sustainable tourism. By fostering the celebration of local culture, the LHDA is working hard to turn Katse into a cultural hub that attracts visitors from all corners of the globe.
“This is more than a festival; it is a living testament to the heartbeat of the Basotho people. As LHDA, we are committed to ensuring that ownership and meaningful participation in this project remain rooted in the communities who give it life,” the LHDA’s Chief Executive Tente Tente remarked on the side lines of the festival.
“Here, visitors do not just witness a dam and its workings; they immerse in our culture, walk in our villages, and experience the spirit of Basotho traditions. Events like the cattle riding competition are more than spectacle; they are a celebration of heritage, resilience, and pride. For us this is not just development; it is empowerment. The story of Katse will always be written by those who call it home,” he added.
As the festival unfolded against the breathtaking backdrop of the Katse Dam, it quickly became clear that the LHDA’s involvement was pivotal in facilitating the event’s success. Schools from across the region participated in cultural competitions, showcasing their talent in performances that included mohobelo, litolobonya, and ndlamo.
Day 1: A cultural extravaganza
The first day of the Katse Dam Tourism Festival set the tone for what would be an unforgettable weekend. An electrifying march kicked off the festivities, with students, performers, and community members parading through the streets, their energy infectious.
The day was filled with cultural, dance, and music competitions, with students from various schools displaying their knowledge of Basotho traditions through vibrant performances.
These competitions are more than just an opportunity for the youth of Lesotho to showcase their talents; they are a celebration of the cultural practices that have been passed down through generations.
The festival also provided an immersive experience of Lesotho’s cuisine, with local food stalls offering traditional delicacies that delighted visitors and participants alike. The lively atmosphere, filled with the sounds of traditional music and the smells of Basotho dishes, encapsulated the spirit of the festival, which was made possible through the LHDA’s ongoing support.
Day 2: The main event showdown
The second day, which is the main festival, brought a new level of excitement. Esteemed dignitaries, corporate representatives, and government officials attended the event, showing their support for both the festival and the community of Katse.
The main event line-up of artists boasted the man of the moment, Sannere, Selimo Thabane, Mantša, Juvy, Phoka Ea Boroa, Manyarela, and Sentšo, who each took turns in wowing the revelers with their electrifying performances.
The event provided a space for corporate sponsors and local businesses to showcase their products and services, giving them a unique opportunity to interact with both locals and international visitors. The collaboration between LHDA, the private sector, and local community members made the festival a comprehensive celebration of Lesotho’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential.
Building a tourism destination
Through their investment in the Katse Tourism Festival, the LHDA is helping to build Katse Dam and its surrounding areas into a premier tourist destination. As a leader in sustainable development, the LHDA’s involvement reflects its broader mission to enhance the socio-economic well-being of the people of Lesotho while maintaining respect for the country’s cultural heritage and environmental resources.
And through this active involvement in the festival, the LHDA has demonstrated that tourism can be both an economic driver and a means of safeguarding cultural heritage.
Authored by our expert team of writers and editors, with thorough research.
