The Sesotho-Fashioneng Festival 2024’s vibrant energy has ignited a new movement in Maseru with the launch of the #Hloekisa Lesotho cleaning campaign.
Spearheaded by the festival organizers and backed by renowned artist Ntate Stunna, this initiative aims to beautify the city and inspire environmental responsibility among youth.
Inspired by the overwhelming success of the festival, which drew thousands to Maseru, Sesotho-Fashioneng felt compelled to give back to the community.
“We recognised the importance of contributing to the beautification and cleanliness of Maseru town, following in our government’s footsteps of making Lesotho cleaner and greener,” explained Selloane Nyakane, media liaison (Communication) for the campaign.
The campaign will kick off on March 21 with a massive clean-up effort at Pitso Ground, the central hub of Maseru. “Pitso Ground is the heart of our town and has a high population,” Nyakane stated, highlighting the strategic choice of location.
The day will also include a dustbin handover ceremony to the Maseru City Council (MCC), emphasising the importance of proper waste management. The cleaning initiative will extend to Sambatha Stadium, further expanding the campaign’s reach.
The following day, March 22, the focus will shift to Qeme, where volunteers will participate in a tree-planting initiative. This dual approach of cleaning and greening underscores the campaign’s commitment to a holistic environmental vision.
The #Hloekisa Lesotho campaign places a strong emphasis on youth involvement, evident in their slogan: “Bacha, Bohloeki Ba Tikoloho Ea Rona Bo Matsohong a Rona!” (Youth, the cleanliness of our environment is in our hands!).
Sesotho-Fashioneng hopes to “foster youth involvement and responsibility in a clean and green Lesotho,” Nyakane explained.
The campaign’s impact extends beyond the two-day event. Sesotho-Fashioneng, now an annual festival, plans to make #Hloekisa Lesotho an annual event. The distribution of dustbins throughout the community will serve as a constant reminder of the collective responsibility towards cleanliness.
Lesotho, like many nations, is facing the challenges of climate change. The #Hloekisa Lesotho campaign is seen as a crucial step towards mitigating its impact.
“Clean environments and proper waste management infrastructures are proper actions to mitigate its impact, and that could also lead to economic benefits,” Nyakane emphasised.
The involvement of Ntate Stunna, a beloved artist with a massive youth following, is expected to amplify the campaign’s message. “He shall bring influence to youth and awareness to our communities and foster a sense of unity in environmental responsibilities for a sustainable Lesotho,” Nyakane stated.
Adding to the excitement, the campaign will feature entertainment, making it a vibrant and engaging experience for participants.
The #Hloekisa Lesotho campaign is not just a one-time event but the launch of an annual initiative. Sesotho-Fashioneng also aspires to expand the campaign to other districts, encouraging youth across the nation to take ownership of their environment. “The future of our clean and green country lies in their hands,” Nyakane concluded, urging youth from all districts to join the movement.
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