Ithabeleng Qhasho
THE future of youth leadership and community service took centre stage over the weekend as four Rotaract clubs were officially chartered at a ceremony attended by His Royal Highness Prince Lerotholi Seeiso, senior government officials and Rotary leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Prince Lerotholi described the chartering and revitalisation of the youth clubs as more than a ceremonial milestone, saying it was a declaration of intent by young people committed to leading, organising and serving their communities.
“The future of our nation is not something we wait for; it is something we actively shape,” the Prince said, noting that young people have always been the heartbeat of national progress through their ideas, energy and courage to challenge the status quo.
He emphasised that true leadership is rooted in character rather than titles, highlighting integrity, humility, discipline and responsibility as essential values.
Addressing Rotaract members directly, the Prince said they were being called to a leadership that listens before it speaks, serves before it demands, and places community needs above personal recognition.
Prince Lerotholi further stressed that service to the nation extends beyond public office and formal institutions, and is found in everyday acts such as mentoring, environmental protection and improving the lives of the vulnerable.
He urged young people to let integrity guide their decisions, warning that a nation cannot rise above the moral standards of its people.
Delivering the keynote address, the President of the Rotary Club of Maloti-Maseru, Yande Sikazwe-Mothae, hailed the chartering of the four Rotaract clubs as a historic and inspiring moment for Rotary and the wider community. She said the occasion symbolised the growth of leadership, service and hope for communities in the region.
On behalf of the Rotary Clubs of Maloti-Maseru and Mantsopa, Ms Sikazwe-Mothae congratulated the three Rotaract clubs sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mantsopa, as well as the newly established e-Club Rotaract Club of Maloti-Maseru. She described the clubs as a bold commitment by young professionals to live by Rotary’s ideals of “Service Above Self”, ethical leadership and community impact.
“Rotaract is not simply a preparatory stage for Rotary. It is a powerful movement in its own right. Rotaractors are innovators, change-makers and bridge-builders who see challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities to lead and to serve,” Ms Sikazwe-Mothae said.
She commended the Rotary Club of Mantsopa for its foresight and commitment to youth leadership, acknowledging its sponsorship and mentorship of the new clubs as an investment in the future of Rotary and the sustainability of service in the region.
Addressing members of the e-Club Rotaract Club of Maloti-Maseru, Ms Sikazwe-Mothae praised them as trailblazers for embracing a digital model that promotes adaptability, inclusivity and innovation. She noted that the club demonstrated how leadership and service can thrive both in physical spaces and on digital platforms, reaffirming the Rotary Club of Maloti-Maseru’s commitment to mentorship, collaboration and genuine partnership.
“To the newly chartered Rotaract clubs, today marks the beginning of your journey, not the destination. May your projects be impactful, your fellowship strong and your leadership transformative.”
Both speakers emphasised the importance of unity across clubs, generations and borders, noting that Rotary and Rotaract are strongest when they work together to build communities, promote peace and create lasting change.
Meanwhile, Mpuo Motšepa, representing the newly chartered e-Club of Maloti-Maseru, expressed gratitude and pride at becoming part of the Rotary family.
“It has been a lifelong dream to be among people of service, and I am thrilled to be part of this community,” Ms Motšepa said.
She highlighted the club’s focus areas, with health and safety identified as key pillars.
“As Rotaractors, we aim to integrate safety measures through technology while embracing diversity and inclusivity in all our endeavours.”
