…as country gears up for diamond jubilee celebrations
Moroke Sekoboto
HUNDREDS of Basotho gathered at the Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village yesterday to celebrate the rich legacy of their founder, King Moshoeshoe I.
The commemorations began with the laying of wreaths led by His Majesty King Letsie III at King Moshoeshoe I’s grave atop the Thaba Bosiu plateau.
The wreath-laying ceremony was followed by a cultural celebration attended by senior government officials, principal chiefs and international dignitaries.
Dressed in traditional Basotho attire, participants showcased a variety of cultural dances that entertained the crowd.
Speaking at the event, King Letsie III — who also unveiled the symbol marking Lesotho’s 60 years of independence — urged Basotho to honour the legacy of Moshoeshoe I by embracing the founder’s vision of unity, love and respect.
“Today the Basotho remember Moshoeshoe I with respect and love. We ask God to open the hearts and minds of Basotho so that they embrace the principles of their founder and be guided as King Moshoeshoe I guided this nation,” King Letsie III said.
“We are here today at Thaba Bosiu, as we have done in many years before, with similar emotions, hearts and minds to commemorate King Moshoeshoe’s legacy. We do so with respect and love. This is a great day for Basotho both at home and in the diaspora, especially as we launch the symbol marking six decades of independence.”
The King said the unveiling of the symbol marked the beginning of the journey towards 4 October 2026, when Lesotho will celebrate its diamond jubilee of independence.
“As we begin this journey, let us open our hearts and minds as Basotho by remembering the pillars we have long spoken about since the celebration of 200 years of our nation’s formation — peace, unity and love,” he said.
King Letsie III further encouraged Basotho to embrace peace, describing it as one of King Moshoeshoe I’s most enduring principles.
Mr Matekane echoed similar sentiments, praising Lesotho’s democratic monarchy and highlighting the government’s commitment to preserving the peace established by King Moshoeshoe I.
Mr Matekane said Lesotho remained one of Africa’s few kingdoms, alongside Eswatini, Morocco and Algeria.
“Lesotho is a monarchy governed through a democratic system of government, and it is something Basotho take great pride in,” Mr Matekane said.
“The government of Lesotho is working hard to maintain peace within the country because King Moshoeshoe I was a man of peace.”
Mr Matekane also urged Basotho to continue respecting the royal house as the country prepares to mark 60 years of independence.
“As we begin this journey towards 60 years of independence, we must continue to respect the royal house, just as we honoured King Moshoeshoe II under whose leadership we attained independence,” he said.
Moshoeshoe’s Day is commemorated annually on March 11 to honour King Moshoeshoe I, the founder and first monarch of the Basotho nation, and to celebrate his legacy of peace, unity and visionary leadership.
