…as he celebrates 68th birthday
Rethabile Pitso
HIS Majesty King Letsie III has commended Prime Minister Sam Ntsokoane Matekane for donating a newly built church in Mantsonyane, Thaba-Tseka, describing him as a committed philanthropist who has supported the country through difficult times.
The King was speaking during a ceremony on Sunday that marked both the handover of St Lawrence Catholic Church and Mr Matekane’s 68th birthday celebrations.
The event drew cabinet ministers, development partners, dignitaries from Namibia and South Africa, and members of the local community. Catholic Archbishop Tlali Lerotholi received the church and led the first official mass.
The church itself is a striking white-painted structure, adorned with a tall metal-sheet roof and high arched windows, presenting a captivating architectural presence. It stands apart from surrounding buildings, including a red-brick hall and a football pitch erected earlier.
A recently installed water fountain, stands gracefully near the side entrance. The feature attracted crowds eager to take photographs, adding further appeal to an already impressive landmark.
Inside, the church boasts a seating capacity of over 900 congregants. The spacious hall features long rows of pews on the ground floor, complemented by extended seating elevated above. Two staircases on opposite ends of the altar lead to the upper level, which stops just short of offering a full view of the altar below, while the ceiling continues to rise, enhancing the sense of openness. Glass balustrades secure the upper pews, adding both safety and a touch of sophistication.
During mass, silver and gold plates and chalices were used, contributing to the solemn atmosphere. A centrally placed mahogany altar further enhances the church’s aesthetic appeal, while chairs embossed with crosses and a coat of arms drew attention and sparked discussion among observers over the use of the government symbol in a church.
In his remarks, King Letsie III praised Mr Matekane’s long-standing generosity, saying his contributions predated his entry into politics.
“I have known him for about 30 years, and this was even before his ‘donkey years’, a period which his younger brother Toloane said he traded in donkeys before becoming the staunch businessman he is today,” the King said, drawing laughter from the audience.
“I am also happy that today your age has been revealed publicly. I have always regarded you as being lucky that nobody really knows your age. Unlike me, my birthday is announced every year, so I cannot even lie about it. If I ever attempted to, even a fool would call me out for lying.
“But I am happy that today, through your brother Toloane, we have come to learn that you were born in 1958,” he added, before shifting to a more serious tone.
“Since knowing him, I have come to understand him as a philanthropist who has contributed to the country, especially during moments of hardship. This country has been through tough outbreaks – HIV/AIDS and the Covid-19 pandemic are just a few that we overcame through your support. All these efforts came before you were in government, let alone the leader of this country. But even then, as now, you have always demonstrated exemplary service.
“For some of us who have been privileged to be in your company, I have learnt that your generosity was not limited to times of hopelessness. Even during good times, you have contributed to making us happier. I am therefore not surprised by this gesture, as I have on many occasions witnessed your giving hand,” the King said.
He then urged congregants to take responsibility for maintaining the church, stressing the importance of preserving such infrastructure.
“One of the most important things is for churches to look after their buildings. As it stands today, there are numerous abandoned churches countrywide where worship used to take place, and the responsibility lies with us congregants to ensure that does not happen. That practice must come to an end.
“Coming to this particular building, let it be your responsibility as congregants to ensure that the church is well maintained. Do not let this structure fall under your watch.
“If a tile cracks, a window is broken or a light bulb fails, it must be your responsibility to fix it. Please do not go back to Ntate Matekane to report what needs fixing. Let us not hear of such behaviour,” he said.
The King concluded by reflecting on the symbolic value of the church and its potential to inspire transformation.
“This church is beautiful indeed. I wish for its beauty to impact deeply on whoever lays their eyes on it – the kind of impact that changes the heart and makes it beautiful as well.
“I wish even those who see it from afar to be moved in their hearts and minds to act with similar beauty they have witnessed, including myself,” he said.
For his part, Mr Matekane said the church was intended to serve as a sanctuary for all Christians.
“This church replaces one that was built here around 2019, but which collapsed due to snowfall. After it fell apart, my counterparts and I decided that it should be rebuilt.
“Since this place is visited by many people, it would have been unwise to erect a smaller building that would only accommodate the Mantsonyane community. Many applications are often received by its leaders, including requests for weekend retreats. After taking note of such demand, we decided to build a larger church.
“This one accommodates over 900 congregants, not counting those standing or those seated on the upper level above the altar. After consultations with the resident priest, Father Lijo Jonase, it was agreed that the church would serve every Christian group or member, subject to approval,” he said.
Mr Matekane further stated that his leadership is grounded in Christian values, which he believes are fundamental to human success.
“There is an unchanging truth: leadership without God is nothing, and a good life begins with God, in accordance with Proverbs 9:10, which says, ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.’
“I therefore urge all leaders to support and value the church, and to protect it at all costs. I pray that each and every one of us becomes invested in good values, as the church represents a beacon of hope in our lives,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic tree-planting exercise, where Their Majesties - King Letsie and his wife Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso - Archbishop Lerotholi and Mr Matekane each planted a tree to mark the occasion.
