’Mantoetse Maama and Limpho Sello
Leribe district tomorrow hosts His Majesty King Letsie III’s national 52nd birthday celebrations.
King Letsie III was born David Mohato Bereng Seeiso at Scott Hospital in Morija on 17 July 1963—the first son of King Moshoeshoe II and Queen Mother ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso.
His Majesty is married to Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, and the Royal couple is blessed with two daughters—Princess Senate (13) and Princess ‘M’aSeeiso (10)—and one son, Prince Lerotholi (8).
This year marks the 13th anniversary of the rotational celebration system of His Majesty’s birthday, which was introduced in 2003 to ensure the Royal festivities are held in different districts of the country.
Mokhotlong district hosted the prestigious event last year when the King turned 51, and this year, Leribe is the place to be on 17 July for what promises to be birthday bash to remember.
According to the spokesperson of the committee organising the birthday party, Ratokelo Nkoka, the iconic celebrations are set for Pitso House in Tšifa-Li-Mali village and begin today before the Royal bash explodes tomorrow.
“This year, the King’s 52nd birthday celebrations will be held in Leribe district at Pisto House Tšifa-Li-Mali. The celebrations will start 10am.
“On Thursday, 16 July, there will be pre-birthday celebrations in Tsikoane Moreneng. His Majesty will be receiving and giving out presents, and will also give a speech on this day,” Mr Nkoka said.
“In other districts of the country, there will also be celebrations which will be addressed by some ministers.”
Mr Nkoka added Basotho should go and celebrate the King’s birthday as the occasion brings together people from all walks of life and different political persuasions.
“The King’s birthday brings us together as Basotho because we will be celebrating one thing unlike our churches or politics,” he said.
His Majesty’s 50th birthday celebration was held in Maseru at Setsoto Stadium, with thousands of Basotho, as well as foreign heads of state and government, in attendance.
Meanwhile, the Leribe community, also known as ‘Linare tse tala’ has been busy rehearsing activities to be showcased during the celebrations.
Mr Nkoka told the Lesotho Times on Tuesday: “His Majesty’s 50th birthday celebration was a big ceremony and a Golden Jubilee attended by foreign dignitaries. We are expecting an equally big one when His Majesty turns 60. When we rotate the celebrations around districts, we don’t invite dignitaries from other countries.
“Regarding this particular ceremony we are expecting ministers, judges, principal chiefs, diplomatic mission representatives, business leaders and the public at large, especially the Linare community who are the hosts.”
Mr Nkoka further said there would be celebrations tomorrow in all the country’s 10 districts that are to be led by ministers. Parades by the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) and Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) would also be there as part of the festivities, Mr Nkoka said. “Masters of Ceremonies will be District Administrators, and activities such as Mohobelo, Ntlamo and Mokhibo would also be part of the festivities.”
