…with landmark art gallery located at Pioneer Mall
Seithati Motšoeneng / Hopolang Mokhopi
RENOWNED artist, Meshu Mokitimi has been celebrated in spectacular fashion with the launch of a dedicated art gallery in his name at Pioneer Mall in Maseru.
The new Meshu Art Gallery, located on the mall’s upper ground floor, stands as a vibrant tribute to the 99-year-old icon and his lifelong contribution to Lesotho’s arts.
This initiative is one of Pioneer Mall’s response to Government’s call for legacy projects that mark 200 years of existence. Late last year His Majesty opened the Heritage Wall, as one of the legacy projects, at the mall which is meant to provide information on Lesotho’s rich history and culture. follows Pioneer Mall’s 2023 unveiling of the Heritage Wall by Their Majesties King Letsie III and Queen ’Masenate, a monument celebrating 200 years of Basotho history. Like the Heritage Wall—which continues to educate over hundreds of thousands of monthly visitors about the nation’s journey from its founding in the early 1820s—the gallery underscores the shopping centre’s commitment to preserving heritage while encouraging innovation.
The launch event was as glamorous as it was heartfelt, with guests arriving in style to celebrate the man behind the distinct art pieces which grace private and public walls across Lesotho and elsewhere in the world.
Among the high-profile attendees were Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, Education Minister Professor Ntoi Rapapa, Tourism Ministry Principal Secretary Pokello Mahlomola, South Africa’s high Commissioner to Lesotho HE Ms C Seoposengwe,the British deputy High Commissioner Mr Joe Woodward and European Union Ambassador to Lesotho Paula Amadei.
Her Majesty officially opened the gallery by cutting the ribbon and touring the inaugural exhibition of Ntate Meshu’s and other artist’s work titled; Unlocking Art in Landlocked Lesotho, which runs until next month.
The gallery will host rotating exhibitions and feature high-quality prints from Lesotho and South Africa through its partnership with APS, enabling artists to commercialise their work and gain market exposure.
A tribute to a legend, a strategic vision for culture and commerce
At the heart of Pioneer Mall’s strategy lies a dual mission: to remain Lesotho’s premier shopping destination while actively supporting efforts to preserve culture and create entrepreneurial opportunities for Basotho. Through initiatives like the Heritage Wall and The Meshu Art Gallery, Pioneer Mall aims to empower local artists, ensuring their works gain local and international recognition while commercial viability and sustainability are cultivated within the art space.
Mr. Sebehela Selepe, the Board Chairperson of Moruo Developments, the parent company of Pioneer Mall, described the launch as a milestone in the company’s mission to drive entrepreneurship through the arts.
“We have seen immense creative talent in Lesotho, but artists lack platforms and support. Through this gallery, we honour Ntate Meshu – the grandfather of Lesotho’s art industry – and build a space for artists to showcase, sell, and grow.”
Mr Selepe praised Ntate Meshu’s enduring creative spirit and underscored the importance of honouring legends while they’re still alive.
“At 99, Ntate Meshu is still creating unique works. Naming the gallery after him is our way of saying: may your legacy live on.”
“We are honoured to celebrate Ntate Meshu, whose legacy mirrors the resilience and creativity of our nation.”
“This gallery is not just a tribute—it’s a platform for future generations to showcase, sell, and grow their talents right here at Pioneer Mall,” added said Mr. Selepe.
Academia meets industry for sustainable impact
The gallery, spearheaded by Moruo Developments through its Managing Director, Mr Andre Bothma was realised through partnerships with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT), Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB), and South Africa’s Artist Proof Studio (APS). SLB contributed M300,000 to the project, while APS will provide high-quality prints to help artists commercialise their work.
During the launch, two of Ntate Meshu’s pieces auctioned for M13,000 each, with proceeds funding artist training. LUCT also announced plans to integrate screen printing into its curriculum, supported by APS scholarships for Basotho students.
LUCT Vice Chancellor, Advocate Tefo Macheli, hailed the gallery as a shining example of effective collaboration between academia and the private sector.
“As an industry-led university, LUCT is proud to be part of this pioneering effort to create real economic opportunities in the creative arts.”
Adv Macheli emphasised that without such partnerships, Lesotho risks perpetually high unemployment and a stagnant economy. He revealed that LUCT is establishing a state-of-the-art screen-printing facility on campus, supported by new media and design courses to feed into the gallery and the broader effort to develop the industry.
“This is more than training artists – it is about creating a formal, sustainable art sector. Our collaboration with APS is already bearing fruit. Three Basotho students are on full scholarships in South Africa and will return to teach and grow this industry.”
He urged Basotho to seise these opportunities and thanked Moruo Developments for its visionary leadership.
SLB Marketing and Communications Manager, Manyathela Kheleli, expressed pride in the bank’s involvement.
“We see the arts as vital to national identity and economic growth. Our M300,000 support is a testament to our commitment to homegrown talent.”
Mr Kheleli highlighted the bank’s broader legacy of supporting the arts, from music to visual art, and encouraged Basotho artists to make full use of the gallery as a launchpad for regional and international exposure.
“This gallery will help unlock new voices and visions. We are investing not just in art, but in lives and futures.”
For his part, the APS Branding and Business Development Director, Mr Nathi Simelane, reflected on the deeper mission behind the project.
“We are not just creating artists; we are building a sustainable art industry. Collaboration is what made this possible.”
Mr Simelane revealed that APS alumni are now running the screen-printing training at LUCT, and that proceeds from Ntate Meshu’s auctioned work will go towards training new artists.
“Art is more than beauty; it is an economic engine. Every purchase supports livelihoods, education, and national pride.
“In the words of Mr Meshu: Art is the heartbeat of a nation. Let us keep that heartbeat strong.”
Royal and government endorsement
Her Majesty Queen ’Masenate Mohato Seeiso inaugurated the gallery, joined by dignitaries including Education Minister Professor Ntoi Rapapa and EU Ambassador Paula Amadei.
Prof Rapapa called on institutions, the private sector, and individuals to display and support local art wherever possible, including in offices and libraries, as a way of normalising and promoting Basotho talent.
“There’s a place for art from primary school to university. But we must also train teachers to nurture creativity. LUCT is leading the way, and we hope others follow.”
Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture Principal Secretary, Pokello Mahlomola, echoed the government’s commitment to cultural and creative industries as a key pillar of Lesotho’s sustainable development.
“Lesotho is rich in creativity. This gallery is a beacon of hope that opens doors to global opportunities.”
He emphasised the role of technology and intellectual property in helping artists protect and profit from their work.
The artist himself: a humble reflection
Finally, the man of the hour, Ntate Meshu, delivered a touching speech that bridged past and present.
“The world without art would be a dull place. I remember painting King Moshoeshoe I, and when I gifted the portrait to Moshoeshoe II, he said, Meshu, your hand must be practicing witchcraft’.”
In a charming Sesotho, Ntate Meshu addressed Mr Botha and shared childhood memories of hardship, recalling how grass soup was a daily meal until “a white man opened a shop and changed everything”.
“Today, another white man (Bothma) from Mohale’s Hoek came with a different offering of hope for all Artists – an art gallery. You have turned my dream into reality.”
He urged everyone to continue supporting and growing the arts beyond his lifetime.
Pioneer Mall: a vision beyond shopping
With Pioneer Mall’s two legacy projects launched almost a year apart now standing tall and proud within its passageways, its role as not just a hub for shopping and recreation, but as a transformative corporate citizen is cemented.
