Nthatuoa Koeshe
IT was a majestic moment last Saturday at the Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village when His Majesty King Lestie III joined Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso to lead the procession of the annual Moshoeshoe Walk.
The royal couple braved the drizzle on the day and led more than 600 participants of the 13th edition of the annual walk to the finish line.
His Majesty King Letsie III joined the walk on the last day while Her Majesty completed the full three days.
Themed ‘The walk of unity’, the walk started on 7 March 2019 at Menkhoaneng in Leribe and ended on 9 March at Thaba Bosiu.
The historical walk has been held since 2007 in honour of the late Moshoeshoe I, the founder of Basotho nation. The event started with just 50 people but has over the years seen significant growth, attracting participants from across the Southern Africa region and even beyond.
Speaking at the short ceremony held at Thaba Bosiu after the walk, His Majesty King Letsie III, said the support the walk continues to get from other countries is overwhelming.
“I am humbled and overwhelmed by the support other countries show us each year with their attendance and participation in this event which we cherish so much,” His Majesty King Letsie III said.
He said he was glad to have taken part in a portion of the walk and said he hopes to participate again next year.
His Majesty King Letsie III said he was humbled by how people worked together during the walk and said it is his wish that the unity is also exuded in people’s daily lives.
“I saw a spirit of cooperation, empathy and tolerance which is rare in everyday life in our respective societies and this is something I always admire about this event.
“This a lesson we can practice in our families, villages and places of work where we can continue to empathise, to be tolerant and helpful towards each other as we did during these three days of the Moshoeshoe Walk.
“I hope this is the spirit we can inject in our deliberations as we go through the exercise of national reforms,” His Majesty King Letsie III said.
The organiser of the walk, Thabo Maretlane, expressed gratitude to all the participants for making the event a success.
“Unlike last year when our main challenge was accommodation, this year we asked that people bring their own tents and that helped a lot,” Maretlane said.
