The Minister of Environment, and Culture (MTEC), Ms. Ntlhoi Motsamai says the commemoration of the Basotho New Year gives Basotho a chance to know more about their culture and where they come from.

She said this at the event to celebrate the Basotho New Year in Maseru on Friday.

Ms. Motsamai said this great initiative will build a better Lesotho which will be helpful to all Basotho and the coming generations, saying efforts made by Basotho to engage in celebration for this New Year show their love and responsibility to put their country first.

She said the celebration shows that they value their culture as the nation and know their worth hence protecting the country to keep its dignity and uniqueness.

Also speaking, the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) Representative, Mr. Semethe Raleche said Basotho New Year is the time for Basotho to put more effort into Agriculture as the year commences, saying they will have a successful harvest in summer.

He expressed hope that one day, Basotho New Year will be made a public holiday in order to restore the love of the country to the young generation.

Meanwhile, as part of the celebration to mark the Basotho New year, Sesotho Lectures and experts from different institutions held a dialogue where the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Retšelisitsoe Nko said through implementation of Basotho New Year, the country will promote tourism hence attract tourists, saying this will boost the economy.

He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture for the unwavering support, saying if they continue working together, this will bear good fruits for the country’s economy.

He stressed that all are responsible for the growth of tourism in the country.

Also speaking at the dialogue, the Director in the Department of Culture, Ms. Moitheri Molibeli expressed gratitude to all sponsors who made the event a success, saying this event would not be a success.

She, therefore, urged Basotho to engage in the Basotho New Year celebrations and love their culture, saying MTEC will give Basotho a platform to showcase their Sesotho crafts.

In conclusion, Ms. Molibeli said Basotho can create employment through tourism to enhance the country’s economy.

On Friday, the celebration commenced with a walk led by the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) from LTDC premises to the Manthabiseng Convention Centre where Basotho were given a chance to showcase their crafts.

By staff Reporter: ‘Maphoka Likotsi