Multitudes of Basotho, on this year’s Moshoeshoe’s Day, gathered at Thaba-Bosiu to remember the founder of the nation, King Moshoeshoe I.
His Majesty inspected the parade before leaving for the top of Thaba-Bosiu.
The highlight of the remembrance ceremony was the laying of wreaths at Thaba-Bosiu, a fortress of King Moshoeshoe I by His Majesty King Letsie III, the Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane and Principal Chiefs of Makhoakhoa, Bataung and Batlokoa. 
The Christian Council of Lesotho (CCL) was represented at the event and it provided a prayer service for the day. In his prayers, Rev. Omphemetse ‘Mutle highlighted that Basotho long for peace, love and justice. He prayed for the leaders in the country to have wisdom, especially His Majesty the King, the Prime Minister and his cabinet.
Rev. Mojaki Kometsi mentioned the relationship between King Moshoeshoe I and the church indicating that the King welcomed the church into the country. He acknowledged a role played by the church to ensure that Basotho are united.
He pointed out that King Moshoeshoe I founded the Basotho nation relying on peace. He, therefore, appealed to Basotho to unite and work towards sustaining the good image of the country.
Also present at the event were representatives of the Moshoeshoe I Institute of Peace and Leadership from the National University of Lesotho (NUL) who provided a lecture on King Moshoeshoe I as well as a poem.
Entertainment for the day which was characterised by traditional and modern dances was among others provided by Sotho Kids, Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) Mokhibo Group, Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) Military Band together with its females and male traditional dances groups.
The event came to an end with His Majesty taking the Royal salute and there was a singing of the national anthem.
King Moshoeshoe I was born in 1786 at Menkhoaneng. He is the first son of Chief Mokhachane and he was named Lepoqo. He was initiated in 1804 and named Letlama.
He is said to have invaded and defeated Ramonaheng in 1809. It is stated that he captured Ramonaheng’s cattle and compared that to the shaving of beards with a sharp razor which makes the ” shoe-shoe” sound, hence the name Moshoeshoe.
King Moshoeshoe I got married to Mabela in 1810 and their first son who was born in 1811 was named Mohato. He moved to Botha-Bothe in 1820. He became head of his clan in 1822 when the Lifaqane War started. He migrated to Thaba-Bosiu in 1824 with his people.
He died on March 11 1870 and March 11 is now a public holiday in Lesotho marked to remember the founder of the nation.
Source: LENA 11/03/2023
