His Majesty King Letsie III led the laying of wreaths on top of Thaba Bosiu hill (fortress) on Monday in remembrance of the late founding father of Basotho, King Moshoeshoe l.
After His Majesty laid the wreath, the Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane also laid the wreath then followed the Principal Chiefs of the clans who at the time jointly led the nation with King Moshoeshoe l, placed their wreaths as well.
They are the Principal Chief of Makhoakhoa, Chief Tumane Thaabe Matela, he was followed by Chief Mokhosi Moletsane who laid the wreath on behalf of the Principal Chief of Bataung, Chief Moletsane ll and the Principal Chief of Batlokoa, Chief Qetho Halikopane Sekonyela.
Before laying of wreaths, the day started with Basotho prayer, where the audience faced north direction, this prayer signals peace and prosperity, thus underlining the core objectives and vision of Morena Moshoeshoe.
Talking about this day, the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, Ms. ‘Mamphaka Mabesa appealed to Basotho to remember with pride the day of honouring and remembering with solidarity the founder of the nation.
This event commenced at Lesotho Evangelical Church of Southern Africa (LECSA), where His Majesty inspected the LDF guard of honour before laying the wreath.
This day saw the presence of the LDF band, thus honouring and remembering the late father with hymns. Today’s event was preceded by the 116km Moshoeshoe walk from Menkhoaneng to Thaba Bosiu.
Commemoration of Moshoeshoe’s Day is an annual event. This year, the day came at the time when Basotho in 2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the existence of Basotho. Government officials, members of the diplomatic core and the society were all there to mark the day. This day was marked with a variety of traditional plays.
King Moshoeshoe l was born in 1786 at Menkhoaneng. Reports show that he was a minor Chief of the Bamokoteli lineage at age 34. He later formed his clan and became Chief.
Source: LENA 11/03/2024
