The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) supports efforts that are geared towards tourism development. The corporation assisted in the formation of tourism clusters, and the Makhoarane Tourism cluster is among the clusters that were established and it covers both Morija and Matsieng.
The clusters are aimed at coordinating accommodation facilities, tour operators, tour guides, event management, craft tourism clusters and attraction management to work together so that they are able to better market and improve their areas.
Therefore LTDC was invited to a Launch of Seriti Sa Makhoarane Heritage (SSM) and Tourism Network at Makeneng in the Matsieng area on 20th May 2023. SSM is a community based network committed to developing the tourism value chain to the greater Morija-Matsieng area based upon improved, preservation, presentation and promotion of its key heritage sites and resources.
Makeneng is a rural community with unique traditional built houses, overwhelming history filled with awesome and fascinating stories. Makeneng is situated near Matsieng, which is home to the Royal Family of Lesotho.
Morija is known as a fountain of learning, innovation and excellence in Lesotho, and Morija Museum houses various cultural valuables comprising, customary Basotho artefacts as well as Lifaqane and Boer War mementoes.
Invited to grace the occasion were His Majesty the King Letsie III, Her Majesty the Queen ‘Me Masenate Seeiso, Minister of Trade, industry, business development and Tourism- Hon Mokhethi Shellie, Principal Chiefs, government dignitaries, NGO leaders, renowned Author from RSA, the nearby villagers and Makeneng community.
The event was launched by a 12.5 kilometres fun walk from Morija Museum via Phahameng and up to Makeneng. Thus, the walk was well attended wherein we saw participants ranging between 350-400 including His Majesty King and Her Majesty the Queen, high ranking government officials, NGO representatives, captains of industry and the surrounding villagers flocked in large numbers.
The launch was celebrated with various jaw dropping cultural activities by community groups including mohobelo, Mokhibo, folk songs and cow tipping and reciting of poems. Mohobelo is a men’s stamping dance composed of coordinated movements and high kicks.
In Mokhibo performance women dance by kneeling in a row and their knees on the ground. Also, men sang folk songs and women ululate
At the event there was also a cow tipping wherein a cow is ingeniously instructed by herd boys to sleep in an upright position and also a poem was skillfully recited by a young Mosotho Man.
An aura of jubilation was perceptible as it was impossible for the audience to remain indifferent and spectators were taking photos and video clips of these captivating performances with their cell phones
Speaking at the event the Chairperson of Seriti Sa Makhoarane Heritage and Tourism Network Mr. Tšele Lemeke said the aim of the organization is to develop Matsieng and Morija area.
“The Makhoarane is known to have a rich history of chieftainship, culture, natural attractions sites and heritage places that need to be preserved and if they can be improved they have a potential for the betterment of community lives,” stated SMM Chairperson.
Mr. Lemeke advised the community to start tourism related businesses as it doesn’t require high costs to establish and can also foster a tourism value chain because many people will benefit such as artisans, accommodation, tour guides, tour operators and so forth.
In his remarks, the Minister of Trade, Industry, Business Development and Tourism Hon Mokhethi Shelile said the Makhoarane area has an awe inspiring beauty that attracts other nationalities to visit.
“Due to its inherent natural and cultural value and historical significance the area can stimulate tourism,” explained the Minister.
“Makhoarane area has been prioritized and included in the Tourism Master Plan and the government will ensure that there are developments in the area, and funds permitting the government will ensure plans are implemented” stated the Hon Shelile.
“The Ministry wants to resuscitate the ruins of the huts of Chief Leorotholi to give visitors a practical experience of the lifestyle of the forefathers and also learn our values as a Basotho Nation,” explained the Minister.
In his welcoming remarks, His Majesty King Letsie III said it’s quite important for the citizens to know about Seriti Sa Makhoarane Programme.
“More interest has been shown by the Basotho to learn about the heritage, culture and traditions, history of Chief Lerotholi and this portrays a positive gesture,” says His Majesty the King.
“An endeavour by Seriti Sa Makhoarane Heritage and Tourism Network to impart knowledge about the culture and heritage and know where we originate as Basotho is vital and ensures that we become patriotic citizens,” explained the Head of State.
“I am truly motivated and trust that the plans of Seriti Sa Makhoarane would be a feasible government project that will be provided with financial and human resources and be judiciously implemented,” averred King Letsie III.
“The Makhoarane area needs to be developed for all Basotho who reside in the area and the citizens at large so that it can attract visitors to learn about the culture and heritage and in the process leave money for the host community,” says the Monarch.
“We need to preserve our culture as a nation so that the beautiful kingdom of Lesotho remains an attractive destination for visitors and most importantly I want to convey my heartfelt gratitude to all those who took part in the expedition,” “finalized the Head of State.
As a token of appreciation, His Majesty was given a present of a book titled The Forgotten: Restructuring and Reclaiming African Spirituality in the Post-Truth Era written by Professor Teboho Pitso.
During the launch, a symbolic statue of a renowned horse dubbed Thabure (White Horse- the Destroyer of enemies) of Chief Lerotholi Letsie was showcased to the audience, and it was an artistic work of a villager of Makeneng named Tšehla Kompi. Thabure depicts a tale of heroism wherein it was said Chief Lerotholi rode Thabure during Anglo Boer war between the Basotho and Boer settlers, and it was alleged that when enemies tried to shoot at the horse the bullets turned into clay (letsopa). The statue is going to be located in the kraal that Chief Letsie used to keep and rear the real Thabure.
Source: Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) 15/06/2023
