The Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane on Thursday launched the 3-day Moshoeshoe’s Walk from Menkhoaneng in Leribe to Thaba Bosiu in the Maseru district.
This was done in the presence of Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Trade, Industry and Small Business Development, Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development and heads of diplomatic mission among others.
Addressing the crowd, Mr. Matekane expressed his gratitude to the international visitors participating in the walk and everyone keen to make it a success.
Mr. Matekane said Moshoeshoe’s Walk is a unifier, attracting people from far places.
He indicated that the walk is growing bigger and bigger every year.
The Prime Minister highlighted that this year, Moshoeshoe’s Walk is different in that it marks 200 years of the existence of Basotho as a nation.
“This one is different from other walks that have been walked since the beginning of the commemoration walk,” he stated.
Moreover, he said ancestors of the Basotho nation walked this journey from Menkhoaneng to Thaba Bosiu back then.
Speaking at the same event, Chief Selebalo Selebalo said the day marks the remembrance of King Moshoeshoe I’s walk from Menkhoaneng to Thaba Bosiu.
“This is the beginning of the 200-year celebration, and we are expecting one more big celebration,” he stated.
He said they are aware of the positive impact by T- Connection and other stakeholders concerning the walk, saying it reminds the Basotho nation of their roots and where they are heading since launched by the late King Moshoeshoe II in 1986.
The United Nations Representative, Ms. Amanda Mukwashi said the walk is a personal experience to write for great grandchildren.
She said the walk marks 200 years which is a fantastic achievement for this nation that has a legacy of peace and unity.
“This country was founded on the principles of peace, prosperity and unity which matter most to the United Nations,” she stated.
Speaking at the event, the founder of T- Connection, Mr. Thabo Maretlane said the purpose of the walk this year is to celebrate 200 years of Basotho existence.
He said they are proud that the late King Moshoeshoe I was keen for this nation.
Mr. Maretlane reminded that in 1824 the King left Butha-Buthe via Menkhoaneng to pick up his parents and went to Thaba Bosiu, walking nine days to complete the journey.
Present at the event were the British High Commissioner, Chinese Ambassador, European Union delegation, Her Excellency of the Republic of Austria, tourists from the Republic of Singapore, New Zealand, Botswana, Eswatini, South Africa and representatives from the United Nations Children’s Fund and United Nations Population Fund.
Moshoeshoe’s Walk is hosted annually in March, attracting domestic and international tourists.
Source: LENA 07/03/2024
