HIS MAJESTY INAUGURATES PRINCIPAL CHIEF OF HA-MAAMA

His Majesty King Letsie III, on Friday, officiated at the inauguration of the new Principal Chief of Ha-Maama, Chief Mitchell Seeiso Maama at the event held at St. Michael’s in Roma.
The inauguration was done in accordance with the Chieftainship Act of 1968 which administers all issues related to Chieftainship in Lesotho. He was given a blanket made of animal skin, a hat, shield and spear as his inauguration gear.
His Majesty said the newly introduced chief should serve the public in accordance with the Chieftainship Act of 1968 and the customary laws of Lerotholi as they are the only frameworks that guide chiefs in their daily duties, adding that he should also work toward bringing developments within the Roma Valley.
He thanked God for His grace and love, saying they are thankful because in the past days Maama’s family and community were mourning the loss of Chieftainess Mabela Maama who nurtured them for years.
“The God that we pray and trust today has given us a beautiful day in which with thanks and happiness we welcome Chief Mitchell Seeiso Maama,” he said.
He noted that he heard him accepting his assignment, which he said he takes as a servant of the Manonyane community and Basotho, saying they are therefore thankful for that.
He expressed hope that the new chief will always remember that he is a servant, saying that should not be erased from his head and heart as the chieftaincy of Basotho was founded overserving servants.
His Majesty said he wants Chieftaincy to continue existing in Lesotho, commenting that chiefs have to always be servants and do that with truth and trust without discrimination as a chief is for all.
He promised that they will pray for him to God to help him abide by the oath he took for the benefit of Basotho and Lesotho.
At the same event, the Prime Minister, Dr Moeketsi Majoro remarked that this is the day for Chief Maama, the community in front of him as well as His Majesty who has given him the assignment which he seemed to understand is not easy.
He urged him to remember in his journey that there will be dark moments, however saying he should put in mind that he has been chosen to serve the community and that he is the only person to protect them.
On the other hand, the President of the Senate, Mrs. Mamonaheng Mokitimi commended the new Chief saying in a short time that she has known him, she has realised that he is the man of integrity, emphasising that His Majesty King Letsie III has not made a mistake of inaugurating him today.
She advised him to serve the community with respect, love and compassion, saying she prays to God to protect him and give him wisdom in his duties like King Solomon.
Also speaking, the Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship, Mr. Lehlohonolo Moramotse said he is honoured to witness the inauguration ceremony as His Majesty presents the new Chief before the community that he has to serve without any discrimination.
He said he has been chosen by God and therefore the community expects him to treat them the same.
In his remarks, the newly inaugurated Chief promised to be loyal and respectful to His Majesty King Letsie III and his successors, to abide by the rules and regulations of the Constitution of Lesotho and to respect all members of the house.
He said he is not the chief but servant for the Maama community, saying like any other person, he may have weaknesses therefore they should not hesitate to guide him.
He remarked that he has been given a huge responsibility which he accepts with open arms but emphasised that he needs the support of the community in order to succeed.
On behalf of Principal Chiefs, Chief Lerotholi Leshoboro Seeiso of Likhoele urged the new chief to align himself with the Constitution of Lesotho as well as the Chieftainship Act of 1968.
He said as the Chief, he has a right to prevent crime within the Manonyane community, noting that to achieve this, he has to work together with his community.
Chief Lerotholi Leshoboro Seeiso assured His Majesty that to achieve the best, he needs the best, therefore, assuring him that the new chief will not disappoint him, saying he has seen him work and he is a hard worker.
Moreover, Mr. Bathobakae Maama on behalf of the Area Chief of Boinyatso said this is a happy day for them as the Manonyane community as they welcome this gold that God has given them.
He said with the new Chief, they have gained a man of integrity and everything they needed as the community, therefore, urging the Ha-Maama community and chiefs in this area to support him.
He urged Chief Maama to allow them to work with him while at the same time guiding them for the growth and development of Ha-Maama.
Meanwhile, the Christian Council of Lesotho (CCL) opened with a word of prayer where Archbishop Tlali Lerotholi said that the Lord expects him to succeed as well as the community, saying the man of God leads the nation to the good as chieftainship is a unifying factor for Basotho. He added that they wish him success which he emphasised he will get from God the Almighty.
The key roles of the Chiefs include; serving as the symbol of Basotho’s identity, and unity, custodians of Basotho culture and security, as well as an embodiment of His Majesty’s authority while advancing the principles of grass-root democracy, local justice, security, human rights and accountability.
There are 24 Principal Chiefs in the country while the number of area chiefs and local chiefs is estimated to be over 4000.
Chief Mitchell Seeiso Maama was born on June 25, 1967. He is the son of the late Chief Habofane Maama and Chieftainess ‘Malineo Maama. He is the brother of the husband of the late Chieftainess Mabela Seeiso Maama.
He has served as Chief of Phomolong, Popa since 1998. In 2017, he was nominated by chiefs of the Makhaleng Constituency to represent them in the Kubake Community Council and subsequently nominated chairperson of the same council in 2020 hence becoming a member of the Maseru District Council.
Also present to grace this ceremony were members of the Senate, Cabinet Ministers, Senior government officials, school children and the community at large.
 
Source: LENA 25/02/2022