Maseru, March 11 — King Letsie lll led wreath laying on top of Thaba Bosiu hill (fortress) on Monday in remembrance of the late founding father of Basotho, Morena Moshoeshoe l.
After the King laid the wreath, the Prime Minister, Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane also laid the wreath. Also, the Principal Chiefs who at the time co-jointly led the nation with Morena Moshoeshoe l placed their wreaths as well.
They are 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 as well as the Principal Chief of Batlokoa, Chief Qetho Halikopane Sekonyela.
Prior to 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 and Chieftainship, Police and Home Affairs 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 the King 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.
The day comes at the time when Basotho in 2024 marks 200 years 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.
Morena Moshoeshoe l is said to have been born between 1785 – 1786 as history reports were not clear in those days. However, it is said that Morena Moshoeshoe was a minor Chief of Bamokoteli lineage, at age 34 he is said to have formed his own clan and became Chief.
