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March 28, 2024
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ANNUAL MOSHOESHOE WALK ENDS 

Maseru, Mar. 12 — The 116 kilometres 16th annual Moshoeshoe Walk which commenced at Menkhoaneng on Thursday came to an end at Thaba-Bosiu on Saturday evening. 

Speaking at a closing ceremony held at Thaba-Bosiu Cultural Village Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane stated that the Moshoeshoe Walk is crucial because it is historic. He pointed out that everyone’s participation in the Walk, especially the Patron of the Walk Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso is recognised.

He congratulated all those who managed to complete the walk. He announced that the government of Lesotho will support the event. 

The Prime Minister encouraged visitors from other African countries who took part in this year’s Walk to prolong their stay in the country in the future so that they can see more beauty the country has to offer. He urged them to bring more people to take part in the Walk as there will be a big celebration next year. He acknowledged their contribution and wished them well as they go back to their respective countries. 

Also speaking at the same event, the Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture and Social Development Mr. Pitso Lesoaoana stated that Basotho still preserve culture which started in 1786 when Lepoqo was born until 1824 when the Basotho nation was subsequently created. He acknowledged Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso for taking part in the preservation of the culture.  

He further acknowledged the Prime Minister and the Government of Lesotho for recognising the event and honouring it by being present. 

An organiser of the Walk Mr. Thabo Maretlane stated that the event is not only about Basotho in Lesotho but also those in South Africa. He pointed out that the aim is to make the event bigger and use it to grow Lesotho. He added that they want to change tourism in the country. He emphasied that the goal can only be reached through cooperation. 

He acknowledged the media together with sponsors for the role they played in the success of the Walk. He also recognised people from South Africa (SA), Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi and the British High Commissioner in Lesotho who participated in the walk. He remarked that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries support each other adding that the support is important 

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Fredy Mabitsela, a representative of Lady of Peace Community Foundation from South Africa stated that they have been informed that Lesotho has begun its process of developing its national action plan on women, peace and security as requested by the United Nations to ensure safety of women. 

He pointed out that as SA has launched its plan in 2020 they support Lesotho as it embarks on the journey to ensure the safety of girls, women and children. He encouraged formation of peace clubs within communities where various issues on peace and abuse can be discussed. 

He presented gifts to the Queen which included the South African National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.

Present at the event were among others the Patron of the Walk Queen Masenate, Chief Khoabane Theko, the Minister of Trade, Industry, Business Development and Tourism Mr. Mokhethi Shelile and the British High Commissioner Mr. Harry MacDonald. 

The Moshoeshoe Walk is an annual historic event in honour of King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho nation which started in 2007. 

The Walk starts at Menkhoaneng where King Moshoeshoe I was born in 1786 and ends in Thaba-Bosiu where he migrated to in 1824 with his people who subsequently called themselves Basotho and their domain Lesotho.

The event does not only honour the legacy of King Moshoeshoe but also contributes to the economy and tourism development in the country. It also improves relations between Lesotho and other African countries as it attracts participants from countries such as Botswana and South Africa to mention but a few.

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