Maseru
As a way of celebrating 200 years of the formation of the Basotho nation in 1824, giant Tourism and Hospitality company, Avani Lesotho Hotel and Casino held a ceremony at its premises in Maseru on Monday.
In this day of glitz and glamour, Basotho in attendance of were elegantly dressed and were clad by traditional Sesotho blankets. The event also featured some industry players and institutions such as the; Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT), Lesotho Tourism Development Cooperation (LTDC) , Ministry of Sports, Tourism , Arts and Culture, Alliance Lesotho and others.
Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, tourism, arts and culture, Pokello Mahlomola said this is a commemoration of Basotho’s History. He also urged Basotho to use this milestone to cleanse themselves selflessly as this marks the beginning on another 200 years.
“ We Basotho are a unique nation. We are peaceful nation. We were in Mafeteng a few weeks back where we were praying for the current blood shed crippling the nation to stop,” he said.
He added that , this also marks the opening of birthday wishes for His Majesty King Letsie lll who will be turning 61 by next week Wednesday , July 17 and celebrations will be held in the Butha-Buthe district.
Meanwhile, one renowned historian, Maloka Phamotse emphasized that, this celebration is a symbol of forgiveness , a bold step against discrimination as well as a strong reminder of the importance of reverting back to the roots of Basotho. He also said Thaba-Bosiu remains a souvenir to Basotho as they used it as a fortress during wars.
“Why should we mark Thaba-Basiu as the stronghold for Basotho, it is because it is where King Moshoehsoe l and Basotho learned about God. It is where various tribes united to be renamed as one nation and a place where King Moshoeshoe instilled peace and harmony within his subjects. Moshoehsoe did not often take his troops to war, but his approach to war was defensive not offensive, “he said.
On behalf of Avani Lesotho, Letsosa Mohasoa, explained that ,they have set a goal to ensure that cultural ceremonies and the birthday celebration of His Majesty King Letsie lll , are impeccable.”
We as Avani Lesotho commit that we will make that happen without hesitation. I would like to urge that the birth of our King is important to us as a nation and rightfully, it should be celebrated from the beginning of July,” he said.
