By ‘Maseipone Mokhethi
Maseru, Feb. 06 – The Basotho nation is believed to have been founded in 1824 when the great founding father Morena Moshoeshoe l together with his followers made a trek from his birth place in Menkhoaneng to Thaba-Bosiu.
They found rest and refuge on top of the Thaba-Bosiu hence the hill became the Basotho nation’s home as according to History of the Basuto Ancient & Modern book compiled by one Fred Ellenberger.
This chronicle seeks to appreciate and give a preview of the bicentennial journey in relation to the Church in Lesotho, the nation, cultural heritage, politics, music and above all the youth as future leaders in today’s world that has seen 200 years being celebrated in the era of technology.
Over and above that, the narrative will further forestall how the journey looks beyond bicentennial starting this new year otherwise 2025.
Ellenberger collections highlights that in the 1830’s, mission work developed slowly in Lesotho as Casalis and colleagues carefully learned Sesotho thus making progress was then made during the late 1830’s through 1840’s.
A small but growing body of Christians gradually developed at Morija, Beersheba, Thaba-Bosiu and the other mission stations. Schools were founded, many of the leading figures in the nation were converts or were sympathetic to the new teachings. The missionaries also introduced among other things new crops, animal breeds, and building techniques from other parts of the world.
In this way, the seventh Anglican Church of Lesotho (ACL) Leader and Bishop Dr. Vicentia Kgabe is adamant the Church has what it takes to transform the Basotho nation, to be that which Morena Moshoeshoe had his mind when he fought for the nation.
“This we can achieve by remembering that the great Leader brought the church to the people but was not a member of any of those churches until he met his death”. She stresses. Unpacking this quote, Dr. Kgabe believes the church as a building is there to guide, bring the congregation together, and serve in unity beyond the buildings.
By the look of it, as a Leader then, the late founding father did not want to bring division among his followers rather unison. “As we lead God’s people further than 200 years in our different churches, let us take note that we do not own people, ours is just to bring forth the Word of God to believers and non-believers for promotion of the Kingdom of God”.
Therefore, Bishop Kgabe calls the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) leadership and the Lesotho Evangelical Church of Southern Africa (LECSA) that came in prior to ACL to lead the revival campaign seeking to strengthen souls of believers and non-believers looking into God and His Word, journey on to the next 200 years.
The 2024 theme ‘Birth, Reflection and Revival’ has seen the church in solidarity leading a number of national activities celebrating bicentennial with key ones having been the launch of ‘Revival Torch’ known as ‘LEBONE la TSOSOLOSO’ by the Head of State at the Royal Palace. The launch called all to re-think 1824, adapt to already set values in order to save Lesotho and Basotho from political conflicts and ‘Famo Groups’ assassinations that has seen families losing their loved ones.
The Revival Torch is a Project Ree initiative, who made their way countrywide with the goal of lighting this torch as a call for Basotho to change their ways and doings. Other major activities related to reconciliation prayer led by Christion Council of Lesotho (CCL) at Moshoeshoe I Statue including the one held at Mafeteng, a district believed to have fuelled the killings born out of ‘Famo Groups’ known as ‘Likobo’.
As a step to clean up, pave way into 200 years, the government through Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane in support of security agencies together with the society has demanded a stoppage of playing ‘Famo Music’, especially the ones that fuels conflicts amongst rivals.
Meanwhile, the unifying Lesotho’s 58th Independence event held at Setsoto Stadium on October 04, 2024 saw Basotho coming together despite their different churches and political parties to celebrate an event of its kind after Lesotho and the world experienced the 2020-2021 Covid-19 turmoil that saw many succumbing to the disease.
The independence lifestyle event embraced cultural tribes in the Mountain Kingdom and foreign nationals, showcasing different regalia’s in these tribes. Patriotism installation was the order of the ceremony led by the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) as part of embracing bicentennial.
A local Historian, Mr. Kalosi Ramakhula holds the opinion that the nature of celebrations was worth bearing in mind the trio: ‘Birth, Reflection and Revival’. He stipulates unless Basotho are embedded in their principles, especially youth as future Leaders, the Basotho past and future narrative becomes inexistence.
“This we must bring youth to the forefront because they are dynamic youth of modern technologies, thus must be taught emerging technologies though important should not be seen as a means of phasing out cultural habits and heritage entrenched within the nation.” He laments.
Similarly, Bicentennial Queen, Lintle Masasa aged 25 aspires for cultured youth in the modern world so as to promote values and norms beyond 200 years. “I am on a campaign to inform youth that we are a nation formed out of the principles of peace, love, harmony and solidarity with pride and admiration, as such youth should adhere”.
Echoing similar sentiments, Relebohile “Sannere” Monaphathi who is recently making waves with his Afro Pop Music filled with Sesotho chants has publicly called youth to join his campaign seeking to raise Lesotho’s flag high locally, regionally and internationally. “If we love our country no matter the challenges, we cannot go wrong in all attempts meant to follow in Moshoeshoe’s footpaths.”
Politicians on the other hand have come out to say they are tired of infightings; thus the country reforms are a route to reconciliation. The end of 2024 saw the Leader of Opposition, Mathibeli Mokhothu urging opposition members to be constructive in order to attain this journey.
In conclusion, it is to be seen how the nation, individually and collectively, is to take charge in the victory of forefathers demonstrated since 1824 by envisaging the nation with hope and determination into and beyond 200 years.
Ends
