Maseru, March 11 — King Letsie lll accompanied by the Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane laid wreaths on the grave of Moshoeshoe I in Commemoration of Moshoeshoe’s day at Thaba Bosiu on Wednesday .
They were followed by the Principal Chief of Makhoakhoa, Principal Chief of Bataung, and the Principal Chief of Batlokoa.
In an interview with the Agency, Historian Mr. Rethabile Likoche said the history of the Basotho nation dates back to around 1824, when King Moshoeshoe I established the Basotho nation at Thaba Bosiu.
He said people gathered at Thaba Bosiu to commemorate Moshoeshoe’s Day, remembering Moshoeshoe as a visionary leader who committed himself to peace and unity.
According to Likoche, the Basotho nation is built on Moshoeshoe’s leadership and teachings, which is why Basotho continues to honour and remember him.
Mr. Likoche explained that Moshoeshoe I encouraged Basotho to respect and value one another. He described this teaching as one of the foundations of the Basotho nation.
However, he noted that modern society has moved away from some of these values, saying that people no longer work together as they did in the past when communities cooperated in activities such as farming.
He stated that Moshoeshoe I moved to Thaba Bosiu in 1824 and believed it was a safer place for the Basotho nation.
Mr. Likoche said Moshoeshoe I united different clans and groups, including people who were fleeing wars at the time. Through this, he built a strong and united nation.
He mentioned that instead of promoting violence, Moshoeshoe I focused on peace and the well-being of his people.
He also explained that Moshoeshoe I supported the livelihoods of Basotho by giving them cattle and land for farming.
Systems such as ‘letsema’ where communities worked together in the fields, and ‘mafisa’ where cattle were shared among people, helped strengthen unity and cooperation within the nation.
He added that Moshoeshoe I lived peacefully with his people and taught them the importance of unity. He said the strong position of Thaba Bosiu also helped Basotho defend themselves during times of conflict.
Moshoeshoes day is a national holiday observed every year on March 11 in honour of King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho nation.
Ends/MAMAJ/tl
