EVERYONE CAME TO HEAR WHAT LED TO HER DEATH

All the conference halls of the National ConventionC entre, commonly known as 'Manthabiseng were full to the brim, with every chair occupied, while other people stood by the walls. They all came to hear for themselves, what led to the death of the mother of the nation, Queen Mother, 'Mamohato Bereng Seeiso.

Everybody kept silent as the Principal Chief of Matsieng, Chief Seeiso Bereng Seeiso, the second son of the later Queen Mother related the events that led to the death of his mother on that night of September 06.The Queen Mother is said to have suffered from heart failure on that day that she left this world, a problem that she suffered from for more than 20 years. The women were dressed in traditional attire known as "Lishoeshoe and blankets, while most men were dressed in suits. There were also church choirs, especially of the Roman Catholic Church dressed in their uniforms.

In an interview, one of the people who attended the memorial service, Mrs. 'Mamahlapane Letsielo of Ha Matala said the late Queen Mother was supporting of all women who met in prayer. In her tears she said she knew the deceased in 1990 when some women came together to form an organization of women in evangelism, which met on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

She said the late Queen mother supported them by giving a place to worship the Lord until they got a place of their own. "M'e was our hero in praying for children, the nation and the country and she encouraged not to lose hope" she added. Mrs. Letsielo expressed hope that even though the Queen Mother died when it was least expected, she had played her part in this world, adding that they as Christians will continue to carry on praying.

One of the people of Tebang, Mr. Nchafatso Sello said deceased was the most wonderful person, who took care of her children in most difficult times, when her husband was in exile. "Mindful of the fact that she had to fill her husband's shoes". Mr. Sello said the late Queen Mother could be called the "clue, which holds together the royal family" and indicated that it would be difficult to find a person of her caliber.

He said 'M'e Mamohato has taught her sons how to become strong and real men, and added that the question which remains is whether they have learned what she had taught them. Mr. Sello concluded by showing that due to the magnitude of the work load she carried, 'M'e 'Mamohato was also human and her shoulders could not carry any more heavy weight.

The late Queen Mother  was born at Tebang in the Mafeteng district on April 28, 1941 and she died while attending a retreat of the legion of  St Ann of the Catholic Church at the Auray Mission in Mants'onyane on September 06.

17 September 2003