Queen Launches Sixth Morija Arts & Cultural Festival

By Mothepane Kotele

The thousands of Basotho who travel to Morija for the famous Arts and Cultural Festival very year are a clear indication of how the nation values its diverse cultures and rich heritage, Queen 'MaSenate Mohato Bereng Seeiso has said.

Officially launching the sixth Morija Arts and Cultural Festival, the Queen said the Festival provides a platform for Basotho to pause and ponder on a broad spectrum of cultural beliefs in rhythm, song and dance.

There is no doubt, the Queen said, that over the last five years the Festival has also helped build on small business enterprises and consequently contributed in no small measure to building the economy of the country and created employment for a number of its citizens.

The Queen expressed her gratitude at being invited to become patron of the Festival, given its enormity and impact on the society. She said she hoped the organisers of the festival would guide her into maintaining its high calibre in the same way that the late Queen 'MaMohato had done.

The Deputy Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Mr. Jobo Molapo, speaking at the occasion, said the Festival's success over the last five years was an indication that Basotho take pride in ensuring that their culture remained intact.

This was particularly important in the current atmosphere of globalisation and the African Renaissance both of which provide easy access and exposure to millions of other cultures. the Festival will ensure that Basotho culture is never tainted, he said.

The DPS announced that the Ministry has put aside M250 000 as its contribution towards the Festival.

On behalf of the Morija Museum board, Mr. Ts'eliso Ramakhula said the Festival was originally conceived as a means of uniting Basotho, restoring their confidence and pride as a nation as well as to showcase the best cultural groups, artists and food.

Although a good start had been made, more still needed to be done to develop the Festival so that its is not only run effectively but also that it plays a key role in the wider community, reflecting Lesotho's broader capabilities and developments.

The Festival's theme this year is "Lesotho Haeso" (Lesotho My Home) encouraging Basotho to take pride in their country, according to a representative of the organising committee, Mr. Mokoenya Chele.

The Standard Bank Group donated a  M65 000 cheque to the Festival during the launch.

3 September 2004