His Majesty King Letsie III says culture and language are powerful pillars in any country and must be preserved for the development of the nation.

He was speaking at the burial ceremony of Professor Zacharia Aunyane Mats'ela at Roma on Friday.

His Majesty said the death of Prof Mats'ela is a loss to the nation and a country.

He added that the late loved his culture and appealed to members of the Sesotho Academy to ensure that they continue with the work he performed.

He said Professor Mats'ela was a respectful person who was dedicated to his work, saying his family should thank God for having a person of his calibre.

Speaking at the same occasion, the Prime Minister Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili said the late Professor Mats'ela was a knowledgeable person who wished to educate Basotho about their culture and tradition.

He urged the nation to use indigenous education which has been written by Prof Mats'ela in his books to learn about their culture and tradition.

Mr. Mosisili cited Prof Mats’ela’s love and devotion to culture by developing a draft on issues relating to initiation schools, urging his colleagues to ensure that the draft becomes a reality for the protection of initiation schools in the country.

He commended him for the love he had for his family, encouraging others to be exemplary.

The President of the Senate Chief Letapata Makhaola expressed sorrow over the sudden death of Prof Mats'ela, saying the Upper House had looked forward to acquiring more knowledge from him particularly on Sesotho language and culture.

On behalf of Prof Mats'ela's Colleagues, the Minister of Education and Training Dr 'Mamphono Khaketla said Professor Mats'ela was a role model to most people in the country.

Professor Mats'ela was born in 1935 and died earlier this month of blood cancer at National Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

He is survived by his wife, three sons and three daughters and 13 grandchildren.

He worked in various educational institutions in the country.

Other dignitaries at the funeral included the First Lady Mrs. Mathato Mosisili, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Judges of the Appeal court and High court of Lesotho, academia and the public.

Source: LENA 14/12/2007