The Moshoeshoe’s Day, which is celebrated in the country on March 11 every year, is meant to remind Basotho of their origin and how they should live as a nation. This day was celebrated on Tuesday countrywide.

In Maseru, the celebration was led by His Majesty King Letsie III in the company of the Prime Minister Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili, the Principal Chief of Makhoakhoa, Chief Tumane Thaabe Matela, representative of the Principal Chief of Bataung and the Principal Chief of Batlokoa, Chief Halikopane Sekonyela.

The climax of the celebration was laying of wreaths at the Moshoeshoe I Statue by His Majesty and his companion respectively.

Speaking on behalf of the Christian Council of Lesotho (CCL), Reverend Rapelang Mokhahlane of the Lesotho Evangelical Church said Moshoeshoe I was a great statesman and leader who had no great desire than to preserve peace among the Basotho nation.

Rev. Mokhahlane added that Moshoeshoe I knew that peace was a foundation of prosperity and that he avoided conflict through skillful negotiations, noting that Basotho owe it to him to maintain peace and stability in the country.

“It is only when we have peace as human beings that we can promote happiness thereby avoiding conflicts,” he said.

Moshoeshoe I was born at Menkhoaneng in Butha-Buthe in 1786 as the first son of the Great House of Chief Mokhachane of the Bakoena clan. He was given the name of Lepoqo by his parents.

He died on March 11, 1870 and his first son from his wife Mabela, the daughter of chief Seepheephe of Bafokeng was Mohato known as Letsie I.

Meanwhile, similar celebrations which were led by Cabinet Ministers were held in other districts of the country.

To grace the day, history of Moshoeshoe I was related to the public while school children and community groups performed traditional songs and dances.

Source: LENA 11/03/2008