National activities commemorating Moshoeshoe's day this year will be held at the top of Thaba-Bosiu on March 11.

In an interview, Mrs. Palesa Malealea, Coordinator of ceremonial celebrations said His Majesty King Letsie III, accompanied by the Prime Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili, Chiefs of Bataung, Makhoakhoa and Batlokoa will lay wreaths on the grave of Chief Moshoeshoe I.

She said the His Majesty will also have a royal salute and inspect a guard of honour.

Mrs. Malealea further said there will be a prayer for peace to be conducted by the Christian Church of Lesotho (CCL) as well as a traditional prayer.

As part of the day's celebrations, Mrs. Malealea added that there will be performance of traditional songs and dances such as Mokorotlo (war song sang by men only) and Mokhibo, which is a traditional song performed by women.

The army band will lead all the activities, with escort by the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS).

There will be no torch bearers carrying a torch for the ceremonial flame this time because the event will be marked at Thaba-Bosiu.

Expected at this event are cabinet Ministers, Diplomatic Corps in Lesotho, Principal Chiefs, government dignitaries and the general public.

Chief Moshoeshoe I is the founder of Basotho nation who fought and won many battles at Thaba-Bosiu after migrating from Menkhoaneng in Leribe, where he was born in 1786. He died on March 11, 1870.

He was renowned for his leadership qualities and as a peace loving chief who attracted many tribes from troubled nations like Zulus.

His Majesty King Letsie III is a descendant of Chief Moshoeshoe I.
 

Source: LENA 03/03/2010