Seithati Motšoeneng
THE Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) has announced the first cohort of Rebontše Lesotho content creators, with one winner selected from each of the country’s 10 districts.
The corporation has also confirmed that the initiative will become an annual programme till 2029, as part of efforts to strengthen Lesotho’s digital tourism marketing and empower young Basotho to tell the country’s story.
The selected creators emerged from district-level shortlists, with Mafeteng’s top three comprising Lemohang Qahana, Seipati Mohomotsi and Thabo Masiu, with Masiu emerging as the winner. In Berea, Reitumetse Mahlaba, Pule Letele and Kobefo Mahleke made the top three, with Mahlaba taking the top spot.
Quthing’s top three were Ntlokomeleng Bulane, Toka Monakane and Khants’e Pii, with Monakane emerging as the winner, while Mohale’s Hoek’s finalists were Mahali Motantši, Lefa Khomonala and Retšepile Ramakatsa, with Ramakatsa selected as the winner.
Thaba-Tseka’s top three were Kananelo ’Musi, Lineo Mathiase and Mokhobo Mongali, with ’Musi emerging victorious. In Mokhotlong, Moiketsi Moiketsi, Mapele Maimane and Ntsane Mokh’ena made the top three, with Maimane winning.
Qacha’s Nek’s finalists were Fariddah Hoosen, Mateke Khalikane and Amohelang Mohapi, with Khalikane selected as the winner. In Butha-Buthe, Tšepiso Mantepe, Moshaonyana Mohanoe and Nkosazana Dlamini made the top three, with Moshaonyana Mohanoe emerging as the winner.
Maseru had five finalists — Mahooana Mahase, Thandiwe Kubere, Zebongile Khesa, Makhomo Liphoto and Monaheng Ramakatsa — with Kubere and Ramakatsa selected as the district’s winners.
Speaking at the announcement, LTDC Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mamello Morojele, said the initiative marked the beginning of a new chapter in how Lesotho presents itself to the world.
“No one can tell the story of Lesotho better than Basotho themselves. You are not just content creators, but talented,” Ms Morojele said.
She said the Rebontše Lesotho campaign was inspired by a visit from renowned African content creator, Wodemaya, whose masterclass generated interest among young Basotho in digital storytelling, tourism and national pride.
Following the masterclass, LTDC invited young people to submit two-minute videos showcasing unique attractions and experiences in their home districts.
“Participants were challenged to submit a two-minute video showcasing the unique attractions and experiences of the districts they call home,” Ms Morojele said.
“The quality of submissions demonstrated remarkable creativity, passion, and pride.”
To strengthen the participants’ skills, all qualifying entrants received professional training in digital storytelling, visual communication, video production and responsible content creation.
The training was delivered in partnership with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.
Following the training, participants produced new tourism content which was evaluated by LTDC, Limkokwing University and sponsoring partners, resulting in one outstanding creator being selected from each district.
Ms Morojele thanked corporate partners for investing in what she described as youth empowerment, innovation, digital storytelling and the future of tourism marketing in Lesotho.
Several companies adopted districts under the Rebontše Lesotho initiative.
LNIG Hollard Lesotho has adopted Quthing, while Vodacom Lesotho and ’Melesi Lodge have adopted Maseru.
Standard Lesotho Bank adopted Butha-Buthe, Alliance Group Investment Holding Company adopted Leribe, Econet Telecom Lesotho adopted Mokhotlong, and Metropolitan Lesotho adopted Qacha’s Nek.
LTDC has invited private-sector companies to come on board and adopt creators in the remaining districts of Berea, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Thaba-Tseka.
A long-term commitment
Ms Morojele said the success of the pilot had prompted LTDC to make Rebonts’e Lesotho an annual programme from 2027 to 2029.
She said the programme would empower young Basotho to promote the country, support tourism product development and strengthen Lesotho’s position as a preferred tourist destination.
Addressing the selected creators, Ms Morojele said they now had a responsibility to use their platforms to promote the country.
“You are now modern content creators. You are ambassadors of the kingdom in the sky. Through your creativity and authentic storytelling, you will shape how the world sees Lesotho,” she said.
She also encouraged those who were not selected to continue developing their skills and producing content.
“Your talent, your commitment remain invaluable, and this is only the beginning. Continue creating, continue improving, and continue telling the story of your beautiful country,” she said.
Ms Morojele acknowledged LTDC staff, Limkokwing University, sponsors and the media for their role in amplifying Lesotho’s story locally, regionally and internationally.
“Tourism is not only about spectacular landscape, it is about our people, our culture, our heritage, and the authentic stories that connect us with the world,” she said.
“Together, let us continue telling our story with pride.”
Digital visibility
Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Stephen Mputi, said the initiative was important to the country’s renewed approach to showcasing Lesotho globally at a time when the tourism industry was increasingly driven by digital platforms.
He said tourists could now discover and choose their next destinations through social media, making it essential for Lesotho to maintain a strong online presence.
“In a world where the tourist’s next destination is just a scroll away, it is important for us to be visible and intentional with our socials,” Mr Mputi said.
He said the country needed to move beyond conventional tourism advertising and instead tell its stories continuously and consistently online.
According to Mr Mputi, sustained storytelling would help improve Lesotho’s social media presence and ensure that the country remained visible to potential tourists navigating an increasingly digital global tourism market.