Mohloai Mpesi
MASSES from around Lesotho and elsewhere gathered at the Pitso Ground in Butha-Buthe district on Wednesday to celebrate His Majesty King Letsie III’s 61st?Birthday.
It was a grand affair graced by Prime Minister Sam Matekane, his cabinet, government officials, and the diplomatic community, among others.
Most heartwarming about Wednesday the 17th?of July, 2024, was witnessing throngs of Basotho from the remotest areas of Butha-Buthe district taking time out to celebrate with their King.?
The day started with not even a spec of cloud, as men, children and women hastily made their way into the venue. Loud chatters, laughter and indistinctive conversations filled the atmosphere.
All government ministers, former ministers and erstwhile Prime Ministers like Pakalitha Mosisili and Moeketsi Majoro made their way into the VIP marquee to claim their seats, followed by development partners and principal chiefs.
As the clear morning gradually surrendered to noon, His Majesty arrived accompanied by his spouse, Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso. His Majesty was welcomed with royal salutations from the 430 Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) soldiers, who had been standing still since early morning, awaiting his arrival. ????
The Military Brass Band belted out His Majesty’s happy birthday tune, a 21-gun salute in the background creating spectacular boom sounds to which Basotho cheered.
The centre piece though, was not one but three majestic cakes bearing the colours royal blue and gold: colours that personify royalty.
From there, the day was filled with ululations as men and women from Butha-Buthe filled the place with traditional activities, gracefully performing Mokhibo, Ntlamo, Mohobelo and reciting Sesotho poems among others.
The poems especially, were dedicated to King Letsie III, praising him for being a wise and patient King, who had been on the throne for almost three decades now, leading with grace.
However, there were no official speeches prepared for the day, for after the performances, the public proceeded to different spots allocated for feeding?as part of the celebration.
Post event, the Principal Chief of Butha-Buthe, Ret?elisitsoe Mopeli, told the?Sunday Express that the people of Butha-Buthe were elated that the King had graced them with his presence, by agreeing to celebrate his momentous day there.
What made the day exceptional, Chief Mopeli said, was that this year, King Letsie III’s birthday coincided with ongoing celebrations of Lesotho’s bicentenary.
The Basotho nation is 200 years old in 2024, having been founded in 1824 by King Moshoeshoe I in Butha-Buthe district.
“It means so much to us as the people of Butha-Buthe, that His Majesty decided to celebrate his birthday here,” Chief Mopeli said.
“We are also celebrating 200 years as the Basotho nation. It is truly a glorious time, that this year as we celebrate 200 years, we also celebrate His Majesty’s birthday here in Butha-Buthe.”
His Majesty’s birthday should have been held in Berea district as per the protocol roaster. However, 2024 being the Basotho’s nation’s bicentenary, it was decided that the birthday would be held at the nation’s place of birth.
“This celebration was supposed to have been held in Berea, but I can see that God and His Majesty’s ancestors told him to hold it here because, King Moshoeshoe I relocated to Thaba-Bosiu from Butha-Buthe,” Chief Mopeli said.
“We are very happy about this momentous occasion. We wish him well. God must continue to preserve the King for the entire Basotho Nation. May God and his ancestors protect him.”
Ordinary Likila (Butha-Buthe natives) would also not pass up the opportunity to speak on the significance of celebrating King Letsie III’s birthday on their soil.
One Mathethebala Pitso, told the?Sunday Express?that it was befitting for King Letsie III to celebrate his birthday in Butha-Buthe this year, as it was where the Basotho nation was formed.
“In 1820, King Moshoeshoe I moved from Menkhoaneng to Butha-Buthe because his mother was sick. from 1820 to 1824 King Moshoeshoe I, lived in Butha-Buthe, he never returned to Menkhoaneng,” Mr Pitso explained.
“The biggest thing that happened in 1824, was Moshoeshoe I’s relocation from Butha-Buthe to Thaba-Bosiu. The Basotho nation was already formed at that time, it was not formed when they reached Thaba-Bosiu.”
He narrated that when King Moshoeshoe I reached Thaba-Boisu, a place considered the Basotho nation’s stronghold, he was an already established King. He had formed his nation from different clans and tribes in Lesotho, before moving to Thaba-Bosiu.
Therefore, it only made sense that when the country celebrated 200 years as a nation, King Letsie III should also celebrate his birthday in Butha-Buthe “a place where the Basotho nation was formed”.
“King Moshoeshoe I wouldn’t have power and authority to talk and make a covenant with other kings if he was not a King himself. Yes, part of the nation did not go with him when he migrated,” Mr Pitso said. ??
“But because the formation and foundation of the nation started here in Butha-Buthe in 1824, we can’t belittle that migration. It was a significant moment in the history of the Basotho nation, that must be celebrated.
“So, today we celebrate His Majesty’s birthday here in Butha-Buthe. I mean, it was only proper for him to come here and step on his forefathers’ soil.
“I wish that matters relating to the Basotho nation’s history, can be handled with care, like the royal family is doing. We are very happy as the people of Butha-Buthe. This is an indication that the leaders of this country understand the roots of the Basotho nation. This day has brought happiness to all the people who came here. As you can see, everyone is happy today.”
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