Mohalenyane Phakela
ARANDA Textiles launched a new range of Basotho heritage blankets on Thursday which honours the late Queen Mother ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso at a glitzy event held at AVANI Maseru Hotel.
Titled ‘Marona, the blanket range was unveiled in a glamorous fashion show with models showcasing its various shades and the stylish ways which it can be worn.
Among those in attendance was King Letsie III, Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, senior government officials and veteran South African actress Lillian Dube.
Aranda Textiles is a South African company and the leading producer of Basotho heritage blankets such as Seana Marena, Motlatsi, Kharetsa, Sefate and Letlama among others.
The designs were developed over many years and manufactured by Aranda Textiles with the blessing of the royal family, hence the decision to pay tribute to the late Queen Mother.
Queen Mother was the mother of King Letsie III and was involved in several charitable causes in Lesotho. Over the course of her life, she was renowned for her work in uplifting the lives of Basotho women. She passed away on 6 September 2003.
According to Aranda Textiles’ Sales and Marketing Director, Tom Kritzinger, the company has been strongly affiliated with the late Queen ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso since the 1980s.
“This new range, ‘Marona – meaning our mother, is a tribute to the late Queen Mother. I met her in the 80s and we became friends through the mutual vision of enhancing Basotho heritage blankets,” he said.
“We also worked closely with her in 2000 when we were designing a blanket range for King Letsie III’s wedding.
“Today we honour her for her leadership, humbleness, patriotism, great smile and for being the mother of the Basotho nation.
“We are forever grateful for her lessons, hence we found it befiting to create a blanket in honour of this great person.”
Aranda Textiles also presented the royal couple with a blanket each from the new range before presenting Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso with a M5 000 cheque towards the Queen’s National Trust Fund which was established by Queen ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso in 1985.
Local poet Teboho Rantsoabe entertained the crowd with his verses which were both in both Sesotho and English. Rapper, Chocolate Soul, brought the audience to the dancefloor as he performed such songs as Marena A Mararo.
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