By Neo Kolane
The proud manufacturer of the iconic Basotho heritage blankets, Aranda Textile Mills last Friday launched the Young Basotho Designers Collection in Maseru.
The designers are Tsepo Pitso, Alice Bereng, Masikane Masike, Khosi Leteba, Thaabe Letsie and Mokete Mohapi.
The Young Basotho Designers Collection is an initiative by Aranda Textile Mills aimed to empower young designers of Basotho in creating original works.
The integrated marketing manager at Aranda, Palesa Tladi said the initiative provides a platform for them to showcase their blanket designs and tell Basotho tales through the medium of the blanket.
Tladi added that Aranda facilitates the creative process where young and talented designers can contribute to the rich blanket wearing tradition that is woven into fabric of the Basotho culture.
One of the designers Masike whose blanket is called Sekoele said the blanket creates a spiritual awareness and a return of the God Tlhatlha-Macholo.
Masike confidently said he holds the Basotho heritage near and dear to his heart.
“It boasts character and deep-rooted meaning to the Basotho nation. The Basotho blanket wearing tradition survival relies on me and to continue the legacy left by our forefathers,” Masike said.
