By Matšeliso Phulane
A clothing brand, The Patriot clothing brand was launched on Friday last week in Maseru in memory of the late Karabo Maitin, a Mosotho man who was very proud of his heritage.
The launch of the brand also marked the birth date of the late Maitin, a proud African man who co-founded the Basutoland Ink with the slogan’ Refining Homage. The hero, passed away on May 3, succumbing to kidney failure.
The Patriot is a clothing brand, a spin-off from Basutoland Ink dedicated to the life and legacy of Maitin. His love for culture permeated his every day; demonstrating the beauty and richness of what it truly means to be a Mosotho son of the soil.
Basutoland Ink is still regarded as one of the pioneering printed t-shirt brands specializing in proudly Basotho wear in the country.
The brand was first introduced in 2006 when three Basotho business partners who also happened to be friends namely Bokang Kheekhe, Karabo Maitin and Tlotlisang Setsomi developed the idea to create t-shirts showcasing Lesotho’s vibrancy.
The newly launched brand, The Patriot offers full range of both adults and children’s clothes.
In an interview with theReporter this week, The Patriot public relations and communications officer, Thato Chobokoane said the new brand is not 100 percent new, because its logo is half of the Basutoland Ink.
“It is a very commemorative clothing label basically meant to celebrate his life (Maitin) and legacy.
“The brand is dubbed ‘The Patriot’, basically because he was a well-known person who was loved by everyone for who he was and everything he did.
“I found patriotism to be a suitable name to give, it was a common and key name that describes what he was known for hence, the name ‘The Patriot’.
“We want to associate this brand with upcoming projects that will be undertaken as a way of giving back – in a form of education – to his children.
“The brand also intends to inspire the Basotho citizens and remind them about out roots as a nation and the principles of our formation by Moshoeshoe I,” Chobokoane said.
Chobokoane added that this year was a perfect time to launch the brand as it is also aligned with the bicentenary celebration of the Basotho nation.
“Therefore, we wanted to use the life of Karabo to remind Basotho that we buried one of our colleagues who was an embodiment of the principles of King Moshoeshoe I.
“What is most interesting about Karabo is that he was an unapologetic patriot in everything he said, including in platforms such as politics, when addressing people,” Chobokoane noted.
Going forward, she said Basotho should expect an online store where they will be selling their first winter range that will be available on pre-order.
Chobokoane said they intend to make this collection a limited edition, and they will be producing 250 items.
“Basotho can visit our Facebook page, dubbed ‘The Patriot’ to see our clothing collections for winter season.
“On June 16, we will also be showcasing the collection of spring range, which will only be available around August. However, before their availability, people can start selecting their favorite items,” she noted.
The launch was graced by the performances of local artists such as Bhudaza Mapefane, Victor T Rapitse, Sir Sechaba, DJ Allegro, Malebo Jazz band and others.
