Ikapare Media is calling on all Basotho to contribute to a ground-breaking digital platform dedicated to preserving Lesotho’s rich history and culture.
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between generations by bringing traditional storytelling into the digital age. At its core is a vision to create a dynamic online space where Basotho -and Africans more broadly – can document their narratives, safeguard their heritage, and inspire future generations.
Speaking to theReporter, Ikapare Media co-founder and director, Katleho Makhalemele, explained that the platform will use modern digital tools while remaining rooted in authentic traditions.
“When we know who we are and where we come from, we can imagine greater dreams and build stronger futures,” he said.
The inspiration for the project dates back to Makhalemele’s time at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. A Korean television series exploring clan origins sparked the realisation that a deeper understanding of Basotho history could fuel creativity in film, music, and the arts.
“This idea was reinforced during visits to my home village, where conversations with elders about figures like Ntate Ramokoining and the founding of Lihase FC revealed the urgent need for cultural documentation,” he noted.
Ikapare Media’s platform seeks to recreate the experience of traditional storytelling for younger generations through videos, podcasts, archives, written stories, and unique cultural expressions such as riddles (Lilotho) and poetic tales (Litṧomo). The goal is to make heritage education accessible, engaging, and relevant, fostering pride and innovation rooted in ancestral wisdom.
The call for content is wide-ranging, from village histories and the origins of football clubs, to traditional games, community support groups (Mekhatlo), clan customs, rituals, and burial practices. The platform is particularly interested in unearthing previously undocumented historical gems.
Contributors will receive public acknowledgment for their submissions, with stories archived alongside their names and family heritage.
Makhalemele noted that dedicated contributors may be offered deeper involvement and future rewards as the platform grows.
By reconnecting youth with their roots and celebrating local heroes on a global stage, Ikapare Media hopes to foster national pride and unity. The project also aims to ensure that the Basotho identity not only survives but thrives across generations.
Makhalemele acknowledged challenges such as limited electricity and internet access in rural areas, as well as the cultural disconnect some young people experience. However, he highlighted the potential of digital storytelling – through films, music, short videos, and animations – to help youth modernise their heritage while staying connected to their identity.
“The message we want to share is simple,” he said. “Understanding where we come from paves the way for a brighter future. We urge Basotho to document and preserve their stories for future generations – empowering them to write their own history with pride and wisdom.”
In the short term, Ikapare Media aims to launch its website, archive over 100 stories within the year, and boost community recognition of its clothing brand. Long-term, the vision is to grow into a Pan-African heritage platform that celebrates stories from across the continent.
Individuals and organisations are encouraged to support the initiative through funding, sharing historical materials, assisting with outreach, or offering expertise. Partnerships with NGOs, schools, universities, and cultural groups are welcomed.
