By Kabelo Mollo
What we do know is that we’re celebrating, and the said celebration is linked to 200 years.
What seems to be up in the air at the moment is what exactly that number speaks to. Was it the formation of the Basotho nation? Or was it the commencement of the trek that would lead our founding father to the place where he would go on to establish the united nation called Basutoland and ultimately Lesotho? Or was it the beginning of the long and arduous journey that would see him diplomatically and skilfully become the leader of the nation?
The debate rages on, on various platforms and even in real life. I am nothing like qualified enough to weigh in on the matter. All I know is Basotho need a celebration and a uniting force. Having missed the opportunity with the Kings diamond era, perhaps the 200 years might work.
There have been too many fractures in our society. A nation devoid of ethnic cleavage, a nation that largely speaks one language and generally believes in one deity should not be this divided.
Its’ heart breaking that so many ascribe their political beliefs and party colours as part of their identity and therefore allow a chasm to appear where there shouldn’t be. From what I have read and heard about the great leaders that were Moshoeshoe and Mohlomi they would not have stood for such.
Interestingly, many politicians will quote either Morena Moshoeshoe or Mohlomi as the actively do the exact opposite of what either leader would have. The self serving nature of the politics of the day has made it difficult to hear what the leaders are saying.
So, I guess its left to us, as individuals. To decide that we’re going to take the 200 years moniker by the proverbial horns and lead it to where we want. Perhaps we need to organise community engagements where we discuss Moshoeshoes teachings and leadership.
Maybe we need to talk to our children about his legacy and make them truly grasp who the great leader really was, and what we need to be doing in order to live up to the standards he set. On Wednesday, at His Majesty’s QnA in celebration of this 200 years, one of the students asked of the importance of the commemoration of Moshoeshoe’s birth day every March.
His Majesty then corrected the young man, and reminded all present that said date is actually to commemorate the date of his passing. It is for us to remember the leader and leadership we had. Worthwhile indeed.
I love a celebration. And honestly I believe many more nation building activities are required in order for this society to ultimately thrive. As ever political will seems short in galvanising the society, but perhaps our learned resilience will pull through and we will celebrate the bicentennial loudly and proudly! Hopefully our leaders will follow us in to the positivity and return to Moshoeshoe-esque principles… To those taking part in this year’s Moshoeshoe walk, all the very best. You are brave men and women! Morena Mohlomi would undoubtedly be proud.
