In a vibrant display of national pride, thousands of Basotho gathered at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru on Friday to celebrate the dual milestones of Lesotho’s 58th independence anniversary and the 200th anniversary of its founding by King Moshoeshoe I.
The event saw a remarkable turnout, with citizens donning traditional attire, including the iconic Basotho blanket, as they commemorated their rich heritage.
The festivities were graced by several high-profile international dignitaries, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Eswatini Prime Minister Russel Dlamini, Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. Ambassador Michael P. Murphy, KM attended on behalf of the Order of Malta.
Lesotho gained independence from British rule on 4 October 1966, a pivotal moment that marked the end of colonial governance and the beginning of self-determination for the Basotho people. The nation’s founding, however, dates back to 1824, when King Moshoeshoe I unified various clans to establish a cohesive entity in the face of external pressures and internal conflicts.
His leadership laid the foundation for the modern nation of Lesotho, which has since navigated various challenges while maintaining its cultural identity.
