By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is among many dignitaries attending the 58th Lesotho Independence Day and Bicentennial Celebration.
The Basotho people celebrate with various events, including parades, cultural performances, and traditional ceremonies.
The festivities often feature music, dance, and displays of national pride, showcasing the country’s unique heritage.
The bicentennial celebration of the founding of the Basotho nation by Morena Moshoeshoe I and the Independence Day commemoration are being held on Friday at the Setsoto Stadium, in Maseru.
Ramaphosa conveyed the well wishes of the people of South Africa to His Majesty and the people of Lesotho on the 58th anniversary of independence and the Bicentennial of the founding of this great nation in 1824.
“As you celebrate this Bicentennial, we pay homage to the benevolent nation builder, father of the Basotho people, King Moshoeshoe I.
“We pay homage to his vision, his wisdom and the bravery with which he fought for the liberty of his people. He formed a unified nation that today still embodies his commitment to peaceful coexistence.”
“Morena Letsie III, you have under your rule and stewardship continued this great tradition with vigour, wisdom, compassion and love of the people of the Kingdom.”
“As your neighbours in Southern Africa and across the African continent, we appreciate your excellent leadership, your commitment to peace and development and your contribution to the cause of humanity, said Ramaphosa.
South Africa and the neighbouring Kingdom of Lesotho enjoy strong and cordial bilateral relations and cooperation in a number of fields.
Speaking on the occasion of a State Banquet hosted in Maseru by His Majesty King Moshoeshoe II, on the 12th of July 1995, President Nelson Mandela said:
“I am mindful of being amongst a people who have fought so valiantly for our freedom as for your own.
“Although the ties between our people go back so many years, only now can they flourish to their full potential, under conditions of our own choosing.”
Meanwhile, the Presidency has also announced that Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga is serving as the acting president of South Africa “during the duration of the president’s travel today”.