MENYABUKETSE – OUR FOREFATHERS’ FOOTPRINTS

By Emily Setona

QWAQWA – Menyabuketse means to walk in the footsteps of our forefathers, this is the theme for the celebration of our Basotho culture and heritage. This heritage month saw the collaboration between Maluti Crescent Mall and the Free State department of sports, arts, culture and recreation to host memorable Heritage day celebrations.

Launched from the 23^rd of September to the 26^th, the Maluti Crescent Mall’s exhibition area and designated areas in the mall accommodated spectacular artworks, traditional craftwork and designs that boasted of a Basotho culture and heritage that left passers-by and onlookers inspired and in awe. Mr. Jeffrey Motloung the centre manager for the mall came together with Mr. Ntsane Mopeli assistant director in the Thabo Mofutshanyana district from the Free State department of sports, arts, culture and recreation to create this festive programme. “What I’d like our artists and small business owners to realise is that there is a wonderful opportunity for them to generate a great income by exhibiting their products at the mall. I hope that this is the beginning of more things to come,” said Mr. Motloung.

Mampe Radebe a designer who creates beautiful crochet garments and accessories says that this opportunity has been wonderful for her because a lot of people who saw her work at the exhibition made some orders. The Basotho Cultural Village was also part of this event to showcase Basotho traditional artefacts, crafts, attire and cuisine. Mall goers could also buy an assortment of food that they don’t usually find at this establishment. “I am here because I am passionate and proud of our Basotho culture and heritage. We have brought food such as morogo, mokgodu, dipabi and more because Basotho people pride themselves with their cuisine and love to celebrate with food,” said Masie Mosikatsana a representative from Basotho Cultural Village.

On 24 September, Heritage Day, celebrations of traditional song, dance and performing artists were hosted at the Phuthaditjaba Park next to the Information Centre home of QwaQwa Radio which was also there at the event. More crafters, artists and designers exhibited their work and the audience was treated to a variety of Basotho cultural performances as well as speeches from keynote speakers. Mr Ntsane Mopeli said that the importance and significance of launching this event was to give our local artists, crafters and designers the opportunity to showcase their products particularly at the Maluti Crescent Mall to get adequate exposure for their work. “It is very important for young people to remember their culture and tradition and where they come from, in spite of their pursuit of the new and trending technological advances that seem to have them so captivated,” said Mr Mopeli.