Traditional leaders unpack Basotho New Year

By Libuseng Nyaka

A representative of traditional leaders in the Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality, Lerotholi Mopeli, says the designation of August as new Basotho year reflects the intelligence of Basotho and their understanding of nature.

Mopeli, who is also the advisor to the principal chief of Morena oa Bakoena Moremoholo Mopeli, said it is not a coincidence that Basotho mark their beginning of the year in August when South Africa also celebrates Women’s Month.

“Even though the calendar year of white people starts in January Basotho through their understanding of nature celebrate their year in August when plants start to grow. It is not by mistake that celebration of Basotho year coincides with celebration of Women‘s Month; this is just a demonstration of how much Basotho understand nature since it is from women that children are born.

“We would not have been born without women. In the same way, Basotho understand that August is when rain starts to fall and make the soil moist and fertile for new plants to grow. It is very important for us Basotho to continue celebrating this month for conservation of our heritage. It is even more important this year because Basotho celebrate 200 years since they were founded by Morena Moshoeshoe in 1824.”

The Free State government, led by Sport arts, culture and recreation MEC Ntombizanela Sifuba will join residents of Maluti-a-Phofung on Saturday August 3, 2024 in commemoration of the Basotho year, at the Basotho Cultural Village in Qwaqwa.

 August 1st marks the celebration of the African New Year, also known as Selemo sa Basotho, loosely translated as “Year of the Basotho.
In a statement, the spokesperson of SACR Tankiso Zola said the Basotho New Year is celebrated annually after the last days of winter (Mariha) to give way to new life after the dry season.

“The Basotho New Year starts in August (Phato), which is known for its blowing winds and it being the month when fields are cultivated and the first crop from the cultivation is offered as a sacrifice to Tlatlamatjholo (God). The celebration of Basotho New Year serves as one of the important vehicles towards the realization of the following objectives: promotion of nation building and social cohesion; promotion of unity in diversity; advancement of our heritage and culture; transformation of the heritage landscape; honouring our heroes and heroines; promotion of Sesotho language in particular; and multi-lingualism in general.

Ushering Basotho New Year at Phuthaditjhaba cultural village on Qwaqwa.

“In 2024, the celebration takes place against the following background: 30 Years of Democracy 30 Years Anniversary of Basotho Cultural Village and Bicentenary of the Basotho Nation.

“The bicentenary celebration of the Basotho nation provides an important backdrop for the 2024 Basotho New Year celebration. It is an important milestone in the history of any nation to reach two centuries of existence. In celebrating the 2024 Basotho New Year we join all the Basotho people in our country, in Lesotho and beyond in wishing more years to this nation of Morena Moshoeshoe.”