By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Thousands of Basotho from across South Africa gathered at the Basotho Cultural Heritage Site on Saturday, 1 August, to celebrate the beginning of the Basotho New Year, as the Free State government urged communities to seize economic opportunities and preserve their cultural heritage.
The celebration was marked by colourful displays of traditional Basotho attire, music, dance and traditional cuisine, reflecting the rich cultural identity of the Basotho nation.
Free State MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Ntombizanele Sifuba, encouraged Basotho to take advantage of business opportunities created following the departure of undocumented foreign nationals who previously operated businesses in many communities.
She urged people to begin the new year with renewed energy, innovative ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit, assuring them that government support is available for viable initiatives.
“There is space that we are not using in our communities. We are encouraging all Basotho to stand up. Remember that not everyone will be employed by government, but every person can use their ability, talent, hands and skills to improve their lives,” said Sifuba.
Sifuba also appealed to Sesotho writers to produce more books in the language to preserve its correct usage, adding that her department has funding available to support such initiatives.
She further encouraged elders to continue passing cultural values and traditions to younger generations, warning that failure to do so could leave young people without a strong cultural foundation.
“The celebration of the Basotho New Year teaches us about ubuntu, unity, love, freedom and respect for both elders and young people. Good cultural values will help our nation fight the social challenges facing today’s youth,” she said.
Delivering a message of support on behalf of the neighbouring Kingdom of Lesotho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Steve Mputhi said identity is the greatest inheritance a nation can leave to future generations.
Mputhi called for stronger collaboration between the Free State and the Kingdom of Lesotho to promote tourism, cultural events and economic development.
“Together we can grow regional tourism, empower our artists and athletes, create employment opportunities for our youth and preserve the rich cultural heritage that binds us as one people,” he said.
He also encouraged traditional leaders and government to embrace modern ways of communicating with young people, including using digital platforms and artificial intelligence to promote Basotho culture and preserve its history.
“Today we have content creators and influencers who can help promote our heritage and record our history correctly. We must also explore how artificial intelligence can be used positively for the benefit of the Basotho nation,” Mphuthi said.
Representing the Bakoena ba Mopeli Royal House, Morena Neo Mopeli wished Basotho a prosperous New Year and encouraged communities to cultivate the land, strengthen food security and work together to improve their livelihoods through shared ideas and collective effort.
