By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – The halls of Tsebo Secondary School came alive with colour, song, and tradition on 8 August as mothers and daughters gathered for the school’s annual Pitiki celebration – a day dedicated to honouring Basotho heritage and instilling values in the next generation.
The event, marking the Basotho New Year month, brought together learners and their parents in traditional attire for a programme of cultural teachings, bonding activities, and heartfelt conversations. Girls spent the day with their mothers, while boys took part in their own parallel activities, echoing age-old customs of gendered mentorship.
For Grade 12 learner Dieketseng Mhlambi, the day was a powerful affirmation of identity.“Today is a celebration of the Basotho New Year, and as girls, we call it Pitiki,” she said.
“We are being taught to bond with our parents, love ourselves, and value our culture. No one must tell you that you are beautiful – you must tell yourself. I love my culture.”
Grade 11 learner Matshidiso Mokoena said the celebration offered crucial guidance for today’s youth.
“Kids of our generation can be difficult and sometimes lack respect,” she said.
“Our mothers are here to advise us on how to behave as young women and live with dignity.”Parents shared equally in the spirit of the day. Matshidiso Sekonyela, who attended with her daughters Mangaka (Grade 9) and Maleshwane (Grade 10), praised the school’s commitment to cultural education.
“When we are here as parents teaching our children about our culture, some things are easier to convey in the company of other mothers and daughters,” she said. “It helps our children understand life and how to behave as Sotho girls.”
For Mangaka, the lessons were eye-opening. “I’m happy because we are being advised on how to behave,” she said. “Looking at my peers who already have children and are distracted by boys, now I know to avoid those mistakes.”
Maleshwane admitted the celebration shifted her perspective.“Before today, I preferred English culture and things,” she said.
“But after meeting the Indoni girls and being part of this, I now appreciate my Sotho heritage.”
The Pitiki celebration was more than a cultural showcase – it was a reaffirmation of identity, respect, and the deep bond between mothers and daughters in shaping the values of future Mosotho women.
