In the prehistoric times before the colonial rule and the arrival of the missionaries in Lesotho, the Basotho people had their unique culture, believes and way of life including their own calendar. Basotho celebrate the beginning of the New Year at the beginning of August – Phato. A series of activities listed below will take place as part of campaign before the culmination of the main event and also in celebration of Selemo festivity celebration.
11th July 2023, Tuesday Press Conference Media briefing to update the media about the planned activities and festivities for both the New Year and Selemo season, commemoration of three months from Phato – Mphalane 2023. Key speakers: LTDC a.i. Chief Executive Mr. Tebello Thoola, Selemo Association Mr. Lebohang Mohapi and BACUFE Ms. Thato Chobokoane.
18th July 2023 Tuesday Panel Discussion at Manthabiseng Convention Centre from 9.30 hrs-12.30 – There will be a dialogue between experts from different angles to impart knowledge on the subject on “Selemo-Sa-Basotho.”
20th July 2023 Thursday Fireworks & Torch-Lighting in accordance with Basotho calendar. Fireworks lighting extravaganza to mark the Basotho New Year commencement. The Minister of Tourism, Chief Khoabane and CEO a.i. LTDC are expected to give speeches, at the Lesotho Arts and Cultural Centre (near Sparrows Petrol Station) at 16:00 hrs.
27th– 29th July, 2023 Thursday to Saturday Qiloane Based Campsite in Thaba Bosiu will hold a cultural year end celebration with Jeep Legends and LTDC taking part in the event. Thursday 27th July is the arrival date for members of Jeep Legends from RSA and sleep over is at Thaba Bosiu.
28th July, 2023 Friday. The Principal Chief of Thaba Bosiu is invited to lead the convoy and there will be a tree planting at Qiloane Mountain. There will also be a charity drive to Rapokolana Primary School.
29th July, 2023 Saturday there will be cultural activities and music. Entrance requirement is Mokorotlo hat, guests or audience are required to wear their Mokorotlo hats and they will be sold at the venue which is land mark frames near Qiloane Mountain in Thaba Bosiu.
4th August 2023 Friday Main Commemoration/ Main event. This will be the main event where the public will be invited to celebrate the Basotho New Year. The event will kick start from LTDC premises to Manthabiseng Convention Center led by LDF band playing their melodious trumpets and stunning performances of leader of the band leading and performing with a mace; the march will be decorated by Basotho Men and students wearing their traditional attire with women in their themed Seshoeshoe dresses. Upon arrival at the Convention Centre speeches will be delivered by Minister of Tourism – Hon Mokhethi Shelile, LTDC CEO, Representatives from the Selemo Association, Representative from tertiary institutions, Sponsors representative. The audience will be entertained with traditional performances, comedy show and Sesotho music.
5th August, 2023 Saturday BACUFE (Basotho Arts and Cultural Festival) there would be cultural activities, and exhibition of crafts and traditional cuisine will be available. It will be held at Khutsong Lodge.
For further details please contact LTDC contact name: Mr. Molapo Matela/ Mr. Nkuebe Lerotholi on Phone number: +266 5818 1590/ +266 6200 9888.