By: Thoboloko Ntšonyane
Botha-bothe- While the main birthday celebration was held in Botha-Bothe yesterday, Basotho across the country are celebrating the Monarch’s 61st birthday.
Born on July 17, 1963, at Scott Hospital in Morija, in the outskirts of Maseru, King Letsie III has not only been a pivotal figure in the history of Lesotho but also a beacon of unity and cultural pride for Basotho.
Born David Mohato Bereng Seeiso, King Letsie III is the eldest son of King Moshoeshoe II and Queen ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso.
He attended Iketsetseng Primary School in Maseru from 1968 to 1972. In 1973, he moved to Gilling Castle in Yorkshire, Great Britain, where he completed his primary education in 1976.
He then continued his education at Ampleforth College in 1977, finishing his secondary and high school education in 1980.
In 1980, he enrolled at the National University of Lesotho, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Law in 1984. He furthered his studies by obtaining a Diploma in English Legal Studies from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom from 1984 to 1986.
He then proceeded to the University of Cambridge, where he studied Development Studies, completing in 1989. Afterward, he enrolled at Wye College of the University of London to study Agricultural Economics.
He was installed as the Principal Chief of Matsieng on December 16, 1989. He first ascended the throne on November 12, 1990, under the new Office of the King Order No. 14 of 1990, which was promulgated on November 6, 1990.
He was named King Letsie III after King Letsie I, the eldest son of King Moshoeshoe I, the founder of the Basotho nation.
Following the death of King Moshoeshoe II on January 15, 1996, King Letsie III was reinstalled as King on February 7, 1996. His coronation took place on October 31, 1997, in Maseru.
In 2018, His Majesty was appointed by the World Bank Group as the Champion of the Human Capital Project. In 2016, King Letsie III was appointed as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s Special Ambassador for Nutrition.
In 2019, the Prince of Songkla University conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Science in Agriculture upon the King. He also holds the title of the Nutrition Champion of the African Union.
A passionate farmer, King Letsie III finds joy in farming during his spare time. He is deeply involved in planting crops and rearing animals, embodying the agricultural heritage of Lesotho. His hands-on approach to farming highlights his commitment to sustainability and food security, serving as an inspiration to many Basotho farmers.
One of His Majesty’s cherished roles as the Chancellor of the National University of Lesotho (NUL) is the annual tradition of conferring caps upon the graduates. He has previously said he finds joy and pride in capping the students following their achievements.
He is married to Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, née Karabo Motšoeneng, a union that took place in 2000. The Royal couple has been blessed with three children: Princess Senate, the eldest; Princess ‘Maseeiso, the second-born; and Prince Lerotholi, the youngest-also an heir apparent to the throne.
His celebration is marked by traditional songs, dances, military parades, and marching. There is also a parachute landing by members of the Lesotho Defence Force amongst many other activities.
In attendance are Basotho from across the country, friends of Lesotho, and members of the international community, including embassy and high commission representatives, as well as international organizations.
In the past, the birthday celebrations were held in Maseru, but then-Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili decided they should rotate among the ten districts so that the host districts benefit economically.