By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU – The community of Mahobong gather together in celebration of elderly lunch Makgabo’s elderly and orphanage home. Food parcels and blankets are amongst gifts handed over by Bishop David Ramela and King Letsie III.
The elderly have a wealth of knowledge and life experiences that can benefit the community. They have a unique perspective on life, having lived through different eras and periods of history. They also serve as a link to the past, helping to preserve the cultural traditions and history of the community.
It is true that the elderly have a lifetime of experience when it comes to matters of the growth of respectful children. From navigating understanding of love between family members and friends, they have seen and lived through it all.
The wisdom of the elderly can be invaluable when it comes to navigating the complexities of love and relationships. They can provide guidance and support, based on their own life experiences, to help younger generations avoid the pitfalls that can come with love and romance.
The gifts that Bishop Ramela handed over with the help of Shoprite mentions the likely symbolic of the values of love. The elderly are often seen as a link to the past, preserving the cultural and historical heritage of a nation.
That is a very unique and interesting fact! To be born on the same day as the King Letsie III certainly a calls for celebration for these elders. These elderly individuals have something in common with the King, which makes them even more special in the eyes of the community.
It is wonderful that Ramela is recognizing and honoring these elderly citizens who share a connection with the King. This speaks to the importance of respecting and celebrating the wisdom and knowledge of our elders, who have so much to offer to the community.
King Letsie III indeed echoes the biblical principle of gratitude and thankfulness in his statement. The Bible does, in fact, emphasize the importance of being grateful for all the blessings in our lives, both big and small.
Minister of Gender, Youth, and Social development, Hon. Pitso Lesaoana’s statement recognizes the vital role that the elderly play in families, and in society as a whole. Hon. Lesaoana is absolutely correct in his assertion that the elderly should be protected. As they age, older adults can become more vulnerable to physical and mental health issues, as well as financial exploitation and abuse.
As such, it is important for society to provide support and protection to the elderly. His statement underscores the importance of respecting and caring for the elderly, and ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to age with dignity and independence.
His acknowledgment of one of elders Mr. Sootho’s difficulties regarding receiving his government pension highlights the challenges that many elderly people face in obtaining the resources they need.
The fact that Mr. Sootho has yet to receive the financial assistance that is owed to him speaks to the need for better systems and processes to ensure that elderly people are not left behind or forgotten.
By drawing attention to Mr. Sootho’s situation, Hon. Lesaoana is advocating for greater accountability and support for the elderly, and raising awareness about the importance of addressing these issues in a timely and effective manner. He recognized some of them who face obstacles in their daily lives.
Elderly representative Mr. Paul Sekepe mentions that his reaction to being called by the King is completely understandable. For the elderly representative to receive such recognition from the King is both a surprise and an honor, as it is a testament to the King’s respect and appreciation for the contributions of the elderly to society.
Constituency Representative of Thaba-Phatšoa #8, Hon. Thabo Maretlane’s statement about the influence of Eswatini’s love of King’s culture on his decision to wear cultural attire expresses his appreciation for and connection to the rich cultural traditions. The King of Eswatini is known for wearing traditional attire, and this practice has been adopted by many members of the community as a way of honoring their heritage and expressing their pride in their identity.
His wish for the people of Lesotho to follow Eswatini’s example in embracing traditional attire is rooted in his desire for Basotho to strengthen cultural identity and pride. Indeed, a vibrant and visible display of Lesotho’s cultural heritage through traditional attire could attract tourists and serve as a draw for visitors to the country especially in the events like this one.
Many tourists are drawn to destinations that offer authentic cultural experiences, and the opportunity to see and learn about traditional clothing and customs can be a compelling reason to visit. The elderly are a vital link to the cultural heritage of a community, and their knowledge and experience can play a crucial role in passing on traditions and values to younger generations.
Through storytelling, songs, and traditional activities, the elderly can provide children with a deeper understanding and appreciation of their cultural history. By actively engaging with the elderly, children can gain a richer understanding of their community’s customs, traditions, and beliefs, which can help to instill a sense of pride and connection to their cultural heritage.
As the community of Lesotho gathered to celebrate their rich history and heritage, they also paid tribute to the elderly, recognizing their vital role in preserving and passing on their traditions to future generations. This act of reverence and appreciation for the elderly is a reflection of the deep respect and value that the people of Lesotho hold for their elders, and a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the wisdom and experience that the elderly bring to society.
In many traditional cultures, including Lesotho, the elderly are seen as the keepers of wisdom and knowledge, and they are often sought out for their guidance and advice. They are respected for their life experiences and the insight that they offer to younger generations.