Comedian leaves Kao community in stitches
KABELO MASOABI
BUTHA-BUTHE – Local stand-up comedian Litaba Kotelo, better known as Makhubelu, left the community of Kao in stitches with his anecdotes during this year’s commemoration of Moshoeshoe’s Day in Kao yesterday.
The event was organised by the Kao Mine and was held at the mine’s premises.
The charged audience comprising employees of the Kao mine and residents of Kao could not get enough of the performer who is famous for dressing up as a rural woman who abuses her unemployed husband, Seoelo.
Makhubelu shared the stage with another well-known comedian Lilaphalapha who dished his own share of mesmerising the audience with his pranks.
Another entertainer who added flavour to the already colourful event was veteran Famo artiste, Moketa who had tagged along a newcomer, Lesela oa Mapoteng.
The new kid on the block was backed by a group of female back-up singers, which is rare in this kind of genre.
After the Famo heavy duties had retired, the stage was opened to local poets who praised the founder of the Basotho nation, Moshoeshoe I.
Lehlohonolo Chefa, an official from the mine said the mine hosted the celebration in a bid to unite the mine and the community of Kao.
For years, tensions have been mounting between both parties, with residents accusing the mine of reneging on its mandate to compensate them for relocating them to make room for construction of the mine.
The community also accused the mine of failing to provide them with employment but, instead, favouring outsiders.
The residents further blamed the mine for failing to implement meaningful development projects in the area, an accusation the mine has since slammed as untrue.
Two villagers have since lost their lives while dozens were injured in violent clashes between residents and police in the past two years.
On behalf of the residents, Mojalefa Lesofe appealed to all involved parties to observe Moshoeshoe’s Day as a symbol of a new beginning in relations between the community and the mine.