LHDA manoeuvres delicate task to relocate ancestral graves

LINEO MABEKEBEKE

MASERU – The relocation of ancestral graves is a matter of deep cultural and emotional significance, one that is never taken lightly, particularly in a country like Lesotho, where ancestral reverence is deeply embedded in the social fabric.

The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) finds itself at the heart of such a delicate task as it embarks on the necessary but sensitive relocation of 193 community members’ remains from the villages of Tlhakola and Masakong.  

This relocation, which commenced on June 20, forms part of a larger initiative involving the movement of 450 graves and ash heaps from four villages, all impacted by the ongoing Polihali infrastructure development under Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

LHDA has said its approach to this process has been rooted in a profound respect for the cultural and emotional sensitivities of the affected communities.

Such respect is reflected in LHDA’s commitment to partnering with the community every step of the way and by recognising the significant emotional and cultural implications, the LHDA has prioritised the needs and traditions of the affected communities from the very beginning.

Extensive consultations have been held with families, community leaders, traditional healers, and government departments, including the Ministry of Health and the Department of Culture and Environment.

Such consultations are vital to ensure that every step of the relocation process—from grave identification, registration, and verification to the selection of new burial grounds and the reburial ceremonies—aligns with the cultural protocols and legal requirements that govern such a deeply personal matter.

The cultural significance of the relocation has been acknowledged by the LHDA through their support of two pre-relocation traditional ceremonies held on June 6, 2024.

During these ceremonies, the community observed cultural customs by slaughtering two cows — one male and one female — as a way of calling on the ancestors to relocate peacefully to the new burial grounds.

This ritual is not merely a ceremonial gesture but an integral part of the cultural practices that guide the community’s relationship with their ancestors.

Tšepang Tsakatsi, a respected elder within the community, has praised the LHDA for their understanding and respect for the diverse beliefs and religious customs of the affected families.

“We acknowledge LHDA’s understanding that the affected members’ beliefs and religious customs are diverse,” he said.

Tsakatsi further commended the LHDA for their financial assistance, which has enabled families to conduct their own customary rituals as part of the relocation process.

Beyond the logistical considerations, the LHDA has shown a deep commitment to the emotional well-being of the affected families. For this reason, dedicated counselling services are provided through social workers, ensuring that families have access to support throughout the sensitive process of exhumation and reburial.

This focus on emotional support highlights the LHDA’s understanding that the relocation of graves is not just a physical task but an emotional journey for the communities involved as it brings back a flood of memories about lost loved ones.

The LHDA’s collaborative approach extends further to partnerships with expert archaeological and funeral service providers.

These professionals work closely with community members to ensure that the handling of the remains is carried out with the utmost respect and dignity. This collaboration underscores the LHDA’s commitment to ensuring that the relocation process is conducted in a manner that honours the memory of the deceased and the traditions of the living.