Moshoeshoe’s grandson reignites cultural pride

LINEO MALATALIANA

MASERU – Cultural Relativism speaks to the conviction that customs, beliefs and morals that exist within the structure of a particular culture relate to it and are not absolute.

Makhale Makoanyane a cultural relativist, humanitarian and spiritual practitioner is spearheading a movement that advocates for cultural relativism in Basotho culture. In 2011, Makoanyane founded ‘Manneko Arts and Culture Home in an attempt to instill patriotism.

“It’s a calling, I was never taught, it’s a gift,” Makoanyane refers to his passion to relativism.

His passion for his movement stemmed for his love for his family relations.

“Looking into my family history I realized that there was a lot of conflict and drift. I felt the need to build stability and renewed peace,” Makoanyane said.

His passion although met with skepticism propelled him to drive peace and unity into chief groups like Bana ba Peete.

Although he cannot pinpoint the exact moment he felt the need to embark on this journey, he attributes his influence to have come from his love and respect for Moshoeshoe I and his teachings on peace and unity. 

In 2023, Makoanyane said he had a vision to drive teachings of cultural relativism on realisation that the country was peace stricken.

“I started through prayer and fasting. I would make it a point to hold a mountain prayer on the first of every month to pray for peace in the country. This subsequently led to having an influential impact in the country,” he said.  

‘Manneko Arts and Culture Home is a programme housed under Mint Consulting’s objective to promote cultural awareness.

“Mint has supported the programme through airtime and providing me transport to attend to speaking engagements,” he said.

Makoanyane is the direct great grandson of Moshoeshoe I’s second house by ‘Manneko.

His great grandmother was the first wife Moshoeshoe I taken from the Bahlakoana clan upon his arrival from Menkhoaneng. She was a commoner whose lineage was survived by one son ‘Neko.

‘Neko’s lineage subsequently birthed Tšoene who fathered Makoanyane.

In efforts to mimic the founder of the Basotho nation, he strives to be a peacemaker in his family.

He has also been able to uphold his vision and relativism in his community at Ha Seeiso, Metolong, and surrounding communities in the area.

“Since 2025, I have been able to push my vision to a broader audience by holding speaking engagements on Cultural Relativism in churches, communities and schools,” Makoanyane said.

According to Makoanyane, cultural relativism will teach Basotho to better appreciate their differences and help them on how they can better handle issues.

“This programme teaches that no one’s stature is above other people, we are Basotho before anything else,” he said.

To date, Makoanyane has had speaking engagements at IBC College and local churches. He has also been a guest on the Lesotho National Broadcasting Services Lesotho Television morning show Thahameso.

Of recent he was a guest on Haverst FM’s afternoon show, Bacha ba Matla, speaking on his movement.