Queen ’Masenate inspires Machabeng College’s IBDP graduation ceremony
‘MANTŠANG KHUTLISI
MASERU – ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre buzzed with celebration and academic pride as Machabeng College International School of Lesotho hosted its International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025.
The event, held on Friday, May 23, marked a pivotal milestone for graduates, uniting students, parents, educators, and dignitaries—including Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, the school’s patron – in a tribute to global academic excellence.
Queen ‘Masenate, a distinguished alumna of Machabeng College (1990-1996), delivered a powerful keynote emphasizing the transformative role of education in an interconnected world.
Drawing from her own journey – from Machabeng student to Queen – she highlighted resilience, leadership, and community service as pillars of success. Her speech resonated deeply, particularly her call to “break the silence around challenges like HIV/Aids and disability inclusion,” causes she champions as also patron of the Lesotho Red Cross Society and Hlokomela Banana.
Rupa Sen, Head of Machabeng College, lauded the graduates’ perseverance: “Through dedication, faith, and unwavering support from educators, you’ve reached this momentous day.”
She praised teachers for creating a “safe space where no student was left behind,” fostering both academic growth and personal resilience.
Student Representative Council president, Khotsofalang Shale, moved the audience with reflections on her his “rollercoaster of challenges and victories”, describing Machabeng as “more than a college – a home,” she echoed the tight-knit community spirit that defines the school.
Leqele Tšosane, the cohort’s top student, shared his heartfelt story of overcoming hearing impairments that once isolated him. “I never gave up,” he declared, crediting his educators and faith for his success. His testimony underscored the school’s commitment to inclusive education, a value championed by Queen ‘Masenate, who has long advocated for disability rights.
As an IB World School since 1986, Machabeng College prepares students for global careers in several fields, and the Queen’s presence underscored the institution’s reputation – a place where, as she noted, “education ignites dreams and drives national progress”.
The IBDP programme, known globally for its rigor and emphasis on holistic education, culminates in this graduation ceremony after two intensive years of study.
Machabeng graduates have earned places at top universities across the United Kingdom, United States, Sweden, Netherlands as well as China to name but a few.
The event featured emotional speeches, artistic performances and heartfelt reflections from graduates themselves, many of whom spoke about their personal growth, the challenges they overcame and the lifelong friendships they formed at Machabeng.
Proud parents and families filled the hall, cheering and applauding as each student was called to the stage to receive their Diploma.
Founded over 45 years ago, Machabeng College has become synonymous with international academic excellence in Lesotho. The class of 2025 stood as a beacon of hope and achievement, embodying the mission of Machabeng College to educate future leaders with a deep sense of cultural awareness, intellectual curiosity and social responsibility.
As the curtains closed on the ceremony and students tossed their caps in to the air, there was a shared sense of optimism for the future. The 2025 IBDP Graduation ceremony was not just a farewell but it was a powerful launch into a world of possibilities.
‘Congratulations to the Class of 2025, you made your mark, and your journey has only just begun.’
The ceremony closed with a standing ovation, a testament to the enduring impact of Machabeng’s ethos: “We are Machabeng, and will always be Machabeng.”
