LHDA/Sun JV mark King’s birth with humane acts
LINEO MALATALIANA
MOKHOTLONG – The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), in collaboration with contractor SUN Joint Venture, celebrated the King Letsie III’s birthday paying homage to heritage.
The event centered on the preservation of Basotho culture, and saw the contractor treat staff and children from the surrounding area to a fun-filled day.
A perfect marriage between the past and future, the event required both the staff and children to engage in traditional and modern games, while enjoying a display of local brands.
A take away from the event is the display of intent to invest in the preservation of culture in the mist of change for the children in the area.
To liven up the day the staff was required to wear local brands.
To make the day intentional, the staff was required purchase an item from the local brand stall. The participation of executive staff from the both SUN JV and LHDA encouraged the staff to buy locally produced merchandise from the stalls.
Polihali Operations Branch Manager, Gerard Mokone, stated that the King’s birthday is a remembrance of the importance of intentionally persevering cultural heritage and nurturing a strong sense of identity and community as a nation.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to SUN JV for organizing this special occasion,” Mokone said.
He said that this day was not only a celebration; it is a reflection of the appreciation of the cultural fabric of the area in which the two giants operate.
“As part of Phase II mitigation plans, we have documented both tangible and intangible heritage resources that that may be affected by the project,” Mokone said.
Mokone further emphasesed that events of this nature are meaningful acts of heritage preservation, especially on teaching children about their ancestors’ way of life, cultural practices and the importance of knowing who they are.
In recent months, the LHDA has engaged with communities and the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation to identify and document heritage sites. The authority has also supported trainings in tourism activities, to ensure that communities benefit from tourism activities and their customs.
Mokone concluded by wishing the King a long, health and fulfilled life. To show his support he purchased a local brand cap from the stall.
The LHDA thanked all those in attendance for showing their support by wearing local brands, the authority said they looked stunning making Sesotho and Lesotho fashionable.
The event was a true display of the LHDA and SUN JV’s intent to ensure that the young and the old learn about their culture and become custodians of Basotho heritage.
