His Marjesty King Letsie III receives Royal salute from Guard of Honour
Mohalenyane Phakela
KING Letsie III has called on Basotho, irrespective of location, to pray for the nation and ensure the next 50 years of Lesotho’s Independence would be full of peace, rain and prosperity.
His Majesty made the remark yesterday while lighting the ceremonial torch to launch Lesotho’s 50th Independence celebrations at Makoanyane Square in Maseru. King Letsie III handed over the torch to retired sprinter, Mapapane Mahloane, who ran towards the State Library and handed it to other runners. The torch headed for Berea, where the district Independence celebrations are expected to be held today.
It is scheduled to spend two days in each of the country’s 10 districts and then return to Maseru on 6 September 2016 to await the official Independence commemorations to be held on 4 October. Lesotho attained independence from Britain on 4 October 1966.
Among the dignitaries in attendance at the launch ceremony held amid pomp and fanfare was Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso, Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing, other senior government officials, diplomats and members of civil society organisations.
His Majesty called on all Basotho to unite in building the nation since there was no other.
“Let us all bear in mind that we don’t, and will never have, any other country besides the one we already have. It is our duty to love and develop it,” said King Letsie III.
“I call on all Basotho, regardless of where you are, to pray to God in one accord from the bottom of your hearts that He protects our beloved Lesotho.”
“Let us pray that this torch may light up our ways and lead us into another 50 years of peace, rain and prosperity,” the monarch said, referring to the national motto of Lesotho.
“As we hold different celebrations around the country which build up to the main event that will be held here in Maseru on 4 October, let us all do that in peace, love and harmony which will develop our country and usher us into the 51st year of Independence.”