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Culture Is Development
Born in 1786, at Menkhoaneng in the district of Botha Bothe In northern Lesotho, Moshoeshoe the Great
was the son of a minor chief of the Bakoena of Mokoteli. He acquired the praise name Moshoeshoe from his
feat of capturing the cattle of chief Ramonaheng. Moshoeshoe’s birth name was Lepoqo.
In 1824, Chief Moshoeshoe, with a small band of followers from among his tribe and allies, set out from
Botha Bothe to Thaba Bosiu (15 km east of present-day Maseru) in order to escape the ravages of war.
Thaba Bosiu was to become the stronghold for Moshoeshoe’s people during the Lifaqane era, usually called
the “Great Scattering”. Following the advice of his personal mentor, the famous chief Mohlomi, Moshoeshoe
extended his hospitality to fleeing tribes during this time of upheaval and nation-building. These people,
many of Nguni origin, were later integrated into his nation as subjects, a nation which became known as the
Basotho Nation.
was the son of a minor chief of the Bakoena of Mokoteli. He acquired the praise name Moshoeshoe from his
feat of capturing the cattle of chief Ramonaheng. Moshoeshoe’s birth name was Lepoqo.
In 1824, Chief Moshoeshoe, with a small band of followers from among his tribe and allies, set out from
Botha Bothe to Thaba Bosiu (15 km east of present-day Maseru) in order to escape the ravages of war.
Thaba Bosiu was to become the stronghold for Moshoeshoe’s people during the Lifaqane era, usually called
the “Great Scattering”. Following the advice of his personal mentor, the famous chief Mohlomi, Moshoeshoe
extended his hospitality to fleeing tribes during this time of upheaval and nation-building. These people,
many of Nguni origin, were later integrated into his nation as subjects, a nation which became known as the
Basotho Nation.
HISTORY
In his quest for peace, Moshoeshoe invited the three French missionaries, E. Casalis, T. Arbousset and C.
Cosselin, to teach Basotho about peace, new technology and the word of God. They were stationed 43 km
south of Thaba – Bosiu at a site they called Morija, derived from Mount Moriah (meaning God will provide).
Morija had close links with Moshoeshoe the Great at Thaba Bosiu and two of his senior sons came to reside at
Morija.
Morija is often called “Selibeng Sa Thuto” or the “ Well-Spring of Learning”, because it was responsible for
producing Lesotho’s educated Protestant elite which has been so influencial in intellectual circles, business,
punlic administration, education and health work for well over a century.
Morija was almost completely ruined by the Free State Boer Commandos during the 1858 Basotho Boer War.
In this war only two buidings in Morija, the church and Maeder house, were saved.
Cosselin, to teach Basotho about peace, new technology and the word of God. They were stationed 43 km
south of Thaba – Bosiu at a site they called Morija, derived from Mount Moriah (meaning God will provide).
Morija had close links with Moshoeshoe the Great at Thaba Bosiu and two of his senior sons came to reside at
Morija.
Morija is often called “Selibeng Sa Thuto” or the “ Well-Spring of Learning”, because it was responsible for
producing Lesotho’s educated Protestant elite which has been so influencial in intellectual circles, business,
punlic administration, education and health work for well over a century.
Morija was almost completely ruined by the Free State Boer Commandos during the 1858 Basotho Boer War.
In this war only two buidings in Morija, the church and Maeder house, were saved.
HISTORIC MORIJA
The Morija Arts and Cultural Festival, was first held in 1999. The main objective of this festival is to bring
people of different views and backgrounds together to celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of Lesotho at
the beginning of the 21st Century. The intention of the festival is to provide a showcase of Sesotho culture,
reviving certain aspects of it which are waning, boost tourism and to encourage craftsellers and smallscale
manufacturers. It is an opportunity for Basotho of all ages and backgrounds to demonstrate the richness of
their culture and , at the same time, to experience the culture of neighbours and other residents of Lesotho.
An event not to miss, the annual Morija Arts and Cultural Festival is a contemporary display of the richness,
diversity and vibrance of Basotho culture and Lesotho’s heritage over the past two centuries.
people of different views and backgrounds together to celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of Lesotho at
the beginning of the 21st Century. The intention of the festival is to provide a showcase of Sesotho culture,
reviving certain aspects of it which are waning, boost tourism and to encourage craftsellers and smallscale
manufacturers. It is an opportunity for Basotho of all ages and backgrounds to demonstrate the richness of
their culture and , at the same time, to experience the culture of neighbours and other residents of Lesotho.
An event not to miss, the annual Morija Arts and Cultural Festival is a contemporary display of the richness,
diversity and vibrance of Basotho culture and Lesotho’s heritage over the past two centuries.
FESTIVAL HISTORY
Contact Us: Telefax: +266 22 360 308 email: info@morijafest.co.ls