By Kabelo Mollo
Until now I have managed to restrain myself from opining about the new government’s silence on the omnibus bill. I have also managed to keep mum on parliament giving themselves M5000 petrol allowances in spite of the new ruling party vowing to do away with such largesse. I’m going to continue in this same vein and instead share my views on the diamond era we as a nation are entering in to. A time for abundance and deliverance, for growth and prosperity. The famine is over, the time for plenty has arrived, and not a moment too soon!
I was at a wedding celebration many years ago, the Majesties were at the same wedding as it was a relative of theirs tying the knot. As the entourage drove out of the church district the local community descended upon us in order to greet and warmly welcome the monarchs. It was quite beautiful to see people so enamored by the head of state.
As the Royals’ car slowly traversed the throng of well-wishers I stood behind the crowd admiring the spectacle only to be beckoned by an elder lady to come closer to the action so I could also catch a glimpse of our nation’s pride. It was a really beautiful and selfless gesture from a person who’s only interest was leaving no one behind. I tell this story every opportunity I get as a reminder of who Basotho are in my eyes. But it’s also a constant reminder to me how much the Basotho people value their monarchy.
This July His Majesty King Letsie III turns 60. The diamond jubilee in terms of years lived. It is a gift and a blessing bestowed upon the Basotho people, and one we are grateful of! The nation’s figure head continues to enjoy good health and remains the pride and joy of each of his loyal subjects. I have no shame in boldly proclaiming myself as one such.
I have said on Twitter and am repeating on this platform that his birthday is exactly what we need to ignite the passion and love we have for our country. It is my strong held view that we as Basotho everywhere in the world need to come together to celebrate this wonderful blessing but also, pledge our allegiance once again to the flag of Moshoeshoe and Letsie.
To the majestic Kingdom in the Sky. We ought to redouble our efforts to ensure the kingdom takes its rightful place in the sun. His Majesty’s birthday is the perfect opportunity to remind ourselves of what it means to be Mosotho, and to once again exclaim with pride “Re Chaba sa Thesele”.
It has become common place for us to highlight the negativity and realities of the daily challenges we face. Youth unemployment, unusually high gun violence and many other ills that threaten to take a hold of the country, but this moment reminds us that it’s not all doom and gloom, in fact it forces us to look at the bright side.
Without hope, there’s no point to living, it is therefore incumbent upon us to look at the snow-capped mountains and the valleys, the (full) dams and rivers, the beautiful people and sounds and chart a new prosperous course for ourselves. Using the King’s birthday celebrations as a launch pad, let us foster a spirit of unity and resilience and let us harness that to deliver the much sought after utopia to Wakanda.
The King’s hopes and dreams for the nation must be fulfilled. Economic prosperity, and political stability must be achieved. The diamond era must see many Basotho from all walks of life enjoying abundance. We should like the elderly leader in my story, ensure no Mosotho is left behind as we march towards the land of plenty!
The diamond era has begun! Let us enter it with gusto.
