Celebrate on the 11th March 32 Celebrate on the 11th March

King Moshoeshoe M My name is Morena Moshoeshoe and I am the founder of Lesotho and the Basotho nation. I am the first King. During the 19th century many conflicts took place in South Africa between the Zulus, Boers and British. Chief Moshoeshoe created an army uniting many clans.Whilst trying to defend the Kingdom from the Boers he asked Queen Victoria for protection, which ended the war.

Thaba Bosiu This mountain was the site of their famous battle and is where he is buried. It is called Thaba Bosiu (Mountain of the Night) This mountain was the site of Moshoeshoe’s settlement and fortress. He is buried there and many visitors visit his grave every year. It is called Thaba Bosiu (Mountain of the Night) because it was believed to grow during the night and shrink during day. It proved to be an impassable stronghold against enemies.

The Basotho Hat The Basotho hat is shaped like the mountain and is called a Mokorotlo. It is the main symbol of the Basotho flag. What do the colours of the flag represent?

Moshoeshoe Day is celebrated on the 11th March each year to commemorate his death in 1870 – watch our video to see what happens

Lesotho National Anthem Lesotho, fatse la bo – ntat’a a rona, Har’a mafatse le letle ke iona, Ke moo re hlahileng, Ke moo re holileng, Kea le rata. Molimo ak’u boloke Lesotho, U felise lintoa le matsoenyeho, Oho, fatse lena, La bo – ntat’a rona, Le be le khotso. O land beloved by us, our ancestors’ bequest, amongst all other lands thou art for us the best. Here we grow to manhood, oh we love thee well. O may our god protect and preserve Lesotho, may all wars and quarrels pass away and go. O beloved country, dear to all our fathers, Peace shall dwell in thee.

Celebrate Moshoeshoe Day on the 11th March Learn and perform the Basotho National Anthem or a Basotho traditional dance Compare this to the Welsh National Anthem – do they have any words or themes in common? Create a display about King Moshoeshoe and traditional Basotho cultural objects Present your learning in an assembly for the rest of the school Send your photos and videos to your Link School in Lesotho Tag Dolen Cymru on social media @DolenCymru #MoshoeshoeDayinWales