BEREA – The Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture (MTSAC) Coordination Team has urged the three principal chieftainships of Lioli, Maroala and Mats'ekha to work together in planning activities to mark Lesotho's 60th Independence Anniversary.

The call was made during a meeting between the MTSAC Coordination Team and Berea Heads of Department held on Tuesday at the District Administrator's boardroom.

Speaking on behalf of the coordination team, Mr. Lebohang Moshoeshoe from the Department of Sports said the country is preparing to celebrate 60 years of independence, with each district allocated funding to organise its own commemorative activities.

He said the ministry wants districts to develop projects that will leave a lasting legacy beyond the 60th anniversary celebrations.

Mr Moshoeshoe said the proposed activities should be inclusive and address different aspects of development while improving the lives of local communities.

He encouraged Berea Heads of Department to take the lead in developing meaningful projects, noting that each district has been allocated M200,000 to implement its plans.

He added that the initiative is intended to give districts ownership of their projects and celebrations.

Representing the Department of Tourism, Mrs. Mabasia Mphafi said although districts will decide on their activities, all project funds will be administered by the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC).

She said this year's celebrations are significant as they mark an important milestone for the country to reflect on its achievements and challenges since independence.

Mrs. Mphafi said the anniversary also presents an opportunity for national healing, strengthening unity and identity, and positioning the country for future development.

She added that the strategic objectives of the celebrations include preserving living heritage, empowering young people, stimulating economic activity and promoting participation across all districts.

Mrs. Mphafi said there is concern that Basotho are gradually losing some of their cultural values, urging districts to align their activities with these strategic objectives.

One of the Berea Heads of Department, Mr. Tankiso Lets'opha, welcomed the initiative, saying it would help strengthen national unity.

He, however, noted that the country continues to face challenges such as land degradation, youth unemployment and climate change. He urged the district to include activities that address these issues.

Mr. Lets'opha said community stakeholders should first be united through cultural activities before being engaged in environmental conservation and other economic development initiatives.

Among the suggestions made during the meeting were the involvement of Berea's three Principal Chiefs and the revival of traditional cultural games as part of the district's independence celebrations.