Lesotho, a high-altitude, landlocked kingdom encircled by South Africa, is crisscrossed by a network of rivers and mountain, with population of about 2.1million persons. Lesotho was originally inhabited by local tribes of hunter-gatherers called the Khoisan. Later came the Bantus tribes and eventually the Sotho-Tswana people. The official languages in Lesotho are Sesotho and English. It is a beautiful, culturally rich, safe and affordable country which can be easily accessed from Durban and Johannesburg.
Lesotho practice a unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy.
TRENDING FASHION IN LESOTHO
ACCESSORIES IN LESOTHO
Accessories in Lesotho include jewelries made from gold, diamond, silver, beaded and fabrics. Other accessories are head-band, wrist-watches, scratching rod etc.
TRIBES IN LESOTHO AND THEIR FASHION
The Khoisians
They generally wear bundle of cloth around their genital area, similar to underwear, and braided necklace for men. The women cover their breast with stip of cloth and wear skirts of the same fabric.
The Basotho
Basotho women usually wear skirts and long dresses in bright colours and patterns, as well as the traditional blankets around the waist. On special celebrations, they wear the Seshoeshoe, a traditional Basotho dress.
TOURIST AND HISTORICAL PLACES IN LESOTHO
Lesotho offers a wide variety of natural and historic attractions to visitors.
Thaba Bosiu – natural fotress of Basotho tribe that served as a stronghold during the Basuto wars.
Teyateyaneng – the gateway to the great mountains of the Berea District where ancient San tribal cave paintings hide between the rocks and monolith villages.
Semonkong – nestled between the dusty escarpments of the Maseru District close to heart of Lesotho.
Sehlabathebe National Park – a park located at the paradise on the tops of Maloti Mountains
Morija – long center of learning, a place to unravel the mysteries and histories of Basotho culture.
Mohale – a beautiful place, sprawled over the sculpted mountains right in the heart of the country.
Maseru – a noticeable and charming landmark which is actually a shop selling traditional Basotho.
Mafeteng – a historical place known for its flair for local famo music with clutch of good hotels, bars etc.
Liphofung – interesting historic sites of Moteng valley, with evidence of human habitation in stone age
Leribe – a place to go for a glimpse of authentic Basotho life, set right on Lesotho- South Africa border.
Katse Dam – a dam the once reigned supreme as the largest of its kind in all of Africa.
Ha Kome – it caves houses of Lesotho’s Berea District which are surely one of the most striking wonders of the country, hiding between the valleys close to the village of Mateka.
Butha-Buthe – an easy access to the prehistoric wonders of the Moteng valley, the road is dramatic.
Bokong – nestled between the dramatic mountains just to the west of aforementioned Katse Dam.
Tsehlanyane National Park – it portrays the Sun-baked highlands of Tsehlanyane with woodlands.
MUSIC IN LESOTHO
There are many styles and sub-genres of Basotho music, which differ from one territory to the next. Basotho music is inspired by the country’s natural surroundings, work, birth, death, politics and day-to day-life. Traditional musical instruments in Lesotho include lekolulo, setolo-tolo and sekhankula.
Some musicians in Lesotho include;
Mosotho Chakela
Mahali Selepe
Some art work in Lesotho
MEALS IN LESOTHO
Lesotho has special delicacies to make your visit a memorable one. They have almost same dishes as that of South Africa. Meals like;
Tamati – a tasty dish made from carrots and tomatoes.
Lekhotloane – a delicious and spiced beef or chicken dish, mashed with mortar and pestle.
Dinawa – beans simmered for a long time with boullion cube.
Chakalaka – a spicy dish, usually served with bread, pap, samp, stew or curry.
Melkert – a dessert consisting of a sweet patry crust containing a custard filling made from milk, flour, sugar and eggs.
Bobotie – spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping.
Tamati
Lekhotloane
Dinawa
Chakalaka
Melkert
Bobotie
Piri piri chicken – a spicy African-portuguese grilled chicken made with pepper sauce.
Lesotho Spinach and tangerine soup – a low calorie healthy meal, sweet and sour combination.
Bete – beet boiled and peeled while cool then sliced into shapes.
Mokopu –Kobacha squash, boiled, mashed with salt.
Morogo – green vegetables chopped, cooked and spiced up.
Lesotho Likhobe – combination of red beans, sorghum and bulghur in a nutritious dish.
Piri piri chicken
Lesotho Spinach and tangerine soup
Bete
Mokopu
Morogo
Lesotho Likhobe
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND HABITAT PROTECTION IN LESOTHO
Environmental Authority in Lesotho implements the protection, conservation and enhancement of the environment and sustainable management of natural resources of the country. There are environmental rules set out and it is well-practiced in Lesotho. There are reserves; the forest comprising of different trees in the mangrove or swamp and the wildlife comprising of animals in the Zoo or reserved territory in Lesotho.
EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN LESOTHO
The effect of climate change is felt in Lesotho, it shows its effect especially on farming activities. The increasing population of the country, combined with drought has made many areas infertile for crops. Effect of climate change such as flooding, excess thunderstorm and wind have led to loss of lives and properties in Lesotho.
GENDER EQUALITY IN LESOTHO
Women are allowed to take part in economic activities and political decision-making in the country.The constitution of the country provides for equality before the law and non-discrimination on gender. Women also hold key position and no discrimination in academics.
Some prominent women in Lesotho include;
Makabelo Mosothoane – Lesotho politician and served as Country’s Minister of Education and Training.
Mamphono Khaketla – Lesotho Minister and Senator who served as Minister of Finance.
Khauhelo Deborah Raditapole – was a member African Parliament from Lesotho.
Tebello Nyokong – a chemist and Professor at Rhodes University.
Makabelo Mosothoane
Mamphono Khaketla
Khauhelo Deborah Raditapole
Tebello Nyokong
Matsepo Ramakoae – Current Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho.
Pontso Sekatle – politician and and academic in Lesotho. Also was Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
Likeleli Qhomane-Letsie – a lecturer in information systems and teaches topics in Human computer.
Lebohang Ntsinyi – Ambassador of Lesotho to the People’s Republic of China.
Matsepo Ramakoae
Pontso Sekatle
Likeleli Qhomane-Letsie
Lebohang Ntsinyi
