Basotho New Year Celebration has always been regarded as one of the cultural and historical umbilical cords connecting the Basotho people with their heritage. Basotho New Year is celebrated annually after the last days of winter (Mariha) to give way to new life after the dry season.
Basotho New Year starts in August (Phato), which is known for its blowing winds and it being the month when fields are cultivated and the first crop from the cultivation is offered as a sacrifice to Tlatlamatjholo (God).
As a key stakeholder, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) plays an important role towards the successful hosting of this crucial cultural event. As one of the primary partners of the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation in the Free State province, as the host department, DCS participates in these annual festivities by offering its labour through parolees in the QwaQwa area. These parolees render cleaning and repair services of the surroundings and the tare road leading to the venue.
In addition to that, DCS sets up an exhibition stall showcasing its pockets of excellence pertaining to its rehabilitation and skills development programmes through art, agricultural produce and other products from its textile, wood and steel workshops. Representing DCS was Regional Commissioner for Free State and Northern Cape, Ms Subashini Moodley, who was flanked by Area Commissioner for Bizzah Makhate Management Area, Mr Orbert Mkhalipi.
The fresh produce on display were, upon the conclusion of the day’s proceedings, donated to a charity organisation called Bophelo Centre of Hope in QwaQwa. The centre cares for the elderly and the disabled members of society. Through this donation, DCS was able to cushion the blow of poverty encountered in the area by assisting the most vulnerable sector of our society.
In keeping with the ethos of the Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability Framework of the Department, offender artefacts were not only showcased, but also sold to patrons and attendees of this cultural gathering for which quite a number of them were bought.
Located in picturesque and mountainous surroundings, Basotho Cultural Village is the centrepiece in all the government’s efforts to preserve the heritage and cultural history of the Basotho nation, thus it serves as a suitable venue to host these cultural festivities. As in previous years the celebration showcased cultural activities such as horse riding, grand parade, demonstration of cultivation, music and dance.
Traditional music and dance that was showcased on the day include, amongst others, Mohobelo, Accordion music, Serobolelo, as well as Sesotho hip hop. A variety of Basotho traditional food was also on display and served to attendees. Attending the celebration were dignitaries such as Marena and representatives of the House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation as well as MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, and the Minister of Tourism, Sport, Arts and Culture from Lesotho. Communities and cultural groups from across the Free State, other parts of the country as well as from the neighbouring country of Lesotho were also in attendance.