Basotho Marked The Start Of Lesotho's 60Th Independence Diamond Jubilee With A National Prayer Of Gratitude, Reflection, Renewal And Unity

(MENAFN- APO Group)

The Government of Lesotho, in collaboration with the Church Council of Lesotho (CCL), held a National Prayer to officially mark the beginning of the country's 60th Independence Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Speaking during the event, Government Secretary Mrs 'Malisebo 'Mokela said the National Prayer is not merely the beginning of the Jubilee celebrations, but a national journey of reflection, gratitude, unity and renewal.

She said the country had chosen to begin its 60th Independence celebrations in prayer because Basotho are a God-fearing nation and recognize God as the source of their strength, protection and blessings.

Mrs. 'Mokela said the 60 years of Independence provides an opportunity for Basotho to look back at the country's six decades of independence, acknowledge the sacrifices and achievements of previous generations and draw lessons from the past as they shape the country's future.

She said the National Prayer is for all Basotho, including those living in the diaspora, adding that the celebrations should not be viewed as belonging only to the Government.

She mentioned that the prayer sought God's guidance and wisdom for national leaders and institutions, unity among Basotho, protection of the nation and strength to overcome the challenges facing the country.

Among the challenges she highlighted were HIV and AIDS, cancer and diabetes, youth unemployment and economic difficulties.

Mrs. 'Mokela said Basotho should use the Jubilee as an opportunity to ask themselves critical questions about the kind of Lesotho they want to build for future generations, including how to strengthen the economy, create employment and protect the country's culture and heritage.

She said the journey from the New Parliament to the Old Parliament was symbolic, as it represented returning to the country's roots, remembering where Basotho came from and drawing lessons from history while looking towards the future.

Mrs. 'Mokela further called for collective responsibility in nation-building, saying the Jubilee should go beyond prayer to encourage Basotho to reflect on the type of country they want to create.

She said the changing global and economic environment presented challenges to the country, making it necessary for Basotho to develop solutions that will strengthen the economy and create sustainable employment.

She expressed appreciation to His Majesty King Letsie III for supporting and attending the National Prayer, saying his presence demonstrated the importance of prayer in the life of the nation.

Meanwhile, the Christian Council of Lesotho (CCL) said the National Prayer provides an opportunity for Basotho to thank God for the country and seek His guidance as Lesotho enters another chapter of its history.

The CCL based its message on Psalm 78:3-7, which calls on generations to share what they have learned and to teach their children so that future generations may put their confidence in God and keep His commandments.

The Council said a nation that forgets its history risks losing its future, stressing that the 60 years of independence represents more than a celebration of time.

It said the anniversary is a story of Basotho who dreamed, prayed, built and carried Lesotho from one generation to another.

The Council emphasized that honouring the past does not mean that everything that happened in previous years was right, but rather meant recognizing the experiences, sacrifices and lessons that shaped the nation.

It challenged Basotho to reflect on the kind of Lesotho their ancestors dreamed of and to consider what they can do differently to build a better future.

The CCL also called on Basotho to use the Jubilee as an opportunity for reconciliation, forgiveness and renewal, particularly in addressing challenges such as corruption, injustice and divisions.

It urged Basotho to put aside political and social differences and remember that they share one country and one future to the youth, the Council said the future of Lesotho is in their hands and challenged young people to ask themselves what kind of country they want to inherit and what legacy they intend to leave behind.

It further prayed for schoolchildren, the unemployed, the sick and those in hospitals, while asking God to provide rain and open opportunities for those seeking employment.

The Council said the country is blessed to reach 60 years of independence and encouraged Basotho to recognize the changes achieved over the years while committing the future into God's hands.

The National Prayer formed part of Lesotho's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, marking 60 years since the country attained independence in 1966. It brought together national leaders, church leaders and Basotho to give thanks for the country's journey, seek God's guidance and pray for peace, unity and prosperity as Lesotho looks towards the next chapter of its development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.

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