adminMorris Mkwate in Maseru, Lesotho
PRESIDENT Mugabe arrived in Lesotho yesterday to attend King Letsie III’s 50th birthday celebrations scheduled for Setsoto Stadium in the capital Maseru today. He was received at Moshoeshoe International Airport by Zimbabwe Ambassador to South Africa Phelekezela Mphoko, who also covers Lesotho, and Lesotho Development Planning Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro.
Several regional leaders including President Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia, President Ian Khama of Botswana and King Mswati III of Swaziland are also expected to attend the function together with South African President Jacob Zuma.
Zambia President Michael Sata would be represented by his deputy Mr Guy Scott.
President Mugabe is being accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and other senior Government officials.
He was seen off at the Harare International Airport yesterday by Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, service chiefs and senior Government officials. Vice President Joice Mujuru will be Acting President.
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr Taonga Mushayavanhu said before President Mugabe’s departure that Zimbabwe and Lesotho enjoyed cordial relations dating back to the liberation struggle.
He said Lesotho helped Zimbabwe with manpower training during the struggle for independence.
“The visit by President Mugabe shows the bond between the two countries,” said Mr Mushayavanhu. “Top officials such as the late Dr Stan Mudenge were part of the manpower training initiative during the liberation struggle.
“At the moment, we have students from Lesotho at the University of Zimbabwe’s School of Medicine.”
Cde Mushayavanhu said President Mugabe played a critical mediation role during the 1990s when Lesotho faced electoral challenges.
King Letsie is the son of King Moshoeshoe II, Lesotho’s first monarch after its independence from Great Britain in 1966.
He took over leadership briefly between 1990 and 1995 while his father was in exile and he later occupied the thrown following the death of King Moshoeshoe in 1996.
King Letsie’s birthday is a public holiday and a grand occasion where scores of the Basotho express honour for their ruler.
Various events such as parades, musical performances as well as the traditional mokhibo and ndlamo dances are among the items lined up.
In previous years, the royal and 21-gun salutes, singing of the national anthem and parades by uniformed forces have formed the main features of the celebrations.
Since 2003, festivities have been rotated among the country’s 10 districts to ensure a cross-section of citizens participates.
Lesotho is among the few remaining African countries run by a monarchy.
Online Reporter