600 participants ready for Menkhoaneng walk

MASERU — At least 600 participants are set to take part in this year’s Menkhoaneng to Thaba-Bosiu walk that kicks off tomorrow.

The walk, organised by entertainment company, T-Connexions, will end at Thaba-Bosiu on Sunday.

The event is meant to retrace the route taken by revered father of the nation, Moshoeshoe I, when he sought sanctuary at Thaba-Bosiu in the 19^th century.

This year’s walk has received a boost with the addition of local music artiste, Stolfa.

Hilary Dongo, a marketing manager with T-Connexions, told the Weekender their mandate is to promote Lesotho’s tourism through music.

“The primary objective of the walk is to rekindle the spirit of unity amongst Basotho as it is embodied in the legacy left by our founder Moshoeshoe I.

“The walk features elements of adventure and education,” he said.

Dongo said they had roped in Stolfa to add a bit of spice to the gruelling walk.

“Music is a universal language and is easy to remember so the theme which talks about Lesotho and its beauty will be our anthem in selling the adventure of walking through the steps of our founder.”

“We will be shooting a video for the song during the walk. This walk is popularly known as the “mother-of-all-treks” so with the video, the international tourism market will understand why,” he said.

He said the walk, which was introduced seven years ago, received a boost after South African radio station, Lesedi FM, stepped on board.

Dongo said the annual three-day walk can be used to market Lesotho to international tourists.

“Many people were already enquiring about how to get tickets way before we started marketing the event and the number of people who registered this year proves that through the walk Lesotho’s tourism is expected to change,” he said.

He added that the objective of the walk is to conserve and pass the history of Basotho to younger generations as well as exposing Basotho culture and traditions to the world.

“Participants will be entertained by the communities along the way and residents offer accommodation, food and traditional activities to provide a more cultural feel.

“I can safely say the journey is a catalyst for tourism promotion,” he said.

“Participants will leave Maseru on Thursday (today) with the official opening expected to begin Friday morning at Menkhoaneng.

“The walk will end at Thaba-Bosiu on Sunday and we have received support from a lot of local businesses,” Dongo said.