“PROMOTING CULTURAL TOURISM THROUGH THE HERITAGE OF MALIBE CAVE”
Kolojane Ha Seeisa in the Berea District was a hive of cultural celebration as the 4th Malibe Cultural Festival took place at the historic Malibe Cave on 21 March 2026. The annual event continues to position itself as a key platform for promoting cultural tourism while preserving the rich heritage of the Basotho nation.
Organized by Ms. Matšepo Sello a resident of Kolojane Ha Seeisa and supported by the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation and Department of Culture , the festival forms part of ongoing efforts to honour the legacy of King Moshoeshoe I while showcasing the cultural identity of Basotho people.
The event drew approximately 700 residents from neighbouring villages, all eager to experience the captivating cultural showcase. The occasion was further enhanced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including the Berea District Administrator, Mr. Phahlane Makoko; Senior Inspector Relebohile Mahula, who oversees Mapoteng Police Station; and the Commander of the Lesotho Defence Force, Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela. They were accompanied by the LDF cultural group, whose dynamic performance added depth and vibrancy to the festivities. Notably, two promising emerging artists from the area, touted as Matshekha, were also given a platform to perform, leaving the audience truly awestruck by their exceptional talent.
The festival delivered a rich cultural programme that captivated attendees through traditional Basotho performances, including the energetic Mohobelo and the graceful Mokhibo dances. These were complemented by praise poetry, poems, and other cultural expressions, offering a rich celebration of Basotho heritage, identity, and pride. Malibe Cave itself provided a powerful historical background to the event. The site is closely linked to the early history of the Basotho nation, as King Moshoeshoe I once sent his younger brother, Chief Seeisa, to settle in the area. With no permanent homes at the time, Chief Seeisa and his followers used the cave as a temporary refuge. Historical accounts also indicate that the cave was originally inhabited by the San people, further enriching its cultural significance. Malibe Cave is widely regarded as a site of profound spiritual significance, serving as an important sacred destination and place of pilgrimage.
Speaking in an interview, Ms. Matšepo Sello highlighted her vision of growing the Malibe Cultural Festival into a prominent annual event that attracts both local and international visitors. She emphasized that the festival not only celebrates culture through music, dance, poetry, crafts, cuisine, and traditional attire, but also creates economic opportunities for the local community.
Despite challenges such as limited financial resources and logistical demands, Ms. Sello noted that strong partnerships and community support remain key to the festival’s sustainability and growth.
Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Molapo Matela, Public Relations Manager of the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), described the festival as a valuable platform for promoting cultural tourism in Lesotho. He noted that events of this nature encourage visitors to explore heritage sites such as Malibe Cave while simultaneously creating income-generating opportunities for local vendors, performers, and artisans.
He further highlighted the importance of intensifying tourism offerings through guided tours, rural home-stays, and pony trekking to enhance the overall visitor experience and strengthen the tourism value chain in the region.
As the Malibe Cultural Festival continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the power of culture in driving tourism, preserving heritage, and uplifting communities firmly positioning Kolojane on the map as a cultural tourism destination in Lesotho.
