Moshoeshoe Day in Lesotho
Moshoeshoe Day is Lesotho’s annual public holiday honoring King Moshoeshoe I, remembered as the founder of the Basotho nation. The date is fixed by law as 11 March, the anniversary of his death in 1870; commemorations have included wreath-laying, prayer and cultural performances at Thaba-Bosiu.[1][3]
A public holiday set by law
Lesotho’s Public Holidays Act names Moshoeshoe’s Day on 11 March as a public holiday. The Act also allows the King, acting on the advice of the Minister responsible for Home Affairs, to appoint additional holidays by notice in the Gazette. Its definition of a non-business day is specifically for laws concerning bills of exchange and promissory notes.[1]
Under Lesotho’s Labour Act 2024, a worker whose normal working day falls on a public holiday is entitled to that day off with pay. If the worker works that day, the Act provides for double the normal wage or, by agreement with the employer, normal pay plus a paid working day off in lieu.[1][2]
Remembering King Moshoeshoe I
Moshoeshoe Day is specific to Lesotho because it commemorates the leader identified by the government as the founder of the Basotho nation. King Moshoeshoe I died on 11 March 1870, and the government describes the holiday as a day to remember him.[3]
Thaba-Bosiu is closely connected with the remembrance. A government account describes Moshoeshoe I’s migration there with his people in 1824. The site is also where reported national commemorations have taken place, linking the day’s public observance with a place associated with his leadership.[3]
Commemorations at Thaba-Bosiu
Reported ceremonies have included the King and other national leaders laying wreaths at Moshoeshoe I’s grave at Thaba-Bosiu. One account also describes a Basotho prayer, a parade, a lecture and poem about the King, traditional and modern dances, a royal salute and the national anthem.[3]
These reports document particular commemorations, rather than a required programme for every year or a uniform custom in every district. The government has also reported that public attendance and entertainment were curtailed during the COVID-19 pandemic, showing that the format can vary. Check with local residents or an official tourism office for information about meals or clothing for the holiday.[3]
What to expect on the day
The Labour Act gives a worker whose normal workday falls on the holiday a paid day off and sets out pay or time-off-in-lieu arrangements for those who work.[1][2]
Check opening hours with the bank, shop or government office before you go, and confirm transport schedules with the operator before making plans. A ceremony at Thaba-Bosiu has included wreath-laying, prayer, a parade, a lecture and poem, dances, a royal salute and the national anthem; programmes can vary.[3]
Frequently asked questions
When is Moshoeshoe Day?
Is Moshoeshoe Day a day off work?
The Labour Act entitles a worker to a paid day off when the holiday falls on a day they would normally work. If they work, the law provides for double pay or an agreed paid day off in lieu.[2]
Is there a substitute day if 11 March falls on a weekend?
The Public Holidays Act lists 11 March, with no automatic substitute weekday stated. Check official notices for any separately appointed holiday.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Moshoeshoe Day in Lesotho:
- Public Holidays Act 1995- Parliament of Lesotho; hosted by ILO NATLEX
- Labour Act, 2024- Government of Lesotho; hosted by ILO NATLEX
- BASOTHO REMEMBER KING MOSHOESHOE I- Government of Lesotho