Basotho
The Basotho ( Singular Mosotho , formerly also Basuto ) are a mountain people in southern Africa , which arose in the first half of the 19th century.
Around two million Basotho today almost exclusively make up the people of Lesotho . Several million Basotho also live in the South African Free State and the province of Gauteng to the west . The Basotho speak Sesotho , which is the official language in both states.
history
At the beginning of the 19th century, numerous ethnic groups fled from the Zulu and their Mfecane politics . The Bakoena - Chief Moshoeshoe I managed to lead his people safely, so that several tribes of Moshoeshoe were accepted, including the Bataung and the Batlokoa , so that the population grew from around 25,000 to 80,000 and was henceforth called Basotho. Moshoeshoe ruled from Thaba Bosiu until his death in 1870 , which is still considered Lesotho's national shrine to this day.
The Baphuthi were later included in the south of what is now Lesotho, but they remained a separate ethnic group with the Phuthi language .
Since Lesotho gained independence in 1966, the Basotho have been ruled by a king who, however, only has representative functions.
Culture
The Basotho developed their own customs and traditions, many of which have survived to this day. This includes the traditional system of rule . As in the 19th century, decisions at village level are made by a pitso , a general assembly. Family ties are very important and often result in income being shared among relatives in need. In addition to a western-oriented school and health system, there are lessons in traditional disciplines and healers with alternative methods in remote locations. Most of the Basotho have been Christians as a result of missionary activity since 1833. In addition to extensive collections of sacred songs, there is a rich traditional music culture. To this day, many Basotho people wear woolen blankets ( kobo ) and straw hats ( mokorotlo ). In the same way, western values can also be found, especially in urban centers and the university .
Others
The Basotho Cultural Village , a village in the QwaQwa National Park in South Africa, demonstrates the history, culture and lifestyle of the Basotho people.
