Seriti sa Makhoarane
Heritage & Tourism Network
Community-led heritage preservation, cultural tourism, and empowerment across Morija, Matsieng, Makeneng, and Phahameng in Lesotho
Community, Heritage, Empowerment
Founded in 2016, Seriti sa Makhoarane Heritage & Tourism Network brings together villages, families, institutions, and communities across the greater Makhoarane area of Lesotho.
Our Journey: Key Milestones
Inception
Formed as community-led initiative focusing on heritage mapping and tourism trails
Registration
Registered as society and trust; integrated into Lesotho Tourism Master Plan
Official Launch
Official launch with Their Majesties His Majesty King Letsie III and Her Majesty Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso, 350+ attendees, declaring 'Year of Implementation'
Advanced Initiatives
Phase 2 tourism training, augmented reality workshops, 185+ participants
Our Impact by Numbers
Rooted in Royal Heritage
Our work is deeply connected to the royal heritage of Lesotho, particularly the legacy of Paramount Chief Lerotholi and the historic significance of the Makhoarane region as the heartland of Basotho culture.
From the sacred sites of Matsieng to the educational foundations of Morija, we preserve and celebrate the stories that define our nation's identity.
Our Foundation
Registered under the Lesotho Societies Act (No. 2020/55) and supported by the Makhoarane Heritage & Tourism Fund Trust, we exist to protect shared heritage, strengthen communities, and create pathways for sustainable tourism and local enterprise.
From Morija — the Selibeng sa Thuto (Wellspring of Learning) — to the royal villages of Matsieng, Makeneng, and Phahameng, our work spans cultural preservation, education, and economic empowerment.
Preserving Living Heritage
Our heritage preservation work combines traditional knowledge with modern documentation techniques, ensuring that cultural practices, architectural heritage, and oral traditions are preserved for future generations.
Through community-led initiatives and cutting-edge augmented reality workshops, we document and protect the tangible and intangible heritage that makes the Makhoarane region unique.
Heritage Preservation
Protecting cultural, historical, and natural heritage for future generations
Community Empowerment
Creating opportunities for education, training, and economic development
Innovation
Blending traditional knowledge with modern technology and approaches
Sustainable Tourism
Developing community-based tourism that benefits local households
Transforming Communities Through Heritage
Nine years of documented impact across heritage conservation, cultural tourism, and community empowerment initiatives.
Major Achievements
Official launch attended by Their Majesties His Majesty King Letsie III and Her Majesty Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso, with over 350 participants
38 homestay owners trained and certified for tourism readiness with LTDC partnership
185+ participants trained in augmented reality for heritage storytelling
Continuous Growth Since 2016
From inception as a community initiative to becoming a registered society with royal endorsement, SSM has consistently delivered measurable impact across heritage preservation, tourism development, and community empowerment.
Comprehensive Community Development
Five integrated program areas working together to preserve heritage, develop tourism, and empower communities across the Makhoarane region.
Mapping, documenting, and preserving cultural sites using modern technology and traditional knowledge. Our Built Environment & Heritage Conservation Master Classes train professionals in traditional building techniques, stone masonry, thatching, and lime-based restoration methods.
Key Activities
- Arch GIS heritage mapping
- Conservation of endangered structures
- Master Plan for Makeneng Royal Village
- Traditional building techniques training
- Lime-based restoration workshops
Creating sustainable tourism opportunities that directly benefit local communities through professional training and certification programs.
Key Activities
- Heritage trails connecting 4 villages
- Homestay training & certification programs
- Professional tour guide courses
- Cultural performance programs
Building capacity through apprenticeships, workshops, and school-based programs.
Key Activities
- Youth apprenticeships in heritage management
- Empowering Sesotho Expression project
- Partnership with Lerotholi Polytechnic
- Creative writing & arts workshops
Supporting local businesses and creative industries through training and market access.
Key Activities
- Small enterprise development
- Local catering & crafts support
- Cultural festival organization
- Market linkage facilitation
Connecting heritage with modern technology through augmented reality and digital platforms.
Key Activities
- Augmented reality storytelling
- Digital heritage platform development
- Social media engagement (1,300+ followers)
- Multimedia documentation
Our Work in Action
Documenting our journey in heritage preservation, community empowerment, and cultural celebration across the Makhoarane region.
Strategic Partnerships & Recognition
Building bridges across government, academia, international organizations, and local communities to amplify our impact.
Royal Recognition
Endorsed by Their Majesties His Majesty King Letsie III and Her Majesty Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso at official launch
Government Integration
Integrated into Lesotho Tourism Master Plan as founding member of LCT
International Validation
Endorsed by rise International for AEPC SA grant application
Government & National Bodies
- Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC)
- Ministry of Tourism, Environment & Culture
- Ministry of Development Planning
- Lesotho Council of NGOs (LCN)
- Lesotho Hotel & Hospitality Association (LHHA)
International Partners
- rise International
- Politecnico di Milano (Italy)
- Italian Embassy (Pretoria)
- Friends of Lesotho
- Eco-Africa Consultants
Educational Institutions
- Lerotholi Polytechnic
- Limkokwing University
- Selemela Learning Network
- Moshoeshoe II High School
- Local Primary Schools
Local Heritage Institutions
- Morija Museum & Archives (MMA)
- Royal Archives & Museum (Matsieng)
- Principal Chief of Matsieng
- Village Steering Committees
- Makhoarane Tourism Cluster
Collaborative Impact
Our diverse partnership network enables knowledge exchange, resource mobilization, and sustainable development. From royal endorsement to international collaboration, these relationships amplify our community-led approach to heritage preservation and tourism development.
Join Our Heritage Journey
Partner with us to preserve heritage, empower communities, and create sustainable tourism opportunities in Lesotho.
Interested in funding, partnership, or collaboration? We'd love to hear from you.
Messages will be sent to our team coordinators for prompt response.
Ways to Support SSM
Contact Information
Registered as Seriti sa Makhoarane under the Lesotho Societies Act (No. 2020/55)
Supported by the Makhoarane Heritage & Tourism Fund Trust (TD2020/0070)