OUR WORK
Making History Come Alive
At Seriti sa Makhoarane Heritage and Tourism Network, our journey began with a passion for preserving Basotho heritage and transforming it into a catalyst for community empowerment, sustainable tourism, and economic growth. Each project builds on the last, creating a vibrant chain of impact that unites communities, celebrates culture, and inspires global connections.
OUR TIMELINE
Laying the Foundations
Foundation and Collaboration (Pre-SSM)
We kicked off with groundbreaking joint heritage research between Morija Museum and Archives (MMA) and Royal Archives and Museum (RAM), identifying the wealth of heritage in the Morija-Matsieng area and building community consciousness around it. This initiative highlighted oral histories and community stories, setting the stage for tourism that honours our roots.
Building Community Ties
Establishment of Interim Steering Committee
In mid-2016, we formed an Interim Steering Committee under the Principal Chief of Matsieng, with representatives from local chiefs, councillors, schools, churches, and heritage institutions. Through public gatherings and outreach, we focused on education, training, trade, enterprise, and tourism. This volunteer-driven effort grew our network to nearly 180 members.
Gaining National Momentum
Government Adoption and Feasibility Study
Adopted by Lesotho's Public Sector Investment Committee in 2017, SSM joined the Economic Labs process in 2018-2019. A comprehensive Feasibility Study followed in 2019 by Eco Africa Consultants, producing seven reports including Heritage Zoning Framework, Public Beneficiation, and Operations plans.
Strengthening Our Core
Capacity Building and Governance Development
Partnering with Selibeng sa Thuto Trust since 2018, we have received annual support to build governance, train volunteers, and sustain operations. This ongoing collaboration has created robust structures, a dedicated volunteer base, and exemplary financial stewardship.
Formalising Our Vision
Society and Trust Registration
In February 2020, we registered as a Society (No. 2020/55) for programme delivery, followed by our Trust (No. 2020/0070) in November for financial oversight. Blending traditional governance with modern standards, this dual structure enables us to administer diverse initiatives while maintaining international-level accountability.
Empowering Youth
Youth Apprenticeship Programme (YAP / Lihalahala)
Through the Government of Lesotho's Youth Apprenticeship Programme, we hosted 12 young graduates. Seven conducted heritage mapping, oral history, and settlement documentation using ArcGIS. Five Lerotholi Polytechnic graduates documented and assessed heritage structures at Makeneng and Morija.
Going Global Virtually
Virtual Heritage Conservation Workshops
We hosted online workshops on conservation methodologies, partnering with the Technical University of Milan and Cape Town architects via RISE. Training over 30 professionals in site significance, architecture, and mapping, this collaboration produced draft restoration plans and ignited a passion for global best practices.
Hands-On International Impact
Built Environment and Heritage Conservation Master Class
In a standout collaboration with the Italian Embassy via RISE, and pro bono experts, we held a 5-day Master Class at Makeneng. Stabilising key heritage structures, we trained apprentices and produced detailed reports. This effort prevented collapses, inspired a Heritage Conservation Association, and showcased our global partnerships.
Royal Endorsement
Royal Patronage Conferral
On May 20, 2023, Their Majesties King Letsie III and Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso conferred royal patronage at an event with 350 attendees, including the Minister of Trade and Tourism. Filled with cultural dances and music, this milestone provided traditional legitimacy.
Innovating with Tech
Morija Cultural Heritage App Project
This mobile app, developed with Morija Museum and Archives, LTDC, and tech experts, uses geolocation, AR, 3D models, videos, and audio to guide users through Morija's sites. Free, accessible in English and Sesotho, it has transformed heritage exploration into an immersive experience.
Unearthing History
Heritage Mapping and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
From 2022 mapping with elderly informants to 2024 GPR scans by PGS Heritage (Pretoria), we have documented over 40 households in Makeneng's Royal Compound, including 3D models. This tech-infused effort verified oral histories and informed our Master Plan.
Celebrating Language
Empowering Sesotho Expression through Writing and Art
We ran a mother-tongue literacy programme across four primary schools in Makhoarane. Students authored and published a Sesotho children's storybook distributed nationwide, reaching 300+ students and fostering cultural pride and literacy skills.
Boosting Tourism
Homestay Operator Certification Programme
Completed in December 2024 with LTDC, this programme certified 38 operators across five villages in standards, safety, and hospitality. It enhanced tourism infrastructure, created livelihoods, and positioned Makhoarane as a welcoming cultural destination.
Forging Academic Ties
MOU with Lerotholi Polytechnic
Signed in October 2024, this partnership integrates conservation, education, and student projects. It provides technical support for restorations and aligns with national plans, creating joint opportunities in training and infrastructure.
Global Skill-Building
International Heritage Training Programmes
Team members trained with the Heritage Management Organisation in Greece (laser scanning, GIS, 3D modelling) and the Commonwealth Heritage Forum in London (conservation techniques). These international experiences brought cutting-edge skills home.
Elevating Tourism
Empowering Tourism in Makhoarane Cultural Precinct
We trained 36 homestay owners and tour guides in hospitality, financial literacy, and visitor management. Phase 2 advances leadership, entrepreneurship, and international standards with LTDC and Lerotholi Polytechnic. 24 participants certified; 38 homestays operational across five villages.
Digitising Heritage
Digitising Makhoarane Project (AR Phase 3)
This phase empowered communities through AR training using Adobe Aero. We trained 10 tour guides, 10 homestead operators, 50+ Lerotholi Polytechnic students, and 100+ school students. Outcomes include user guides, immersive tours, and a sustainable cycle of cultural storytelling.
Facing the Future
Climate Change and Heritage Protection
We documented climate-vulnerable sites, created guides and posters, and hosted workshops for over 100 participants. Youth-led advocacy via social media and reports integrated preservation into curricula, empowering communities with skills in monitoring and resilience.
Hands-On Preservation
Promoting Basotho Heritage Conservation through Global Practices
We conducted five workshops for 75 participants on techniques like lime modelling and stone carving, partnering with universities like Lerotholi Polytechnic and Limkokwing. A public exhibition engaged 200 more, sparking discussions and a network of community trainers.
Our work does not stop here: it is a living legacy. Through these projects, we have restored ruins, trained hundreds, and connected Lesotho to the world. Join us in this journey: support our efforts, visit our sites, or become a member today.