NTATE MASIU KHAUTA, A PROUD SON OF BASOTHO AND REMINDER OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

By Relebohile Ramabitsa

• Ntate Masiu Khauta took the message of active ageing to heart, celebrating his cultural heritage and sharing it with those around him as he participated in the 2025 National Active Ageing Programme.
• As a member of the Free State team attending the national event in the North West from 18 – 20 February 2025, he stood tall and proud in his Seanamarena as he joined in the festivities.
• With a twinkle in his eye and a spring his step, the 84-year-old says he would not dream of wearing any other outfit for a special event.

Team Free State’s senior citizens erupted into joyful song, displaying their traditional attire, traditional dance, and their enthusiasm and eagerness as they took on day two of the 2025 Active Ageing Programme, on 19 February 2025, despite the unfavourable Rustenburg weather.

Amidst the participants was Ntate Masiu Khauta, who was wearing his unique hat made of cowhide, and the Basotho blanket, known as Seanamarena, which loosely translated means “the one to praise kings”.

The 84-year-old Khauta comes from Qwaqwa, the scenic Maluti-a-Phofung district semi-urban township.

He is a proud Mosotho elder who stands tall, exemplifying the spirit of Basotho with his praise songs (Hoithoka) and Mohobelo, the Basotho traditional dancing.

Basotho people takes pride in wearing their blankets when attending ceremonies: this style of dressing earned the Basotho the name Maapara kobo – “those who are always wearing blankets”.

Ntate Khauta’s love for his culture is evident in every aspect of his life. With a twinkle in his eye and a spring in his step, he proudly wears his traditional attire for every occasion, never shying away from showing his heritage. “Whenever I attend an event, I always wear my Sesotho attire. I wouldn’t dream of wearing anything else.”

This stalwart Sotho gentleman recently attended the Golden Games, where he was the only person dressed in traditional the Seanamarena.

The Active Ageing Programme, organised by the Department of Social Development, is about encouraging older persons to stay active and to foster a sense of purpose and community.

Undaunted by the sea of modern attire around him, Ntate Khauta beamed with pride, his Seanamarena wrapped regally around his shoulders.

The traditional blanket is a staple in Ntate Khauta’s wardrobe. He wears it from morning till evening, regardless of the weather, and never takes it off during ceremonies.

When asked about his unique hat, which resembles a cap, he said he wears it with his blanket; it is an integral part of his traditional attire. He has a collection of hats in different colours, some made from grass and animal hides.

The hat he wore on the first day of National Golden Games is 23-years-old and holds great sentimental value. “I only bring it out on special occasions,” he says, “and I keep it safe in my cabinet when I’m not wearing it.”

Ntate Khauta’s youthful energy and agility are a testament to his active lifestyle.

A keen runner, he attributes his fitness to regular 800m runs. “That’s what keeps me fresh, healthy, and looking young,” he says with a chuckle.

His years of working in the mines also taught him the traditional Sotho dance, Mohobelo, which he still enjoys dancing to this day.

A true champion of his culture, Ntate Khauta encourages his fellow Basotho to take pride in their heritage. “I always tell them to wear their Sotho attire with pride,” he says.

His enthusiasm and pride in Sesotho tradition have inspired others to follow in his footsteps. He was one of the first members to join a Sotho organisation in 2011, and it warms his heart to see that there are now over 10 men who share his passion for tradition.

These men, like Ntate Khauta, wear their Sotho attire to events, keeping their cultural heritage alive.

As the conversation comes to a close, Ntate Khauta’s parting words are a testament to his unwavering support of his culture: “I’m truly a proud Sotho.” His story serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural heritage and the impact one person can have in their community.

Ntate Khauta is a shining example of what it means to be a proud son of Basotho, and his legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations to cherish their rich cultural traditions.