On Saturday, August 30, the Barolong Boo-Seleka Nation and the Thaba Nchu community gathered at Kgotleng for the 2025 edition of the State of Morafe Address (SOMA) delivered by Her Majesty Kgosi Gaboilelwe Moroka.
In her address, Kgosi Moroka highlighted the successes achieved by the nation, ongoing projects, and future plans aimed at ensuring a prosperous community. She mentioned that the nation has recently reconstituted its traditional council and expressed anticipation for the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHTA) to proceed with the council’s induction. A new advisory council established during the address will support Kgosi in future endeavors.
On the education front, Kgosi celebrated the achievements of five young individuals from Thaba Nchu who earned Artisan Diplomas through Durnal College (Durnacol Skills Hub, Accredited Artisan Training). This initiative is part of the Barolong Boo Seleka Nation’s commitment to equipping youth with essential skills to combat poverty.
Furthermore, seventeen adults graduated from programs made possible through partnerships with the Central University of Technology, the University of the Free State, and the Global University for Lifelong Learning.
Kgosi revealed that 350 youths are now participating in Agri-SETA programs, surpassing the initially planned 200 participants, and 100 youths are involved in the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) that aims to empower them through skill development. However, she expressed concerns over abandoned buildings previously used as schools and called for their repurposing.
She vowed to engage the Department of Health regarding the state of Dr. JS Moroka Hospital in response to community concerns and indicated plans to collaborate with the Free State Community Safety, Roads, and Transport departments for road maintenance. Kgosi urged patience as these efforts are underway.
A total of 2,721 site applications were made, with 500 earmarked for Motlatla, and more allocations are anticipated due to high demand. Starting September 2025, a new Permission to Occupy (PTO) form will be used for site allocations. The nation is also negotiating with the Department of Housing for innovative housing solutions.
Additionally, discussions on improving power generation and water supply are ongoing to enhance community living conditions. The nation is promoting backyard gardens as part of its food security campaign, encouraging schools, churches, and homes to participate. Farming initiatives are also being supported, with a tractor available at reasonable fees for local farmers.
Kgosi commended the youth in Thaba Nchu for their innovative efforts, including those who have started radio stations and organized cemetery clean-ups. She also addressed the issue of stock theft attributed to porous borders, emphasizing regular meetings with the cross-border crime prevention unit and engagement with the Lesotho government.
Future development plans include a royal precinct, pending submissions to the Department of Rural Development, and the revitalization of the old Thaba Nchu airport for an airport node project. Kgosi is focused on reactivating local factories to create job opportunities, acknowledging the challenges but remaining optimistic about progress.
In a gesture of goodwill, Kgosi donated sanitary towels and school shoes to disadvantaged community members, concluding her address with a heartfelt dedication of Thaba Nchu back to God.
#BeTheFirstToKnow
TO SUPPORT FREE STATE WORLD NEWSPAPER AND THE WORK WE DO, DONATE TO US ON OUR ACCOUNT NO HERE:
Grace T GROUP
Capitec Bank Account (CAPITEC BUSINESS)
Account number: 1051608058
Account Type: Current Account
Business Branch Code:450105
