From their stronghold in the mountains, they were able to fight off the Zulu people and later the Boers (descendants of Dutch settlers in South Africa) and the British. Even though Moshoeshoe I defeated the British, he asked them for help to defend his land from the Boers in 1868. Afterward, Lesotho became a British colony. However, not many British people moved here, and Lesotho gained its independence peacefully later on in 1966.
Moshoeshoe I is known as one of the most successful leaders and peacemakers in southern Africa. Moshoeshoe's Day is a celebration of Basotho heritage, as well as peace, unity and wisdom.
As you may have already realized, the mountains are a very important part of Basotho culture and history. The mountainous landscape itself is what allowed the Basotho people to defend their home from their enemies! The mountain where King Moshoeshoe I lived with the first Basotho people is called Thaba Bosiu ("Ta-ba Bo-see-you"). Thaba Bosiu means "mountain at night." It got its name because, in order to intimidate his enemies, King Moshoeshoe I spread rumors that the mountain got taller at night, making it impossible to climb.
Every year, people take part in Moshoeshoe's Day festivities outside to be in nature.
