BLOEMFONTIEN – The Thabure Project, a cultural education initiative focusing on promoting African heritage, storytelling, and community development, is set to return to the stage. This will commence with the official launch on Saturday 7 February in the Bloemfontein Civic Theatre.
The launch paves the way for the celebratory performance on Friday 13 February at the same venue.
The educational impact of the project lies in how the initiative uses history to empower communities and school-based educational projects. The Thabure programme includes storytelling and writing workshops for children aged nine to 13 years.
Kamogelo De Wee (20), author of the children’s book Thari, initiated the project inspired by the historical significance and value of Thabure in the community. He began writing and publishing at a tender age.
De Wee explained that his creation of Thabure was inspired by a need to give children a space to express themselves; also, the importance of educating children about culture and heritage, as well as encouraging reading to improve reading comprehension and writing skills for academic success.
“During school holidays, the project keeps children busy with creative activities,” he said.
“They stay engaged and avoid spending too much time on their phones and watching television. The project encourages learners to write, perform, and take pride in their Sesotho heritage,” explained De Wee.
Thabure stands out due to its fascinating historical and heritage significance.
Historically, Thabure was the famous white horse belonging to Chief Lerotholi, a grandson of King Moshoeshoe I, the first king of Lesotho. It has a connection to Bloemfontein.
The historical significance has been illustrated by the proposal to rename Bloemfontein to Thabure, highlighting the horse’s importance in regional history.
Thabure is also symbolic. In Basotho culture, Thabure is known as the “destroyer of the enemy” and represents respectable qualities of strength, resilience and leadership.
