Queen Mamohato | |
---|---|
Queen Consort of Lesotho | |
Tenure | 15 January 1996 – 7 February 1996 |
Predecessor | None |
Successor | 'Masenate |
Tenure | 10 March 1990 – 12 November 1990 |
Tenure | 5 June 1970 – 5 December 1970 |
Born | Tabitha 'Masentle Lerotholi Mojela 28 April 1941 Tebang, Mafeteng |
Died | 6 September 2003 Mantsonyane, Thaba-Tseka |
(aged 62)
Spouse | Moshoshoe II |
Issue |
King Letsie III Prince Seeiso Princess Constance |
Father | Lerotholi Mojela |
Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Queen 'Mamohato Bereng Seeiso (née Princess Tabitha 'Masentle Lerotholi Mojela) (28 April 1941 – 6 September 2003) served as the Regent Head of State of Lesotho on three occasions: 5 June to 5 December 1970, 10 March to 12 November 1990 and 15 January to 7 February 1996.
The queen was born at Tebang, located in the District of Mafeteng. She was the youngest child of Lerotholi Mojela (1895-1961), Chief of Tsakholo.
The princess was sent to study at Bath Training College of Home Economics in the United Kingdom.
A year after the death of her father, she married Moshoeshoe II. During her reign, she helped improve children's education in Lesotho.
The queen died while at a Catholic retreat for the Catholic order of Saint Cecilia at the Auray Mission in Mantsonyane on September 6, 2003. There is a hospital named for her, the Queen 'Mamohato Memorial Hospital.
The queen, known as the Mother of the Nation'' created Hlokomela Bana in the 1980’s to provide care and support for some of the most vulnerable children in Lesotho. Hlokomela Bana, which means “Take Care of Children” in Sesotho, works closely with principal chiefs to identify what support can be best provided to those who have lost their parents or are living with disabilities.
She was the wife of King Moshoshoe II and the mother of King Letsie III, Prince Seeiso and Princess Constance Christina 'Maseeiso.