Africa-Press – Lesotho. Meet ’Mamajoro Khoboko and ’Mapuleng Ntlhabo, two passionate artisans from Butha-Buthe who are reviving traditional Basotho crafts by making high-quality woven hats and bags.
Using their hands, creativity, and cultural knowledge, these women have turned a lifelong skill into a growing business that celebrates Basotho identity while creating income and employment for others.
Both women learned the art of weaving from their mothers and grandmothers at a young age. What started as a simple hobby making mokorotlo hats for family events or gifts soon became a livelihood.
“We realised that many tourists and even Basotho in towns love our traditional crafts but do not have access to them,” said ’Mamajoro. “That is when we decided to take our work seriously and make it a business.”
They noted that their hat and bags are affordable, from as little as M150.00.
With limited resources but abundant passion, the duo began producing a range of handwoven items Basotho hats (mokorotlo), handbags, mats, and decorative pieces. They source most of their raw materials from local grasslands and occasionally buy threads or linings from town.
Starting their venture was not easy. The women faced challenges such as a lack of tools, limited exposure to bigger markets, and minimal financial support. Transporting goods from their rural village to urban markets is still a struggle, especially with unpredictable weather and rising transport costs.
“We do not have a shop yet, so we mostly sell by the roadside, at local markets, or during special events,” explains ’Mapuleng. “Sometimes we get invited to exhibitions, but we cannot always afford the fees or transport.”
Despite these challenges, the women remained resilient. They use social media mainly Facebook and WhatsApp to share photos of their work and connect with customers in Maseru, Leribe, and even across the border in South Africa.
What makes their journey even more special is their commitment to community. ’Mamajoro and ’Mapuleng train young girls in their village who are interested in learning the craft. Their goal is to preserve the cultural practice of weaving and empower more women to earn their own income.
“We teach them because we want them to have a skill they can rely on,” says ’Mapuleng. “It is not just about making money. It’s about passing on something important and making sure our tradition does not die.”
The two women believe that with better support from their clients, they could grow their business, employ others, and even export their goods.
“We have the skills, but we need exposure,” says ’Mamajoro. “We want to see our bags and hats in big shops and boutiques. We know we can do it.”
Their story is one of courage, culture, and creativity. In a time when many young people migrate to towns in search of work, ’Mamajoro and ’Mapuleng have proven that sometimes, opportunity lies in what you already know in your hands, your heritage, and your home.
By buying their handcrafted hats and bags, Basotho and visitors alike not only support two hardworking women but also contribute to preserving Lesotho’s cultural identity. Every stitch tells a story of pride, tradition, and perseverance.
Their message to other aspiring entrepreneurs? “Start with what you have. Your talent can take you far.”
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