The Baton’s design reflects Lesotho’s heritage through three traditional textures: part of a Basotho blanket, vibrant Seshoeshoe fabric, and woven grass patterns inspired by the Mokorotlo hat, a national symbol of pride and unity seen on the country’s flag. Seshoeshoe (also spelled shweshwe) is a printed cotton fabric known for its intricate geometric patterns. Originally dyed indigo, it has become a vibrant marker of Basotho identity, worn in dresses and traditional attire across Lesotho and southern Africa.
An official ceremony at the Royal Palace welcomed the Baton to Lesotho. Her Excellency the British High Commissioner, Mrs Martine Sobey, presented the Baton to His Majesty King Letsie III, who received it alongside Her Majesty Queen Masenate, dressed in a King’s Baton Relay T-shirt. The event was attended by the Minister of Tourism, Sport, Arts and Culture, Hon. Motlatsi Maqelepo, IOC Member Matlohang Moiloa-Ramaqopo, Commonwealth Games Association President Mr Letsatsi Ntsibolane, Commonwealth gold medallist Mr Thabiso Mokhali, Commonwealth Points of Light Award recipient Mr Litsitso Motseremeli, and Chef de Mission to Glasgow 2026, Ms Mamotsabi Lekhabunyane.
That evening, the Baton made a grand entry at the Opening Ceremony of Lesotho’s annual National Youth Games at Makoanyane Square, launching a week of competition and cultural celebration.
On 3 October, the Baton visited venues of the National Youth Games in Maseru, including swimming, rowing, cricket, badminton and boxing. Athletes paused between events to hold the Baton, take photos and learn more about its message of unity across the Commonwealth.
The Baton’s journey concluded on 6 October with a Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign activity at Lesia Primary School, near the Mohokare (Caledon) River. Though landlocked, Lesotho’s rivers ultimately flow into the Atlantic Ocean, underlining the importance of protecting local waterways.
Working with ReNOKA, a partner of the Royal Commonwealth Society, volunteers and learners joined a clean-up in the drainage channels leading to the river. Two truckloads of plastic waste were collected and disposed of by Maseru City Council.
Her Excellency Mrs Martine Sobey joined learners and local councillors in the clean-up alongside representatives from the European Commission, the German Development Agency, the Lesotho CGA Board, and Olympic and Commonwealth athlete Mr Moroke Mokhotho. Lesia Primary School principal Mrs Matsepo Phakoe welcomed guests and thanked them for involving the school in the project.
The Lesotho leg of the King’s Baton Relay combined sport, culture and conservation, celebrating the country’s proud traditions while contributing to the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign and inspiring a new generation of young Basotho athletes.
