Seahlolo at Two: Honouring the Voice of Agriculture in Lesotho

Seahlolo at Two: Honouring the Voice of Agriculture in Lesotho

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Editor’s Note

Two years ago, a vision was born. A dream carved from a passion to tell meaningful stories, amplify the voices of the soil and reframe how Lesotho views agriculture, not just as a practice, but as a powerful engine of transformation. Today, Seahlolo Newspaper stands proud as Lesotho’s premium agriculture publication, marking two years of consistent impact, brave storytelling, and unwavering commitment to the people who feed the nation.

In a media landscape often dominated by politics and quick headlines, Seahlolo dared to dig deeper. We focused on the hands that till the land, the innovations that bring food to our tables, and the stories often buried beneath policy documents and market reports. We became the megaphone of the fields, and what a journey it has been.

Our Humble Beginnings

What started as a sister publication to Newsday has grown into an independent powerhouse of agricultural journalism. The decision to launch our own website in 2024 was a strategic pivot, a deliberate step to forge our own identity and create a digital home for Lesotho’s agri-stories, research, and reflections. This move allowed us to expand our reach, enabling farmers, students, policymakers, and international partners to access our content in real time from anywhere in the world.

Elevating the Farmer: From Print to Practice

While our storytelling is powerful, we have never limited our impact to just pages and posts. Seahlolo has consistently gone beyond the newsroom, translating words into action. One of our proudest moments was the successful study tour to Johannesburg, where we took 15 vegetable farmers from Lesotho to learn from South African counterparts. This collaboration with Food for Mzansi was more than a tour—it was a transformative experience that ignited ideas, boosted morale, and opened networks for our farmers.

Rewarding Excellence: Sponsorship that Makes a Difference

Beyond reporting, Seahlolo has stepped up as a sponsor and supporter of grassroots excellence. In 2024, we proudly sponsored the Farmers Pitso Awards, donating an irrigation system worth M10,000 to the top three schools in Agriculture. This was not just about prize-giving; it was about investing in the next generation of agri-leaders and sending a clear message: Effort is seen. Excellence is rewarded.

We believe in building an ecosystem where passion is nurtured and success is celebrated. Whether it is through awards or mentorship, Seahlolo remains committed to elevating agriculture into a respected, admired, and desired career path.

Recognition Earned: Best Media in Agriculture

Hard work does not go unnoticed. In 2024, Seahlolo’s reporter, Libuseng Molato was crowned Best Media in Agriculture, a recognition that validated our editorial integrity, field presence, and commitment to agricultural development. While won by one person, this award belongs to every reporter who walked the dusty roads to meet a farmer, every photographer who captured a moment of growth, and every reader who believed in our mission.

Telling the Story of the Nation

Seahlolo is proud to have documented key milestones that shape Lesotho’s agricultural future. In August 2024, we were on the frontlines covering the prestigious visit of Rome-Based Agriculture Agencies—a moment that elevated Lesotho’s food systems to global attention. Our multimedia coverage of this historic moment solidified our role not just as a national player, but as a credible international partner in agriculture communication.

We continued this momentum into 2025, partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Marketing Department to organize and cover the National Market Day. Our involvement went beyond media coverage—we contributed ideas, built bridges, and ensured that rural farmers were not just seen, but heard, celebrated, and supported.

Multimedia, Multi-Platform, Multi-Impact

We have evolved with the times. Seahlolo is not just a newspaper, it is an agriculture media platform powered by video storytelling, social media campaigns, long-form journalism, and community-driven events. From short farmer profiles to investigative pieces and documentary features, we understand that the story of the land must be told in many ways to reach many hearts.

On social media, our growing digital audience is proof that Basotho want more than just news—they want education, inspiration, and practical tools. Whether we are unpacking climate-smart agriculture, profiling women farmers, or breaking down agribusiness models, our content is designed to spark conversation and encourage action.

More Than a Medium but a Movement

We are not just observers of change. We are agents of it.

Seahlolo is building a bridge between information and action through our Farmers Benefit Events. These events connect farmers to markets, resources, and each other—creating shared experiences and real economic value. Our support of grassroots innovators, especially women and youth, reaffirms our belief that agriculture is not old-fashioned—it is the future.

When we stand in a village, host a dialogue, or publish a farmer’s story, we do so knowing that we are shaping the perception of agriculture in a country that desperately needs to believe in its land again.

Holding the Line of Advocacy Through Journalism

Seahlolo has also taken a bold stance when needed. Whether reporting on delayed subsidies, climate threats, or the inefficiencies in agriculture support systems, we have used our platform to speak truth to power. But we do so with one goal—to push for solutions, collaboration, and growth.

Our work is not about finger-pointing; it’s about planting the seeds of accountability so that the system works better for everyone.

The Road Ahead: Firm Roots, Fierce Vision

As we enter our third year, Seahlolo is not slowing down. We have plans to deepen our presence across districts with a lot of more exciting products and farmers interactions.

The NSDP II has identified Agriculture as an active and priority economic player, therefore more still needs to be done because food is not just sustenance, it’s sovereignty.

A Heartfelt Thanks

To our readers, sponsors, government partners, farmers, experts, and critics, thank you. You have helped shape Seahlolo into what it is today. Thank you for trusting us with your stories, your struggles, and your triumphs.

To the farmers in all the ten districts of Lesotho, you are the reason we exist. You are the heartbeat of this publication. Every headline, every centre spread, and every article is for you.

Happy Birthday, Seahlolo!!!

Here is to many more years of soil-driven storytelling, unwavering advocacy, and national impact.

Here’s to the publication that doesn’t just report on agriculture.

#WeGrowTogether