THABA-TSEKA-The 2026 Katse Tourism Festival is unfolding in the highlands with renewed energy and visible growth, as this year’s celebrations stretch beyond the traditional weekend programme and draw extraordinaryparticipation from local schools and communities.
What was once largely a Friday and Saturday event is now beginning on Thursday, a shift organisers say signals steady expansion. The additional day is dedicated largely to schools’ activities, and this year alone, 16 primary schools are taking part, a development that has added colour, excitement and a deeper sense of community ownership to the festival.
The festival, organised by the Katse Dam Action and Aid Community Forum and supported by the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), is currently drawing crowds to Katse Dam as part of its annual celebration of culture, tourism and community development. It forms part of broader efforts linked to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), which this year marks 40 years of existence.
From early Thursday morning, the festival grounds werealive with children in school uniforms, teachers guiding performances, and parents cheering from the sidelines. Traditional dances, poetry, choral performances and cultural displays are taking center stage as young learners showcase their talents against the breathtaking backdrop of the dam and surrounding mountains.
Organisers say introducing a Thursday programme focused on primary schools demonstrates clear growth.
“In the beginning, we were only focusing on the main weekend days, but now we are seeing real expansion,” says Selikane Rakuoane, chairperson of Katse Action Aid as one of the festival organisers. “Sixteen primary schools are participating this year. That alone shows that the festival is growing.”
He explains that the vision for the Katse Tourism Festival is long-term. While progress may seem gradual, the organisers remain optimistic.
“This event will eventually grow into what we want it to be,” Rakuoane says. “It is going to take baby steps. We understand that growth does not happen overnight, but we are moving in the right direction.”
He adds that collaboration remains key to achieving that vision. According to him, stronger partnerships with tourism bodies and other stakeholders are essential to elevate the festival to national and even regional prominence.
“We need the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) and others to fully support us,” he says. “If we work together, this can become one of the biggest tourism events in the country.”
The presence of learners this year has injected new life into the programme. Teachers say the festival gives children a rare opportunity to express themselves outside the classroom while celebrating Basotho culture. For many of the pupils, it is their first time performing before such large audiences.
The inclusion of schools also strengthens the festival’s long-term sustainability. By engaging children at a young age, organisers are nurturing future performers, cultural ambassadors and even tourism entrepreneurs.
While Thursday and Friday are filled with school competitions and community-based activities, Saturday remains the main attraction, featuring entertainment by local and international artists, food exhibitions, sporting events and cultural showcases.
However, concerns are being raised about attendance patterns.
One member of the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation says Saturday, despite being the headline day, does not always attract the numbers organisers hope for.
“The festival on Saturday needs more collaborations and broader advertising,” she says. “It is normally not fully packed as other days like Thursday and Friday.”
According to her, increased marketing efforts and strategic partnerships could significantly improve turnout on the main day.
“If we promote it more aggressively and collaborate with more stakeholders, especially in the tourism sector, we can draw bigger crowds on Saturday,” she explains.
She emphasises that the Katse Tourism Festival has strong potential but requires coordinated efforts to maximise its impact.
The broader aim of the festival remains clear, to position Katse Dam as a vibrant tourism hub while creating economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
Throughout the festival grounds, local vendors are selling traditional food, crafts and handmade products. Small business owners say the event provides a crucial platform to reach new customers and boost income.
For the LHDA, which supports the festival as part of its 10-Year Strategy, tourism is seen as a pathway for livelihood diversification in project-affected communities. By strengthening participation in the tourism value chain, the Authority hopes to ensure that development linked to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project translates into tangible community benefits.
As the LHWP celebrates its 40th anniversary, the festival also serves as a reminder that infrastructure development is about more than dams and tunnels. It is about people, culture and shared growth.
The energy at Katse this week reflects that spirit. Children’s laughter echoes across the open spaces. Traditional drums beat in rhythm. Parents and visitors mingle among food stalls and performance stages. The highlands, often known for their quiet beauty, are currently alive with colour and movement.
Organisers acknowledge that challenges remain, particularly in marketing, sponsorship and logistics. Yet they remain encouraged by the visible signs of progress.
The addition of Thursday activities, the participation of 16 primary schools and growing community involvement all point to a festival that is steadily evolving.
As the celebrations continue into Friday and build toward Saturday’s main programme, one message resonates among organisers and partners alike, growth may be gradual, but the foundation is being laid.
If collaboration strengthens and advertising widens, the Katse Tourism Festival could soon stand among Lesotho’s flagship tourism events. For now, it is taking confident steps forward, one extra day, one school performance and one partnership at a time.
