By Leemisa Thuseho
THE 2026 Econet Golf Day has raised M971 000 for the HigherLife Foundation Lesotho, as corporate organisations and individuals once again rallied behind the fundraising initiative.
The funds were raised through pledges made by corporates and individuals during the golf day gala dinner held at Maseru Mall on Friday.
The gala dinner also marked the closing of the fourth edition of the Econet Expo, held under the theme “Think AI, Think Econet”.
The Expo had brought together technology providers, businesses, educational institutions, students and other stakeholders to explore how digital innovation can improve service delivery, create economic opportunities and contribute to national development.
At the gala dinner, participants pledged M485 500, which Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) matched, bringing the total to M971 000.
Speaking at the event, ETL Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Plaatjies, said the annual golf day, which was established in 2018, had become an important fundraising initiative in support of the company's social investment arm, HigherLife Foundation Lesotho.
The foundation is dedicated to uplifting young Basotho through education and leadership development, particularly by supporting vulnerable children with their educational needs.
Plaatjies said ETL sets aside two percent of its annual revenue to support the foundation, but the growing needs of beneficiaries had made it necessary to seek additional funding through initiatives such as the golf day.
“The reason behind this annual event is to raise funds for our HigherLife Foundation, which aims to assist vulnerable children with their academic needs or any other support they may require,” Plaatjies said.
He revealed that the foundation currently supports 141 students at tertiary level and another 114 at secondary school level.
“The needs of children are many, and we cannot afford to meet them with only what we set aside from our annual budget, which is about M13 million to M15 million. So, we came up with the golf initiative,” he said.
Plaatjies said the event continued to grow and improve each year, with increasing interest from individuals and companies keen to participate.
This year's edition was particularly special as it coincided with ETL's Expo, giving some of the company's international partners an opportunity to take part in the golf tournament.
“Having the two events at the same time helped a lot, as today it was not just about playing golf but also building business and individual friendships,” he said.
A total of 84 golfers participated in the tournament.
The team comprising Tlotliso Khabo, Tsebo Lerotholi, Matšela Matšela and Moeketsi Mafereka emerged as overall winners, finishing with 58 points off a handicap of 17.
The team of Wayne Aitken, Bakuena Diaho, Anna Moloi and Mokhechane Mohale also scored 58 points but settled for second place, having played off a handicap of 18.
Third place went to Thabo Mphana, Mathaleha Molapo, Sehlabaka Rampeta and Bokang Mokoma, who finished with 55 points off a handicap of 17.