Limpho Sello
Cement-manufacturer, AfriSam Lesotho, on Friday donated M50 000 to the Hlokomela Bana Association, which helps alleviate the plight of orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs).
The association was established in 1984, and operates under the guidance of Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso.
The cheque handover ceremony took place at the Royal Palace in Maseru and, in her vote of thanks, Her Majesty said it was gratifying to realise companies such as AfriSam were taking note of the responsibilities of organisations such as Hlokomela Bana Association.
“Our responsibility is a heavy and broad one and it is with your assistance that we will be able to help orphans and vulnerable children, who include children with disabilities,” Her Majesty said.
“With such assistance, we feel strong; it is with companies such as you, AfriSam and your social responsibility programes, that we can see the satisfaction on the faces of the vulnerable children of Basotho.
“We need to make sure OVCs believe and achieve their dreams because we would like them to become leaders of tomorrow.”
“Our children,” Her Majesty added, “need to be proud of their country.”
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure children are taken care of, and when AfriSam comes again next time, we will show you how we spent this money you are handing over today.”
AfriSam’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Tsholo Liale, who is based at the company’s Gauteng Head Office, in South Africa, said the gesture was “a helping hand” to needy members of society.
“This M50 000 is not a very big contribution, but it is not about how much you give back but the little you give back that can make an impact in someone’s life,” Mr Liale said.
“I hope what we are doing will encourage you and will even remind you that you are not alone in your work.
“These vulnerable children need help in every way possible, hence our handover of this donation today.”
According to Hlokomela Bana Association chairperson, ‘Mabataung Mokhathali, the association was formed with a special focus, adding the Queen has been supervising it for that past14 years.
“Hlokomela Bana Association is different from other associations because we address the need of a child as we see it.
“We act like parents of such children, “Ms Mokhathali said.
“Some organisations help children focusing on specific areas, for example, education and health. But we realised that even though there are other forms of help provided to these children, there are gaps that need to be closed.
“In some instances, you may find that although children’s education is taken care of, there would be shortage of food in the children’s homes, as well as blankets.”
“These are the gaps we seek to fill as an association,” she added.
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