Pascalinah Kabi
MASERU businesswoman ‘Mabatho Cheng yesterday celebrated her 50th birthday by donating various gifts to people living with disabilities at her Three J’s Hardware business premises in the capital.
Addressing the gathering, Ms Cheng – who was born on 9 August 1966 – said celebrating her birthday with the physically-challenged was not only fulfilling, but brought her closer to God.
“I celebrate my birthday with you every year. I am your mother. Today I am 50-years old and I am going to give you presents as my children,” Ms Cheng told over 100 physically-challenged people in the building.
Among the gifts she donated included walking sticks, fleece blankets, clothes, schoolbags, handbags and toiletry for both children and adults.
Other benefactors included businesswoman ‘Malichaba Lekhoaba and Lesotho Defence Force members who donated food to make the celebration a success.
Ms Cheng said physically-challenged needed love and an enabling environment to thrive.
“They need love and understanding. We also need us to pray for peace in our country, because if there is no peace and people are left with no choice but to run for their lives, physically-challenged people would be left stranded since they are not as mobile,” she said.
Ms Cheng also told the Sunday Express on the sidelines of the festivities, she enjoyed catering for the needs of disadvantaged people.
“While some people might have everything they may need for survival, others need assistance for their daily routines, and serving them reminds me that we are all equal in God’s eyes, something that wealth makes us forget,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Khatleli Lekoba, told this paper Ms Cheng’s gesture showed they had not been forgotten.
“It shows that we are still loved. We are not forgotten, and not everybody discriminates against us,” the 15-year-old Lekoba said.
The Resource Centre for the Blind learner said the walking stick he received would improve his mobility.
“I am very happy that Mme ‘Mabatho decided to celebrate her birthday with us; the forgotten and discriminated ones. I wish her many more years to come,” he said.