…donates his annual salary to vulnerable communities
Makananelo Manamola
ABOUT 22 children’s homes across the country are set to receive an early Christmas through Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s annual charity drive, in which he donates his entire annual salary to vulnerable communities.
The premier hosted the annual Prime Minister’s Christmas Luncheon at State House in Maseru on Friday, marking the third consecutive year he has given away his yearly salary to support orphanages and care centres nationwide.
This year’s handover also included contributions from the Prime Minister’s Charity Golf Tournament as well as donations from various supporting stakeholders. The funds and goods raised will benefit children in need across the 22 identified institutions.
Performances by Sotho Kids and other artists added joyful energy and a festive atmosphere to the occasion.
According to the Prime Minister’s Private Secretary, Moleboheng Mokobocho, the initiative reflects Mr Matekane’s deep commitment to supporting vulnerable children.
“This event is part of a charitable initiative where the Prime Minister donates his entire annual salary to assist vulnerable people and centres, including schools for children with disabilities across the country,” Ms Mokobocho said.
“This follows the pledge he made when he assumed office in 2022. The purpose is to provide donations to the most needy, especially disabled children.”
The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training, Ratšiu Majara, said the ministry had been able to procure assistive devices for vulnerable learners.
“This money is meant to benefit learners and ensure they access quality education. With it, we managed to procure 438 items which include special creams for learners with albinism, 56 wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, spectacles, braille materials, medication, tablets, software, Perkins braillers, pairs of shoes, laptops and accessories, as well as white canes.
“These are the items purchased through this money, which the Prime Minister handed over and subsequently passed to representatives of schools and centres for learners with disabilities,” Mr Majara said.
Speaking on behalf of the centres and schools, Mamokuku Mofilikoane from Thuso-e-tla-tsoa-kae Disabled-Children School in Botha-Bothe expressed gratitude for the support.
“We are very privileged to be among those selected for this assistance. These gifts are very expensive and valuable. We have autistic learners, and we are proud to have been given specialised tablets to help them communicate better. These tablets are costly, with the cheapest costing about M23 000 because they are installed with software that enables communication and classroom learning,” Ms Mofilikoane said.
She assured the Prime Minister that the devices would be used responsibly and would ease the workload of teachers. She also shared that their school works hard to produce much of its own food, including meat, eggs and vegetables, to reduce expenses.
Mr Matekane reaffirmed his commitment to his 2022 pledge.
“I was given a lot of votes by Basotho in that election year. That is when I announced that I would not use my salary for myself but pass it on to the neediest. It is a commitment I have kept since then, and I will continue doing so until my term comes to an end,” Mr Matekane said.
He further thanked all contributors who supported the initiative, saying the 22 centres and schools would benefit from food parcels, hygiene products, and other necessities to ensure they enjoy a dignified Christmas.
The Office of the Prime Minister concluded the event by wishing all beneficiaries and Basotho a blessed Christmas and New Year, urging them to take care of themselves and avoid actions that may put them in harm’s way, as the office hopes to celebrate with them again next year.