By Matṧeliso Phulane
The sixth annual Econet Golf Day last Friday raised about M463 000 for charity.
Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) pledged to chip in with a similar amount. The money will go to the mobile network company’s flagship social impact organisation, Higherlife Foundation.
The golf tournament, designed to merge sport with social responsibility, showcased ETL’s unwavering dedication to making a tangible difference in the communities it serves.
Participants and sponsors alike demonstrated their commitment to driving positive change through solidarity and a competitive spirit.
The event held at Maseru Club golf course brought together avid golfers, leading corporates and the public in a shared commitment to support this meaningful cause.
The funds will directly benefit 400 Higherlife Foundation Lesotho beneficiaries by channelling resources towards initiatives that address pressing societal challenges to creating lasting, positive change across Lesotho.
In his remarks, ETL chief executive officer Dennies Plaatjies said: “We are thrilled by the overwhelming support and generosity shown by our participants and sponsors in our endeavour to continue to make a meaningful impact across communities in Lesotho through Econet’s Higher Life Foundation Lesotho.”
He noted that the success of the tournament underscores their collective commitment to addressing critical social issues and empowering communities for a brighter future.
“We believe in the power of collaboration and community driven action to drive meaningful change. Through initiatives like our annual Econet Golf day tournament, we harness the collective strength of stakeholders to uplift underserved communities and foster a more inclusive society,” Plaatjies emphasised.
Higher Life Foundation has been investing in human capital thus impacting the lives of Basotho for 13 years to build thriving individuals, communities and sustainable livelihoods
In his remarks, general manager sales and services Econet, Lebohang Ramaisa, said that the purpose of the event was to bring in different stakeholders to give them an opportunity to pledge their support towards the growth of HigherLife Foundation.
He stated that since its formation, the organisation has assisted a number of students to further their studies from high school level into tertiary institutions.
Some of them were given opportunities to study at institutions such as the National University of Lesotho, Ford Hare University, as well as Stanford University.
The minister of education and training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, applauded the telecommunications company saying that their support to the government, especially in the education sector, is highly recognised.
He said it is through such initiatives that the government through the National Manpower Development Secretariat (NMDS) can be able to reach out to more students in need of scholarships.
Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries of HigherLife Foundation, Lehlohonolo Khali from Qacha’snek said he knew about the establishment in 2022 when he was doing grade 10, after one of his teachers encouraged him to apply.
Khali recounted that it was hard for him and his siblings to survive since they were raised by their grandmother.
“After being accepted into HigherLife Foundation, my life changed a lot since I got uniform, school shoes food and toiletries. I therefore, give thanks to the people who have been supportive to Econet,” Khali said. He added that life for him has been very hopeful since he acquired the sponsorship as all he has to worry about now is his studies since all his needs are catered for through HigherLife Foundation.
