Moroke Sekoboto
THE Sasai Econet Financial Services (SEFS), a subsidiary of Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL), has injected M200,000 into the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) in support of its impactful Youth Development Programme (YDP).
This reaffirms the telecommunications powerhouse’s commitment to empowering Basotho youth and advancing national development.
This year’s contribution, handed over yesterday at Ratjomose Barracks, brings SEFS’s total sponsorship of the programme to M450,000 over the past three years, following donations of M100,000 in 2023 and M150,000 in 2024.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, SEFS representative Advocate Lehlonololo Matee, said the contribution goes beyond financial support but represents a strategic investment in Lesotho’s future.
“At Econet, we believe that true national development begins with empowering the youth,” Adv Matee said.
“The LDF’s Youth Development Programme is a transformative initiative that instils discipline, resilience, leadership, and patriotism in young people.”
Adv Matee also said Econet envisions a digitally connected future that includes all citizens and sees strategic partnerships like this one as essential to nation-building.
“We are proud to support this kind of impact-driven work. The LDF’s structured programme aligns with SEFS’s broader mandate of driving inclusive growth, social cohesion, and sustainable development.”
He also highlighted Econet’s broader contributions to youth development through its social arm, the Higher Life Foundation.
“We have helped develop over 1600 youth. Currently, five students are studying in the United States, five in eSwatini, and hundreds more are in local high schools and tertiary institutions. This aligns perfectly with our support for the boot camp initiative.
“Through this support, SEFS reinforces its role as a socially conscious organisation focused not only on financial services but also on the development of the communities we serve.”
Receiving the cheque on behalf of the LDF, Major General Ramanka Mokaloba expressed deep gratitude to SEFS for its continued generosity and longstanding support.
“The LDF established the Youth Development Programme in response to the growing challenges faced by young people in Lesotho,” said Maj-Gen Mokaloba.
“This partnership with Sasai Econet Financial Services is a model of how public-private collaboration can transform lives. With continued support, we can scale this impact even further and instil purpose and direction among our youth.”
He noted that the programme offers rigorous training in physical fitness, life skills, team building, civic education, and entrepreneurship, equipping participants with tools to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
Also speaking at the event, Lieutenant Colonel Thato Likate, Military Assistant to the Commander, emphasized the programme’s importance in shaping responsible and empowered young citizens.
“This event is a celebration of a growing and meaningful partnership between the LDF and ETL. Your continued support reflects trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the sustainable development of our nation,” Lt Col Likate said.
He revealed that the programme has now trained 3500 youth through 12 boot camp cohorts.
“Without support from the private sector, this achievement would not have been possible.”
