…one story at a time
Moroke Sekoboto
WHEN a 77-year-old granny, ‘Malineo Matsepe, from Morija Mabenkeleng, on the outskirts of Maseru, carried out routine EcoCash transactions on her phone in 2024, she never imagined that they would earn her a brand-new Nissan NP200.
Today, the soft-spoken grandmother speaks of her good fortune with a mix of disbelief and gratitude, crediting Sasai Econet Financial Services (SEFS), through the 2024 EcoCash Tobetsa campaign, for transforming her life and easing the rhythm of her everyday chores.
“EcoCash has been my companion for years,” Ms Matsepe said with a smile.
“It allows me to pay bills, send money to my grandchildren, and handle everything from my phone. I no longer have to travel long distances or stand in queues for a mere transaction.”
Her story is not unique. Across Lesotho, thousands of EcoCash users are experiencing first-hand how mobile money has reshaped financial convenience, safety, and inclusion over the past decade. But for Ms Matsepe, the transformation came with wheels.
Since collecting her new Nissan NP200, her life has taken on new mobility and meaning.
“The car has made my life so much easier. I can now drive to church, collect produce from the fields with utmost ease, and assist my neighbours in emergencies by transporting them to the hospital when needed. During busy times like the festive season, I also hire out the vehicle to help others buy groceries in bulk,” she explained.
According to Sasai Econet Financial Services General Manager, Moeketsi Mafereka, stories like Ms Matsepe’s were proof of how digital finance is touching lives at the grassroots.
“We take pride in positively impacting the lives of our customers. Ms Matsepe’s story shows that using EcoCash for everyday transactions can bring not only convenience but also real opportunities,” Mr Mafereka said.
He reaffirmed SEFS’ commitment to driving financial inclusion and financial freedom across Lesotho, saying EcoCash’s success is underpinned by Econet Telecom Lesotho’s (ETL) extensive network footprint, which ensures reliable access to mobile money services even in the most remote parts of the country.
“At the heart of our work is the mission to simplify payments every day, everywhere,” he added.
Building on this success, ETL and SEFS have rolled out the Hoa Khoanahala campaign—a festive season initiative designed to celebrate loyal customers and continue rewarding them in meaningful ways.
Mr Mafereka described the campaign as a continuation of ETL and SEFS’s vision to make their products and services both accessible and rewarding for all Basotho.
“Hoa Khoanahala is about appreciation. It’s our way of celebrating with our customers during the festive period while reaffirming our dedication to building Lesotho’s digital economy,” he said.
Since its launch more than a decade ago, EcoCash has been a catalyst in modernizing Lesotho’s financial landscape—enabling the payment of utility bills, insurance premiums, and old-age pensions, while promoting savings through the EcoCash Mekhatlo Account.
For the elderly, in particular, the service has been a game-changer, bringing financial dignity and convenience to those who once had to travel long distances for basic transactions.
For Ms Matsepe, the journey from Morija to modern mobility is about more than just winning a car—it is a story of how technology, when placed in the hands of the people, can uplift lives and strengthen communities.
“I am truly grateful to Sasai Econet Financial Services and Econet Telecom Lesotho. They have changed my life and the lives of many others for the better.”
