Seithati Motšoeneng
VODACOM Lesotho Foundation has renewed its partnership with the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation to ensure the continued operation of the Insight Centre at the State Library in Maseru, a facility dedicated to supporting visually impaired people.
The partnership was formalised through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Maseru this week, committing the foundation to fund the centre’s operations from 2026 to 2029.
Established in 2019 by the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, the Insight Centre is a specialised digital library designed to improve access to information for blind and visually impaired people. The facility is equipped with assistive technologies worth about M2 million, enabling users to access educational and digital resources.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vodacom Lesotho Foundation Access and Inclusion Coordinator, Keneuoe Semphi, said access to information was critical to empowering people with disabilities.
“Access to information is not a privilege; it is a right. When people are empowered with information, they are better positioned to participate economically, socially and independently,” Ms Semphi said.
Vodacom Lesotho’s Head of External Affairs and Regulatory, Tšepo Ntaopane, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to inclusive education and employment opportunities.
“Every Mosotho child deserves access to quality, inclusive education, irrespective of disability or background. At a time of high unemployment, the private sector has a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to social development,” Mr Ntaopane said.
He added that the initiative forms part of Vodacom’s broader goal of promoting digital inclusion and ensuring that technology benefits all sectors of society.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Kanono Ramashamole, welcomed the partnership, describing it as an important step in advancing the country’s digital transformation agenda launched in 2023.
“This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration between government and the private sector. The Insight Centre enables persons with visual impairments to access information and opportunities on an equal footing,” Mr Ramashamole said.
Under the agreement, the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation will cover the centre’s operational costs, including equipment procurement, repairs and maintenance, to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
The foundation will also conduct capacity-building workshops for visually impaired users, library staff and other stakeholders to strengthen the use of assistive technologies.
The renewed partnership is expected to expand access to information and digital skills for visually impaired Basotho while promoting greater inclusion in education and economic participation.
