Moroke Sekoboto
TELECOMMUNICATIONS powerhouse, Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL), through its Higherlife Foundation Lesotho (HLFL), has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to education by sponsoring five exceptional Basotho students to pursue undergraduate studies at leading universities in the United States.
The five scholars were officially bid farewell at a media send-off ceremony held today, celebrating their academic achievements and highlighting the transformative power of sustained investment in education.
The students will pursue degrees in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Economics, Finance, and Neuroscience and Business — disciplines aligned with Lesotho’s priorities in healthcare, industrialisation, entrepreneurship and economic development.
Speaking at the ceremony, ETL Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Plaatjies, said the occasion represented far more than five university placements.
“It demonstrates the cumulative impact of investing consistently in young people. Econet and Higherlife Foundation Lesotho’s investment in education has been guided by a simple conviction: when we expand access to opportunity, we expand the possibilities of an entire nation.
“Over the years, we have seen young Basotho move from classrooms and scholarship programmes into universities, professions and positions of leadership. These five scholars are part of that continuing story of potential being recognised, nurtured and released,” Mr Plaatjies said.
He said Econet’s commitment extended beyond providing telecommunications services to investing in the country’s greatest asset — its people.
“At Econet, connectivity is ultimately about people. We invest in networks and innovation, but we also invest in human potential because Lesotho’s greatest resource is the talent, imagination and determination of its people. Education remains one of the most powerful investments we can make in the country’s long-term prosperity.”
Mr Plaatjies also acknowledged Econet customers for making the company’s social investment programmes possible.
“Every call, every bundle, every EcoCash transaction and every interaction with Econet contributes to our ability to invest meaningfully in the communities we serve. We thank our customers for being part of this shared impact,” he said.
Since 2011, Higherlife, with the support of ETL, has invested more than M100 million in scholarships and educational support programmes, benefiting over 2 000 young Basotho.
Its international scholarship programme has enabled students to study in the United States, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lebanon and Eswatini, and has already produced 19 graduates from American universities.
Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, commended ETL and Higherlife for complementing the government’s efforts to expand access to quality education and develop the skills needed for Lesotho’s future.
“Education is central to Lesotho’s social and economic transformation. Government policy recognises that building a competitive, resilient and inclusive economy requires sustained investment in knowledge, skills, innovation and human capital.
“The contribution of Econet Telecom Lesotho and Higherlife Foundation Lesotho demonstrates the value of purposeful partnership between government, the private sector and development partners in expanding opportunities for young Basotho and strengthening the country’s future skills base,” Prof Rapapa said.
He urged the scholars to pursue excellence with humility and integrity while remembering their responsibility as ambassadors of Lesotho and role models for future generations.
Speaking on behalf of the five beneficiaries, Thembezile Mochesane expressed gratitude to ETL and Higherlife for believing in their potential.
“I extend our deepest gratitude to Higherlife Foundation Lesotho and Econet Telecom Lesotho. Your support is more than financial assistance; it is a powerful vote of confidence in our dreams and in the future of young Basotho.
“You have opened doors for us, strengthened the hopes of our families and reminded us that where we begin does not have to limit how far we can go. We commit ourselves to making the most of this opportunity, representing Lesotho with pride and using the knowledge and networks we gain to contribute meaningfully to our country,” Ms Mochesane said.
About the scholars
Twenty-year-old Thembezile Mochesane from Maseru will study Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University. A former student of Soofia International School and Waterford Kamhlaba, she hopes to develop medical technologies that improve healthcare access and patient outcomes in Lesotho and across Africa before returning home to strengthen the country’s health sector.
Eighteen-year-old Katleho Mpemi will study Chemical Engineering at Yale University. A former student of Leribe English Medium High School, STAR Leadership Academy and the African Leadership Academy, he hopes to use science and engineering to transform Lesotho’s natural resources into value-added products, industries and employment opportunities.
Kamohelo Mphirime, 21, from Sehlabeng sa Thuathe in Berea, will pursue a double major in Industrial Engineering and Economics at Northwestern University. A former student of Leqele High School, STAR Leadership Academy and Waterford Kamhlaba, he hopes to use engineering, economics and data-driven decision-making to modernise industries, improve productivity and contribute to Lesotho’s long-term economic development.
Nthabiseng Lebele, 20, from Ha Leqele in Maseru, will study Finance at Bucknell University. A former Lesotho High School student who attained 40 points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, she is passionate about business and entrepreneurship and hopes to support investment-ready businesses while contributing to Lesotho’s economic growth.
Thikhoi Constance Molapo, 20, from Ha Bene in Leribe, will pursue a double major in Neuroscience and Business at Colby College. A former student of St Monica’s Primary School, Holy Family High School, STAR Leadership Academy and Waterford Kamhlaba, she hopes to combine science, innovation and entrepreneurship to improve healthcare, empower communities and help build a more resilient economy in Lesotho.
