…as partnership reaches 1500 beneficiaries in three years
Seithati Motšoeneng
THE Rotary Club of Maloti and the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation have donated medical and mobility equipment to support persons with disabilities across Lesotho.
The initiative is aimed at improving access to healthcare, mobility and independent living among vulnerable communities.
The handover ceremony was held at Maseru Club this week, marking the third annual donation drive under the partnership.
The equipment, donated by PhysioNet UK and transported to Lesotho with support from the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, included 173 wheelchairs, 350 pairs of crutches, 140 walking frames, hospital beds, paediatric therapy chairs and other assistive devices.
The equipment will be distributed to more than 200 individuals, 10 health facilities and two organisations representing persons with disabilities nationwide.
Since the initiative began in 2023, more than 1500 beneficiaries have received assistive devices through the annual programme.
Speaking at the event, Rotary Club of Maloti president, Mamello Phomane, said the donation addressed an urgent and growing need among Basotho awaiting assistive devices.
She said the support would enable recipients to participate more fully in family life, community activities and economic opportunities.
“This equipment opens the door to a renewed lease of life. We trust that it will serve beneficiaries with lasting impact,” Ms Phomane said.
She said the club remained committed to working with partners who shared its vision of dignity and independence for all citizens.
The initiative also aligns with Vodacom Lesotho’s purpose of connecting for a better future beyond technology and connectivity.
Stakeholders involved in this year’s drive include the Rotary Club of Maloti, PhysioNet UK, the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, the Lesotho National Development Corporation and other civil society partners.
Vodacom Lesotho chief executive officer, Mohale Ralebitso, said the company viewed the partnership as part of its broader social purpose.
“This partnership reflects our Further Together spirit and our commitment to building a more inclusive society in which everyone can participate,” Mr Ralebitso said.
He added that Vodacom Lesotho would continue directing investment towards shared value and measurable community impact through the Foundation’s Access and Inclusion pillar.
In his address, the Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Pitso Lesaoana, thanked the Rotary Club of Maloti and Vodacom Lesotho, through the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, for the contribution.
He said the equipment would enable beneficiaries to participate in national development and called for sustained collective action to address the vulnerabilities faced by persons with disabilities.
“We must work together to remove the obstacles that continue to limit participation,” Mr Lesaoana said.
The Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD) representative, Rabasotho Moeketsi, said the donation had both practical and developmental significance.
He said access to appropriate mobility aids helped restore independence while creating pathways to employment and education.
“This contribution will help advance the aspirations of the Persons with Disability Equity Act of 2021,” Mr Moeketsi said, adding that inclusion must move beyond policy into tangible support.
Representing the beneficiaries, Tihao Manare welcomed the support and highlighted the difference such equipment makes in daily life.
“Barriers still exist, but this support gives us hope and strengthens our ability to participate more fully in our communities,” Mr Manare said.
With demand for assistive devices continuing to outstrip supply in many communities, the partners said the programme would remain an annual commitment.
