Business Initiative group of Persons with Disability Founder Seabata Lengosane accepts a cheque from governor Matlanyane
Rethabile Pitso
THE Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) disbursed M926 081 on Monday to needy schools and communities as part of its social responsibility programme.
The schools which benefited from the programme included Matsepe Primary School (M50 000), Lekoatsa Primary School (M62 300), James Makhobalo Primary School (M102 612.20), Quthing Secondary School (M79 000), Bereng Primary School (M50 748), Lepolesa Primary School (M16 805) and Ngoajane Primary School (M182 416.50).
The CBL also donated M75 000 to the National University of Lesotho, Tlalinyane L.E.C.S.A Church (M57 600), Lihlookong villagers (M60 000) and Business Initiative Group of Persons with Disabilities (M90 000).
Most of the beneficiary schools such as Lekoatsa Primary School had applied for funds towards infrastructure development and refurbishment since they did not have enough classrooms for their students.
Tlalinyane L.E.C.S.A. Church had applied for sponsorship to procure benches for congregants, while Lihlookong villagers had applied for funding to restore their homes which were destroyed by a storm in February this year.
In her address at the handover ceremony in Maseru, CBL Governor Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane said the process of identifying the beneficiaries was rigorous to ensure the money was given to those who needed it the most. She said the apex bank’s corporate social responsibility policy focuses on such areas as human development, social development, environmental protection, good governance and economic development.
“We receive many applications from vulnerable groups annually and we try to give back to society at least twice a year through our corporate social responsibility initiatives,” Dr Matlanyane said.
“We do this because we are part of the larger society and live within the communities. We see daily the hardships people face which cannot be ignored such as those faced by children in getting an education and the health sector for instance.
“I urge the recipients to use the money for its intended purposes, and the bank will conduct follow-ups to ensure it is used as such. This initiative marks the first step towards establishing a long-term partnership with the beneficiaries because some of the projects that the money will be used for will leave a legacy that showcases the CBL’s contribution.”
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Seabata Lengosane of Business Initiative Group of Persons with Disabilities expressed gratitude to the CBL for the gesture.
“We should all praise God for being among the groups which were selected and we wish to thank the CBL wholeheartedly for the donations,” said Mr Lengosane.
“We have no words to express our gratitude, but the CBL should know that this has been a success. Dr Matlanyane will agree with me that success is not necessarily measured in either monetary terms or material things, but by the legacy one leaves behind in this world.
“Such is what the CBL is leaving behind today. Because of their contribution, my success will benefit my children in future and they will know it as a legacy that was brought about by this bank.”
He added that the Business Initiative Group of Persons with Disabilities would use the funds to build a piggery and poultry farm that would enable people living with disabilities to sustain themselves as well as open savings and investment accounts.
