Moorosi Tsiane
TELECOMMUNICATION giant Econet Telecom Lesotho has donated M2500 towards the medical expenses of each of the nine rugby players who survived the fatal accident which killed five other players in Bloemfontein last month.
Mpho Macheli (16), Mamello Moseme (17), Keketso Tšeuoa (15), Thato Mohai (14) and Lerato Kelepa (15) who all played for Mabote Beavers, all died on their way to Bloemfontein to play Mangaung Rugby Club.
The five were killed after the car they were travelling in burst a tyre and their driver lost control leading to a collision with oncoming vehicles. One of the drivers in the cars was also killed in the accident.
Last week Econet partnered with Matekane Group of Companies (MGC), PostBank and the government to assist bereaved families.
Econet and MGC each pledged M5000, PostBank pledged M2000 while the government pledged M20 000 per family. The money adds up to M32 000 for each.
Four of the nine injured players were admitted at a Bloemfontein hospital while the other five were getting treatment from their respective homes.
The money that Econet has now forked out towards the assistance totals M47 500.
Econet public relations officer Puleng Masoabi told this publication this week that they also felt compelled to assist the injured players in the same manner in which they have assisted the bereaved families.
“We saw it fit to also assist the injured players with some money towards their medical bills,” Masoabi said.
“We noticed that the main focus has mostly been on the bereaved families. It is common that the focus is usually on the bereaved families while the survivors battle trauma and expenses.”
Masoabi said the survivors also need attention to help them recover from their traumatic experience of the accident.
“There have been reports that the condition of some survivors was worsening and that is one of the reasons for which they need attention. I is also difficult to live with the knowledge that your friend is gone. So, the players really need assistance,” Masobi said.
