SLB Haed of Marketing front cuts the ribbon to the new with Minister of Social Development Molahlehli Letlotlo
Motsamai Mokotjo
Berea
SEVENTY five-year-old ‘Mantikiso Tsimane was beside herself with joy after being given the keys to a newly-built two-roomed flat on Tuesday courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Lesotho (HHL) and Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB).
An emotional Ms Tsimane recounted during the handover ceremony that her previous dwelling in Sebalabala village was gutted by a mysterious fire in July this year leaving her and three children stranded.
Ms Tsimane said she was lost for words but was grateful for the gesture.
“I don’t know what to say, my heart is overwhelmed. I want to thank all those who contributed in helping us,” she said.
Among those in attendance at the handover ceremony was HHL National Director ‘Mathabo Makuta, SLB Head of Marketing ‘Makeabetsoe Mabaleha and Social Development Minister Molahlehi Letlotlo.
In her remarks, ‘Ms Makuta noted that they came to know of the Tsimane family’s plight in June during a trip to Teyateyaneng.
“As Habitat for Humanity Lesotho, we directed others to come and assess the situation. We then advised ourselves that we needed to help them, especially because of the predicament of the children,” she said.
“Together with Standard Lesotho Bank, who pitched in with M60 000, we were able to provide assistance.”
‘Ms Makuta also revealed that HHL and SBL staff as well as the local community constructed the house in August.
Speaking on behalf of SLB Chief Executive, Mpho Vumbukani, Ms Mabaleha said they lent a hand during the building of the house as part of their Bank@Work initiative, in which staff get involved in social responsibility initiatives.
Said Mr Vumbukani: “Our mission is to get staff involved in the work through the Bank@work project. We said, ‘Let’s help where there’s a need together with Habitat for Humanity Lesotho’.
“Our job is to help by bringing our skills. We are not just about counting money, but are committed to help Basotho every year.”
On his part, Mr Letlotlo lauded the two organisations for espousing the selfless character of the founder of the Basotho nation, Moshoeshoe I, and implored the gathering to take the same cue.
“We need to realise that disasters bring Basotho together and we forget some of the issues that divide us such as religion or politics. Moshoeshoe I always urged his subjects to sympathise with one another,” he said.
