Ramela Foundation unveils M2b support for the King
- Focus on food security to support King Letsie III as AU Nutrition Champion
- And empower local farmers by opening an abattoir in Leribe
MOTSAMAI MOKOTJO
MASERU – Ramela & Associates will in April launch a M2 billion food security programme in a bid to support King Letsie III in his capacity as the African Union’s Nutrition Champion.
This is according to Greenfields Lesotho Country Director, Dr Andrew van der Walt, in an interview with Public Eye this week.
The project – spearheaded by founder and philanthropist Bishop David Thakadu Ramela – will be launched via an elegant gala dinner on April 4, and is expected to hire around 700 people and aims to empower local farmers by opening an abattoir in Leribe.
“We are launching this project with the aim of exporting beef to China and Russia with the possibility of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and European Union being in the mix,” van der Walt said, adding that they want to start with at least 500 cattle using the latest technology at the abattoir and feedlot.
“Ours is just to help His Majesty King Letsie III in his endeavour as Special Ambassador for Nutrition, so we don’t expect anything from the government besides the regulatory policies to help us work,” van der Walt, who is also an animal scientist and red meat production specialist, said.
He further said that also the feedlot and abattoir, as part of the ecosystem, intend to manufacture fertilizers and extend work at Thakadu Milling in Kolonyama as part of their work.
“We also want to incentivize farmers by giving them cattle for breeding,” he said, further indicating that the expectation is for farmers to return the cattle so that others can benefit.
According to the Foundation, the all-year extravaganza, meant to celebrate the 60th birthday of Bishop Ramela, will include a horse racing event pencilled for this Saturday at Mohale’s Hoek horse racing track.
“The event, held in celebration of Moshoeshoe’s Day, marks the founding of the Basotho nation by King Moshoeshoe I in 1824. It is poised to be the most prestigious horse racing event in Lesotho’s history, with a staggering prize pool of M500 000.
Equestrians will compete in two exciting categories: The Triple Race and the Flat Race, offering unparalleled competition and entertainment for participants and spectators alike,” the Foundation further revealed.
Bishop Ramela told a press conference this week that the rationale for hosting a horse game was informed by the fact that when he was growing up, a lot of families owned horses, hence the need to revive such a memory.
“We used live riding horses even when there was a need to inform others of the passing away of loved one; a horse was used.
Basotho are renowned for horses; that’s why even in Gauteng they ‘you guys eat transport,’” the Bishop, who is a business executive, said.
“I want us to take pride in the launch of the horse racing also appeals and resonates with His Majesty (King Letsie III); he loves the sport very much; our intention is to make a professional event…We shouldn’t be running to the July Handicap in Kwazulu Natal.
“In two to three years to come, we want to officially launch a horse racing ground,” he said, adding, “We must seriously take this sport.”
A two-day Spiritual Celebration and Church Feast from February 15 to 16 has been planned to celebrate Bishop Ramela’s 60th Anniversary – where the community will come together in prayer, worship, and fellowship, honouring Bishop Ramela’s commitment to faith and his congregation in Southern Africa.
This will be coupled with inauguration of the Foundation with a “Community Development and Philanthropy Conference” at a special event in Soweto, South Africa, where the Bishop will be celebrating with family, friends, and the community.
In July, Bishop Ramela will dedicate himself deeply to spiritual renewal, seeking divine wisdom, and strength to continue his journey as a servant leader. Through prayer and fasting, he aligns his spirit with his faith, drawing closer to God and setting an example of devotion for his congregation.
This period of meditation allows him to reflect on his mission, refocus on his calling, and embrace a season of inner peace and gratitude.
For Bishop Ramela, July is more than a time of personal introspection; it is a profound commitment to spiritual growth that strengthens his resolve to serve his communities in South Africa and Lesotho.
