Showers of gifts as PM visits home district
‘MANTŠANG KHUTLISI
THABA-TSEKA – In a heart-warming display of care and commitment to the youth of Lesotho, Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane, visited the remote area of Bokong in Thaba-Tseka district yesterday. His visit was part of a special outreach programme aimed at supporting school children and their communities.
Matekane was welcomed with singing, dancing, and ululations from students, teachers, and community members. Spirits were high as the people of Bokong came out in large numbers to witness what many described as a historic and uplifting moment.
Understanding the challenges faced by families in highland areas, especially when it comes to food security, Matekane donated two hundred bags of rice, each weighing 10 kilograms. This generous contribution is expected to benefit many households that are currently battling hunger due to poverty and difficult living conditions.
In addition, he handed over 150 packages of wheat, which will be distributed among the needy families to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry.
Matekane emphasized the importance of proper nutrition, especially for growing children, and reassured the community that the government is working hard to improve food access for all Basotho.
The key focus of the prime minister’s visit was education. He expressed deep concern for the challenges facing rural students and pledged to support their academic journey.
To that end, he donated fifty school bags, exercise books, shoe polish, and sanitary pads, items that are often taken for granted in urban settings but are much-needed in rural communities.
One of the highlights of the event was the distribution of school uniforms to three hundred and fifteen learners from thirty-five schools, including five high schools in the area.
This move was met with applause and tears of joy, as many families struggle to afford uniforms for their children. With proper school attire, more children will now be able to attend school with confidence and pride.
In an extraordinary act of compassion, Matekane also donated five electric wheelchairs to assist those with disabilities.
These high-tech wheelchairs are designed to provide greater mobility and independence, giving people with special needs a better chance to access education and participate fully in their communities.
The visit also included a special ceremony to recognize 15 top-performing students from the district who excelled in their Grade 10 final examinations last year.
These bright young minds were presented with Achievers Certificates as a reward for their hard work, determination, and resilience.
Matekane praised the students for their achievements and encouraged others to follow in their footsteps. He stressed the importance of education as a tool for changing lives and lifting communities out of poverty.
“You are the future leaders of Lesotho, continue to work hard, respect your teachers, and believe in your dreams. The government stands with you.” Matekane said.
In his address to the community, Matekane assured residents of Bokong and Thaba-Tseka at large that his government is committed to serving all Basotho, regardless of location or background.
He added that the journey to develop the country will require unity, patience, and collective effort.
“We must walk this road together,” he urged
The day was filled with song, celebration, and emotional moments as community members expressed their appreciation.
School principals and local chiefs thanked the prime minister for choosing to visit their area, saying that the gesture had restored hope among many.
