Matekane calls on business leaders’ contribution for child education

MATHATO SEBOKA 

MASERU – Every child deserves a place in the classroom, yet for hundreds of children with disabilities in Lesotho, access to education often hinges on something as fundamental as having the right assistive devices.  

To address this issue, Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane is reaching out to the business community and the public to help eliminate these barriers through a charity initiative focused on improving access to inclusive education.   

Matekane has announced the third edition of the Prime Minister’s Education Charity Golf Day, scheduled for February 5, 2027, at the Maseru Golf Course. He is inviting businesses, organizations, and individuals to contribute towards enhancing educational opportunities for children across the country.  

The initiative, which began in 2025, aims to mobilize financial and material support for children’s education, particularly for those with disabilities who often encounter obstacles that hinder their participation in learning activities.   According to a press release dated November 12, the inaugural event raised over M1 million, which was used to provide assistive devices to 598 children with disabilities, enabling them to engage in education and daily activities. The second edition, held in March 2026, generated more than M6 million in cash and in-kind contributions, including M647,000 in cash and a three-year in-kind contribution valued at M5.4 million from the engineering and consulting firm Zutari.  

In announcing the third edition, Matekane emphasized that every child should have the opportunity to learn and reach their potential, regardless of their circumstances. He stated, “Every child in Lesotho deserves the opportunity to learn and fulfill their potential, regardless of their circumstances,” urging all sectors of society to contribute to making education more accessible and inclusive.  

The event will gather government representatives, private-sector businesses, development organizations, and individuals for a golf tournament, followed by a fundraising and awards dinner.   

The statement further noted that for children with disabilities, barriers to education may include a lack of appropriate assistive devices and learning environments that are not suitably equipped. By investing in inclusive education, partners can help dismantle these barriers, granting more children the opportunity to attend school, build their confidence, and pursue their aspirations.  UNICEF Lesotho Representative Bob Muchabaiwa reiterated that investing in inclusive education will create pathways for children with disabilities to engage in school and work towards their dreams.   

The 2026 edition was co-hosted by UNICEF Lesotho, Vodacom Lesotho, Econet Telecom Lesotho, and the Petroleum Fund.   

Those wishing to support the 2027 event can do so through tournament participation, sponsorship, dinner attendance, or direct financial pledges. 

A pledge of M50,000 will secure a four-ball entry into the golf tournament, while M20,000 will sponsor a hole at the golf course, providing branding opportunities. 

For attendance at the fundraising and awards dinner, a pledge of M25,000 is required for a table.   Individuals and businesses that are unable to attend can also make general contributions towards the education initiative. Registration for the golf tournament is available at the Maseru Golf Club, and further details regarding dinner reservations and the online pledging platform will be communicated to confirmed participants.  

As the third edition approaches, the initiative aims to build on the funds raised in previous years and strengthen partnerships to ensure that disability and financial circumstances do not obstruct a child’s right to education.