Karabo Ramathe
The government of Lesotho this week received a donation of 68 electric wheelchairs and 25 laptops from the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
The donation, valued at M1.3 million, was officially handed over during a dignified ceremony at State House in Maseru on Wednesday.
The handover was led by Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho, Yang Xiaokun, representing the CPPCC, and attended by a high-level delegation including Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Lejone Mpotjoane, and Minister of Trade Mokhethi Shelile, who is set to travel to China next week for high-level engagements under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Ambassador Yang Xiaokun noted that the donation was originally proposed during the visit of Mu Hong, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC, in late 2023.
Describing it as “a small but significant act,” he said it exemplified the enduring ties between China and Lesotho within the broader framework of bilateral cooperation.
“It may have taken a year and a half to deliver this donation, but regardless of how quickly a project is completed, we approach all of them with the same attentiveness and respect for process,” said Xiaokun.
He commended Lesotho’s progress toward inclusive development and social equity, noting that the support aligns with the nation’s goals under Prime Minister Matekane’s leadership.
“I have seen the first-hand charitable efforts led by the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, which reflect the spirit of King Moshoeshoe I, ‘I am because we are’, and that defines Basotho society,” he stated.
The electric wheelchairs are expected to transform the lives of people with disabilities by enhancing independence and mobility, while the laptops will support education and digital inclusion in underserved communities.
The event also underscored Lesotho’s ongoing commitment to implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit.
“Today’s project has been included in the list of phased implementation achievements of the Beijing Summit,” said Xiaokun. “It stands as a concrete result and a solid foundation for future collaboration.”
As the ceremony drew to a close, the ambassador and his delegation reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to Lesotho, emphasising the enduring strength of bilateral relations.
“The world may face uncertainty, but the friendship between China and Lesotho remains unwavering. A friend in need is a friend indeed,” Xiaokun said.
He concluded with a message, extending his wishes for Lesotho’s continued prosperity, the deepening of China–Lesotho friendship, and the advancement of bilateral cooperation.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane expressed sincere gratitude to the CPPCC and the Chinese Embassy, stating that the donation would significantly improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
“These wheelchairs are not just tools for mobility, they are instruments of dignity and independence. We thank the CPPCC for being a true friend in difficult times, and we deeply appreciate the Embassy’s daily efforts to extend a helping hand,” Matekane said.
He further noted that the laptops will be distributed to those most in need, stressing that digital connectivity is crucial in the modern industrial era.
“Access to digital tools is key to development today. These laptops will empower our citizens, particularly the underserved, to participate in the digital economy,” he added.
Matekane also recognised the Chinese Embassy as a valued partner in the government’s SEBABATSO program, and extended appreciation to President Xi Jinping for China’s continued support.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mpotjoane, also conveyed his gratitude, highlighting the human impact of the cooperation.
He said: “This donation is a testament that our partnership is not only about diplomacy and economics, but also about transforming lives in real, tangible ways.”
Representing the recipients, Tsietsi Mosase, delivered a message of thanks.
“To think I was born with this disability and never imagined I would one day own an electric wheelchair, it is truly life-changing. I extend my deepest gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Chinese Embassy. I hope others living with disabilities can also benefit from this kind of support,” Mosase said.
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