Seabata Mahao
Ten (10) recipients of the Moshoeshoe I Scholarship were awarded certificates by His Majesty King Letsie III at the Royal Palace in Maseru, courtesy of Econet Telecom Lesotho’s (ETL) social investment arm, Higherlife Foundation Lesotho (HLF).
The ceremony, rich in historical significance, saw His Majesty preside over the handover to the third cohort of distinguished scholars selected for the prestigious scholarship.
These scholars are set to pursue their studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at various esteemed institutions of higher learning.
The Moshoeshoe I Scholarship, offered by ETL through its social investment arm, Higherlife Foundation Lesotho (HFL), pays homage to the founder of the Basotho nation, Morena Moshoeshoe I.
The scholarship symbolises reverence for his leadership and the unifying role he played in forming the Basotho nation.
In his keynote address, His Majesty King Letsie III congratulated the scholars for being honored with this prestigious scholarship by ETL and HFL.
“We remain forever grateful to the founders of Higherlife Foundation, Strive and Tsitsi Masiyiwa, for their unwavering support and commitment to the education of our children,” King Letsie III emphasised.
He highlighted the importance of this milestone, noting that as the nation commemorates 200 years of its existence, it is vital to honor the legacy of Morena Moshoeshoe I by investing in the future leaders of Lesotho.
The Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, also spoke at the event, stressing the pivotal role education plays in the country’s development.
“This scholarship is more than just financial support; it is a beacon of hope for our youth, particularly in the fields of STEM, which are crucial for the advancement of Lesotho,” Rapapa explained.
Since the inception of the Moshoeshoe I Scholarship in 2022, ETL, through its social investment arm, HFL, has invested nearly M2 million to support these scholars. The funds cover tuition fees, stipends, learning materials, and travel expenses.
The success of the scholarship is evident in the achievements of the previous 20 recipients, who continue to excel in their studies at institutions across Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa.
ETL Chief Executive Officer Dennis Plaatjies praised the scholarship as a true reflection of ETL’s commitment to Lesotho’s future.
“By investing in education, we are not only honoring our past but also securing a prosperous future for generations to come. These scholars embody that vision, and we are immensely proud of their achievements,” Plaatjies said.