Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
His Majesty King Letsie III this week officially unveiled the fourth cohort of Econet Telecom Lesotho’s (ETL) Moshoeshoe I Scholarship recipients, marking another milestone in the company’s commitment to education and youth empowerment.
The ten new beneficiaries, recognised among the country’s brightest students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), were celebrated at a prestigious ceremony held at the Royal Palace.
The event was attended by the Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, and Econet Telecom Lesotho CEO, Dennis Plaatjies.
Launched in 2022 through a partnership between Econet Telecom Lesotho and Higherlife Foundation Lesotho, the Moshoeshoe I Scholarship continues to support outstanding young Basotho in STEM fields.
Since its inception, over M2.1 million has been invested in tuition and stipends for the scholars, affectionately known as “Moshoeshoelites.” In the past year alone, ETL pledged a further M8.1 million toward education-focused social investment nationwide.
In his keynote address, King Letsie III described the scholarship as a “beacon of opportunity” and urged the students to emulate the values of King Moshoeshoe I.
“To the students, this scholarship comes with a huge responsibility as it is named after a great King,” he said. “We urge you to serve this nation with love and dedication just as Moshoeshoe I did. We are amazed by what ETL is doing for Basotho, and we firmly believe that by investing in education, Lesotho’s economy will grow.”
Minister Rapapa commended Econet and Higherlife Foundation for their “unwavering commitment” to educational advancement.
“This programme does not merely offer financial support,” he said, “it provides a platform for transformation, both at an individual and national level.”
Econet’s CEO Dennis Plaatjies spoke with pride and optimism, celebrating the progress of the initiative.
“It is with great humility and pride that I stand before you today as we mark yet another milestone in the journey of the Moshoeshoe I Scholarship,” he said.
“To our 4th Cohort of Moshoeshoelites we are proud of you, we believe in you, and we cannot wait to see the extraordinary heights you will reach.”
Plaatjies highlighted the importance of continued partnerships with the Royal Family and the Ministry of Education in ensuring the success of the programme.
He also reflected on success stories from previous cohorts, such as Noi Mokoaleli, now studying Mining Engineering at the University of Johannesburg; Temoho Morobe, pursuing Actuarial Science at the University of Lusaka; Puleng Mohlomi, studying Geology at Rhodes University; and Kabelo Latela from the current cohort, who has already begun his MBChB Medicine studies in Lusaka.
Speaking on behalf of the new recipients, Bokang Ismael Masenyetse expressed his heartfelt gratitude to ETL.
“This scholarship is more than financial aid, it is a vote of confidence in our potential, a call to rise, and a challenge to lead,” he said, stressing the programme’s role in addressing national challenges in digital transformation, sustainable agriculture, and healthcare.
A highlight of the event came with a farewell to 19-year-old Palesa Moiloa, who departed for Lebanon to pursue Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Mechatronics at the American University of Beirut.
Though not a Moshoeshoe I Scholarship recipient, Moiloa’s story, from ranking fifth nationally in her LGCSEs to winning the Best Societal Impact Award for her research on 3D-printed prosthetics, served as an inspiration to all present.
“Her story reminds us of the boundless potential of Lesotho’s youth. We live in a world of possibilities,” said Plaatjies.
Beyond scholarships, Econet continues to drive digital innovation and infrastructure development. Plaatjies announced the company’s rollout of 5G across all 10 districts, expansion of fibre connectivity to nine districts (with Thaba-Tseka next), and network upgrades in Maseru under the Re Le Utloile initiative.
“As we award these certificates today, we also renew hope, inspire ambition, and affirm our collective belief in the transformative power of education.” he said.
The fourth cohort of Moshoeshoe I scholars left the Royal Palace not only with certificates but with a mandate: to honour the legacy of King Moshoeshoe I, serve the nation, and strive for excellence. With sustained investment, strong public-private partnerships, and inspiring stories like those of Palesa and the Moshoeshoelites, the future of Lesotho’s youth shines brighter than ever.
Summary
In his keynote address, King Letsie III described the scholarship as a “beacon of opportunity” and urged the students to emulate the values of King Moshoeshoe I.
“This scholarship is more than financial aid, it is a vote of confidence in our potential, a call to rise, and a challenge to lead,” he said, stressing the programme’s role in addressing national challenges in digital transformation, sustainable agriculture, and healthcare.
A highlight of the event came with a farewell to 19-year-old Palesa Moiloa, who departed for Lebanon to pursue Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Mechatronics at the American University of Beirut.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
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