…as T-Connect Lesotho hands over first hotspots in Matsieng, Thaba Bosiu and Mokhotlong powered by Starlink through T – Connect
A fresh chapter in Lesotho’s digital journey was opened this week as T-Connect Lesotho officially handed over the first Community Hotspot in Matsieng, at the office of Principal Chief Seeiso Bereng Seeiso. The installation marks a decisive step towards bridging the digital divide between rural villages and the capital.
This milestone follows the successful rollout of Community Hotspots in Thaba Bosiu, at the office of Principal Chief Khoabane Theko, and in Mokhotlong at the office of Principal Chief Lerotholi Seeiso. Together, these handovers are the beginning of a national movement to connect underserved communities with reliable, high-speed internet powered by Starlink through T-Connect.
Voices of hope in Matsieng
In Matsieng, Principal Chief Seeiso Bereng Seeiso emphasised that the hotspots were arriving at a time of urgent need. Unemployment has placed enormous pressure on families, with qualified graduates unable to find opportunities.
Mosiuoa Matlere, a parent from the village, shared his experience: “My daughter graduated in nursing, but because of a lack of employment and access to opportunities, she stays at home stressed, wondering when her time will come. With this Community Hotspot, she finally has a window to the world. She can search for jobs, upskill, and connect with opportunities that were once out of reach.”
Thaba Bosiu: Tradition meets technology
Just days earlier, Thaba Bosiu made history as the first community in Maseru District to receive a Community Hotspot. Known as the birthplace of the Basotho nation, Thaba Bosiu carries a deep cultural heritage, but it is now also the birthplace of digital empowerment.
Principal Chief Khoabane Theko, speaking with heartfelt pride, called it a game-changer: “I am overwhelmed by happiness because this is a life-changer. Giving access to connectivity means access to a better life. T-Connect Lesotho is nothing short of a game changer.”
A revolution in Mokhotlong
The most recent handover took place in Mokhotlong, one of Lesotho’s most remote mountain districts. Known for its natural beauty but also its isolation, Mokhotlong has long been cut off from the benefits of the digital age.
At the installation ceremony held at the office of Principal Chief Lerotholi Seeiso, Morena Tholo, the atmosphere was filled with excitement as villagers experienced high-speed internet for the first time.
The Chief described it as nothing less than transformational: “For decades, Mokhotlong has been cut off from opportunities that others take for granted. With this Community Hotspot, our children can finally access the world’s knowledge, our graduates can look for jobs, and our families can explore new ways of thriving. This is not just internet; it is a bridge to dignity and equality.”
Starlink: The technology behind change
The force enabling these breakthroughs is through T-Connect, a digital transformation group that brings reliable, specialised high-speed internet to places unreachable by fibre or mobile towers.
“This is the first step in a long journey to deliver on our brand promise – digital transformation of Africa. We hope that the community will learn and work differently,” said T-Connect Group CEO Advocate Phelane Phomane.
More than connectivity: A social shift
The Community Hotspots represent more than a technological upgrade; they are a social revolution.
Students can now join online classes, conduct research, and tap into global knowledge. Graduates and job seekers can find remote work, start digital businesses, or freelance globally.
Young people can learn coding, digital skills, or explore creative industries online. Women can access digital literacy programmes, expanding opportunities for financial independence.
Above all, the hotspots bring hope, acting as a shield against the despair that fuels social challenges such as crime, substance abuse, and unemployment-related mental health struggles.
A national blueprint
By prioritising rural areas over urban centres for the first installations, T-Connect Lesotho has sent a powerful message: digital progress is for all, not just for cities.
If rolled out nationwide, Community Hotspots have the potential to redefine Lesotho’s digital landscape and serve as a blueprint for inclusive transformation across Africa.
A future to look forward to
As children in Matsieng, Thaba Bosiu and Mokhotlong logged on for the first time, their joy was contagious. Parents whispered about future possibilities, while elders nodded with pride, recognising this as a moment that honoured both tradition and progress.
Principal Chief Lerotholi Seeiso captured the spirit of the day: “Our people have been waiting for this moment for generations. With this Community Hotspot, the world has finally reached Mokhotlong. This is the dawn of a new future.”
These Community Hotspots are only the beginning of a larger mission to ensure no village, school, or business is left behind. In the coming weeks, T-Connect Lesotho will unveil the next phase of this programme, one that promises to unlock even greater opportunities for communities across the country.
Summary
- A fresh chapter in Lesotho’s digital journey was opened this week as T-Connect Lesotho officially handed over the first Community Hotspot in Matsieng, at the office of Principal Chief Seeiso Bereng Seeiso.
- This milestone follows the successful rollout of Community Hotspots in Thaba Bosiu, at the office of Principal Chief Khoabane Theko, and in Mokhotlong at the office of Principal Chief Lerotholi Seeiso.
- Known as the birthplace of the Basotho nation, Thaba Bosiu carries a deep cultural heritage, but it is now also the birthplace of digital empowerment.
Authored by our expert team of writers and editors, with thorough research.
