Liqhobong donates school uniforms to learners

Sekete Lesaoana

Liqhobong Mining Development Company (LMDC) recently donated school uniforms to 455 primary students from two schools located near the mine site.

The students were from Motete Primary and Liqhobong Primary School.

They received donations that included school jerseys, school shoes, school shirts, and socks worth M60 000 in total.

The donation comes from contributions made by the mine management, sub-contractors, and mine workers, through a back-to-school event.

“These gifts are from everyone in LMDC, from the management and contractors and us workers,” explained LMDC’s public relations manager, Jerminah Khosi during the donation handover.

“This back-to-school event we do to raise funds began in 2020 when we united to give back to Motete High School in the same manner.

“This time around we had planned to give back to the less privileged children in these two schools, but the support we received has helped us to reach every child in the two schools.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Firestone Diamonds and Managing Director of LMDC, Mutsi Chele, said such gestures were a sign of cordial relations with the community. He said they yearn for more.

Firestone is the majority shareholder at Liqhobong mine.

“Before Covid-19 hit we tried to do more for these communities, we built classrooms and we gave books to the schools. Today 455 children will receive school shoes and the younger ones because we couldn’t find their shoe sizes, we bought them school jerseys,” he said.

Six teachers from the two schools also received First Aid certificates from LMDC, together with First Aid kits.

“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) aim to eradicate poverty and hunger, but we are focused more on the educational ones as education is a weapon. We first gave First Aid education to the schools and today we hand over their first aid kits and certification,” He added.

He said the investors and management of the mine are committed to developing education within the communities surrounding the mine.

Speaking on behalf of the Principal Chief of Butha-Buthe, ‘Mamanamolela Mopeli said they have noted the good work the mine is doing to develop the society.

“The past three years were hectic for the country as we saw schools closing down due to the Covid 19 pandemic. It did not affect just schools but people also lost their jobs and there is a hike in food prices.

“Despite that, we are aware of all efforts from the mine. We are thankful to the mine for seeing the need to develop education among the children. I urge the children to use this opportunity to develop themselves for a bright future.”