Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB) has reaffirmed its commitment to community upliftment with a donation worth M100,000 to the Semonkong Children’s Centre, officially launching its 2025 Winter Drive Campaign.
The recent handover ceremony, held in Semonkong marked the centre as the first beneficiary of this year’s winter initiative.
The donated items included warm blankets, clothing, shoes, and toiletries, all aimed at helping children cope with the harsh winter conditions that affect Lesotho’s highland regions during this time of year.
Now a regular feature in SLB’s calendar, the Winter Drive forms part of the bank’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.
The campaign is designed to bring warmth, hope, and dignity to vulnerable communities across the country through both direct contributions and public involvement.
Members of the public are encouraged to participate by donating gently used clothing, blankets, shoes, and non-perishable food items at any SLB branch across the country.
Speaking at the event, SLB’s Brand and Marketing Manager for Communications and Sponsorships, Manyathela Kheleli, highlighted the bank’s commitment to making a meaningful difference.
“This is more than a donation. It is about turning compassion into action. We identify communities in need and ensure donations reach them directly,” said Kheleli.
“At Standard Lesotho Bank, we believe real care is demonstrated through meaningful contributions.”
Kheleli added that the bank considers itself not only a financial institution but also a responsible and active member of the Basotho community.
“We are not just a profit-driven business. We are part of Basotho society. We understand the country’s challenges and are committed to contributing to its growth, just as Basotho continue to support us,” he said.
Semonkong Children’s Centre Manager, Pulane ‘Matli, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support, saying the donation would make a significant difference in the lives of the children.
“I am at a loss for words. It is bitterly cold here, and these gifts will go a long way in keeping our children warm,” ‘Matli said. “We are deeply grateful to Standard Lesotho Bank for this noble gesture.”
With temperatures in the highlands continuing to fall, the campaign arrives at a critical time for communities like Semonkong, where access to basic necessities remains a daily challenge.
Summary
- Speaking at the event, SLB’s Brand and Marketing Manager for Communications and Sponsorships, Manyathela Kheleli, highlighted the bank’s commitment to making a meaningful difference.
- Semonkong Children’s Centre Manager, Pulane ‘Matli, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support, saying the donation would make a significant difference in the lives of the children.
- With temperatures in the highlands continuing to fall, the campaign arrives at a critical time for communities like Semonkong, where access to basic necessities remains a daily challenge.
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.
