Vodacom, Rotary Club donate health equipment

Vodacom Foundation donated M186 000 to Maloti Rotary Club to buy the equipment.

Speaking at the hand-over event, the Head of Vodacom Foundation, Tšepo Ntaopane, said they are committed to supporting healthcare of people with disabilities so that their lives are changed for the better.

Ntaopane said the Foundation makes the lives of people living with disabilities’ “easier as some of them cannot afford to buy the essentials for themselves”.

“As Basotho, let’s work together for the well-being of our communities and foster inclusivity among us,” Ntaopane said.

Ntaopane said when Maloti Rotary Club asked Vodacom Foundation for a helping hand they did not have a budget for this at that time but because their main aim is to better people’s lives they immediately budgeted money for the equipment.

“People who have other family members with any disabilities should join people with disability schemes so that they are given healthcare equipment they need,” he said.

Auditor General ’Mathabo Makenete, a member of the Maloti Rotary Club, said there are many Basotho struggling with disabilities who need help.

“We are proud to see that we can do so much for Basotho and we realise that there are so many people out here who still need our help,” Makenete said.

“They cannot afford healthcare equipment. So, with this donation we opened several doors for the sponsors to lend a helping hand,” she said.

’Mafumane Makhele from the Intellectual Disability and Autism Lesotho (IDAL) said when Maloti Rotary Club told them that the healthcare equipment was available they were relieved as many people in their society lacked wheelchairs and other aids.

“We, people with disabilities, are not seen and we are ignored in our communities but we thank Maloti Rotary and Vodacom Foundation for the love they showed us,” Makhele said.

Makhele also said the equipment will make a very huge difference for those living with disabilities and better their living standards.

Khahliso ‘Molaoa