SEFS pumps M200K into LDF youth boot camp

Sasai Econet Financial Services (SEFS), a subsidiary of Econet Telecon Lesotho, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment by handing over an additional M200,000 to the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) for its Youth Development Programme (YDP). The cheque was officially presented at a ceremony held in Maseru this week.

This latest donation brings SEFS’s total contribution to the programme to M450,000 over the past three years, following previous donations of M100,000 in 2023 and M150,000 in 2022.

The sustained support highlights SEFS’s dedication to national development through strategic investment in young people.

SEFS company secretary, Lehlohonolo Matee, said the ongoing partnership is more than a philanthropic gesture as it is a long-term investment in the nation’s future.

“This contribution reflects our belief that true national development begins with empowering the youth. The Youth Development Programme is a transformative initiative that instills discipline, leadership, patriotism, and resilience in young Basotho. That’s the kind of impact-driven work we are proud to support,” Matee said.

He added that SEFS’s support aligns with the company’s broader mandate of promoting inclusive growth, social cohesion, and sustainable development through strategic partnerships.

The Youth Development Programme, initiated by the LDF, targets young recruits known as boot campers, who undergo intensive physical and life skills training. The initiative focuses on preparing them for leadership roles in society by equipping them with practical tools to face life’s challenges, including entrepreneurship, team building, civic education, and personal development.

Speaking at the event, LDF’s Major General Ramanka Mokaloba praised SEFS for its consistent support, calling the partnership a powerful example of public-private collaboration with real social impact.

“This partnership with SEFS is more than just financial assistance; it’s a demonstration of shared responsibility for national development. With continued support like this, we can scale our efforts and help more young people find direction, purpose, and a path toward a better future,” Mokaloba noted.

He stated that the programme is a direct response to the growing challenges facing young people across the country, including unemployment, disillusionment, and lack of opportunity.

“By investing in the youth, we are investing in the future of Lesotho. We are nurturing a generation of confident, capable leaders who can contribute meaningfully to the country’s development,” he said.

Both SEFS and the LDF pledged to deepen their collaboration, ensuring that young participants receive the essential support needed to thrive in the demanding training environment – from meeting basic needs to psychological support and mentorship.

Matee concluded by reaffirming SEFS’s long-term commitment to the initiative: “We believe in sustainable impact, and we will continue to walk this journey with the LDF to make sure Basotho youth are given every chance to succeed.”

The Youth Development Programme continues to grow as a beacon of hope for young people across Lesotho, offering not just skills and knowledge, but a renewed sense of purpose and national pride.