Lesotho Prime Minister Calls for Business Support to Improve Child Education

Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane of Lesotho has launched a call to action for business leaders and the public to support a charity initiative aimed at improving access to education for children with disabilities. The initiative, which began in 2025, focuses on providing assistive devices and enhancing educational opportunities for children across the country. Matekane announced the third edition of the Prime Minister's Education Charity Golf Day, scheduled for February 5, 2027, at the Maseru Golf Course.

The Prime Minister's Education Charity Golf Day has made a significant impact in its previous editions. The inaugural event in 2025 raised over M1 million, which was used to provide assistive devices to 598 children with disabilities. The second edition, held in March 2026, generated more than M6 million in cash and in-kind contributions. This included M647,000 in cash and a three-year in-kind contribution valued at M5.4 million from the engineering and consulting firm Zutari.

Matekane emphasized that every child in Lesotho deserves the opportunity to learn and fulfill their potential, regardless of their circumstances. He urged all sectors of society to contribute to making education more accessible and inclusive. The event will bring together government representatives, private-sector businesses, development organizations, and individuals for a golf tournament, followed by a fundraising and awards dinner.

UNICEF Lesotho Representative Bob Muchabaiwa supported the initiative, stating that investing in inclusive education will create pathways for children with disabilities to engage in school and work towards their dreams. The 2026 edition was co-hosted by UNICEF Lesotho, Vodacom Lesotho, Econet Telecom Lesotho, and the Petroleum Fund. This collaboration demonstrates the importance of partnerships in addressing educational barriers for children with disabilities.

Those wishing to support the 2027 event can do so through tournament participation, sponsorship, dinner attendance, or direct financial pledges. A pledge of M50,000 will secure a four-ball entry into the golf tournament, while M20,000 will sponsor a hole at the golf course, providing branding opportunities. For attendance at the fundraising and awards dinner, a pledge of M25,000 is required for a table.

Individuals and businesses that are unable to attend can also make general contributions towards the education initiative. Registration for the golf tournament is available at the Maseru Golf Club, and further details regarding dinner reservations and the online pledging platform will be communicated to confirmed participants. The initiative aims to build on the funds raised in previous years and strengthen partnerships to ensure that disability and financial circumstances do not obstruct a child's right to education.

As the third edition approaches, the Prime Minister's Education Charity Golf Day seeks to enhance educational opportunities for children across Lesotho, particularly those with disabilities who often encounter obstacles that hinder their participation in learning activities. By investing in inclusive education, partners can help dismantle barriers, granting more children the opportunity to attend school, build their confidence, and pursue their aspirations.

Key points

• The Prime Minister's Education Charity Golf Day has raised significant funds in its previous editions, including over M1 million in 2025 and M6 million in 2026.