MASERU – The Basotho Business Community (We Care) Fundraising Initiative ralling Basotho to support a fundraising festival aimed at mobilising funds for ‘Nete Leotlela’s reconstructive surgeries and recovery.
The fundraising festival is scheduled for August 29 at the Manthabiseng Convention Centre and will feature local musicians, DJs , comedians, poets, a kiddies section and a debate competition among students from different schools.
Speaking at the launch, coordinating Representative Selimo Thabane said the initiative was born out of concern over ‘Nete’s condition, adding that different companies and individuals had already contributed towards his recovery.
He said the business community decided to join hands and organise the fundraising event after learning about ‘Nete’s situation, with the aim of raising M1 million towards his medical needs.
“We realised that this is a serious situation and decided to come together as companies and individuals to raise funds for Nnete. Our target is to raise M1 million,” he said.
Selimo said the organisers would also visit schools to raise awareness about the campaign and encourage learners to participate by purchasing tickets.
He said schools that purchase a significant number of tickets would be supported in turning the fundraising initiative into an event of their own.
Ms. Ntsoaki Machoba, one of the organisers, said she had initially planned a similar fundraising event for ‘Nete before deciding to collaborate with the Basotho Business Community.
She said the event will include a kiddies section and a debate competition aimed at raising awareness among young people.
Ms. Machoba revealed that the debate topic will be: “Should Lesotho enact stricter laws governing the breeding, ownership and control of potentially dangerous dog breeds in residential areas?”
She highlighted that the entertainment component would complement the fundraising efforts while providing an opportunity for schoolchildren to participate in the campaign.
Moeketsi Mphuthi said the programme would feature local DJs, artists, MCs, comedians and poets.
Ticketbox Product Manager Mrs. Mankone Mafa said general tickets are currently selling at M80, while VIP tickets cost M400.
Mosito Sents’o from Sents’o Music and Entertainment appealed to Basotho both within and outside the country to support the campaign.
He said the incident involving ‘Nete had affected and traumatised other children, making it important for communities to come together in supporting his recovery.
He said the organisers were also engaging schools and traditional leaders to open their doors for fundraising activities and contributions.
Sents’o described what happened to ‘Nete as an unfortunate accident and encouraged parents to bring their children to the kiddies section of the fundraising event.
He said the organisers would continue engaging the media to highlight contributions towards Nnete’s recovery.
Leotlela was attacked by German Shepherd dogs in July at Ha- Matal in the district of Maseru.
‘Nete Leotlela has since been discharged from Medi Clinic Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa, and is expected to return for further reconstructive surgery. The fundraising Festival is therefore intended to mobilise resources towards his continued medical treatment and recovery.
Ends/MAMAJ
