Africa-Press – Lesotho. Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) hosted a grand opening ceremony for a newly build house for Sumfing Kaofela trend setter – Mosiuoa Hlabeng on Saturday at Bokong, Sephareng. Mosiuoa Hlabeng popularly known as “Sumfing kaofela” is a bachelor and a Sephareng villager living with a mental disorder.
He captured the hearts of the people last year when a funny video of him surfaced on social media where he repeatedly used the term ‘Sumfing kaofela’ and that is how the trend emerged.
Before the telecommunication company build him a house, Hlabeng lived in a hut alone just along the Katse Dam bank. He makes a living by herding some of the villagers’ livestock. This house cost ETL approximately M160 000.00, it already has electricity.
At the grand opening celebration, ETL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dennis Plaatjies said they have a foundation called Higher Life Foundation that helps underprivileged students with fees and social support to vulnerable people.
He mentioned that this is not the first time they give away a house. Plaatjies said they were moved by Hlabeng’s trend on social media. He mentioned that after they saw his video circulating, they sent a team of ETL workers to find his whereabouts and make an analysis of his lifestyle, that is how they realized that he was in dire need of a house.
In addition, Plaatjies said this project started last year but it was delayed by the heavy rain fall in the past three months. Plaatjies also commended the builder, Mohlakoana Jobo for doing an incredible job because they put a lot of pressure on him to finish, yet it was difficult to get building material to Sephareng since it is a very far and remote area.
He went on to thank the villagers for welcoming his team into their community and helping to remove a huge tree that was on the building site. Hlaheng was unable to give his side of the story due to his health conditions however Tšopho Hlaheng spoke on behave of the family, he said, ”ETL is not just a company but a government.
” He mentioned that building a house is no child’s play so they are very grateful to ETL and he encouraged them to continue giving back to the nation.
Speaking on behalf of the village Chief, and also Hlaheng‘s friend, Tsotang Lelia said back in the day, they had expected him to have a bright future, but unfortunately he got mentally ill.
Lelia said Hlaheng has always been a “creative”, saying he now calls himself, “Ntate ntho e lulang ka likamoreng” ever since he received his house from ETL.
The Manager Ministry of Social Development, Thaba-Tseka Mosili Liphoto said they are very grateful to ETL for this humanitarian act, adding that they will also make sure that Hlaheng never goes to bed on an empty stomach.
In an interview with Informative Newspaper, Mosili mentioned that the food parcels that Hlaheng will receive are only for a short period of time until they find a permanent solution for him. She mentioned that people with mental disorders get an allowance from the ministry of M750.00 after every three months.
Moreover, Mosili said the Ministry of Social Development is about to introduce monthly allowances for people living with disabilities before the end of this year, however, she edged the community of Sephakeng to make use of her ministry and report people like Hlaheng so that they get help.
She said they have reassigned the community of Sephakeng to a nearer office of Social Development in Makhoabeng because the previous one in Mantšonyane is too far and difficult for them to reach.
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