Africa-Press – Lesotho. Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) Secretary General (SG) Kopano Masilo applauded the humanitarian spirit of Basotho at the handover ceremony of a three roomed house to a vulnerable family of ‘Mankopane Maribe at
Qalakheng last Saturday. This humanitarian act was part of the 54th anniversary of LRCS. The family was given a three-roomed house, matrasses, blankets, food parcels, kitchen utensils and
house furniture. A 69 year old ‘Mankopane Maribe is taking care of 13 orphaned grand-children. She became homeless after an incident which occurred in her former village where a child went missing and
was found the following day in a soak-away pit. ‘Mankopane was said to have bewitched that child and was beaten up and expelled by the community. The beating
was reported to have led to the paralysis of the old lady’s hand. Speaking at the event, Masilo expressed gratitude to all who helped in this initiative from the beginning until
the end. He indicated that LRCS had put donation boxes in local supermarkets so that Basotho could put donations and all in all they collected M55 000 which
was used to build the house. “As the society, we comment Basotho’s generosity because today their donations have put a smile on Maribe’s family,” explained Masilo.
On behalf of local businesses that donated, Holy City Hardware and furniture owner Haleema Nizami indicated that a community member approached her business seeking donations for
Maribe’s family and they offered building materials and groceries for the family. Nizami expressed hope that the help they offered will go a long way in bettering
the lives of the family. Qalakheng Villager ‘Makatiso Thibili said they are thankful that ‘Mankopane now has a roof over her head together with her grand-children.
She further thanked the Chief for all her efforts. Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS) Superintendent Rethabile Molai opined that the handover was God-
driven. He said while doing his work, he has learned that the major reason people are breaking the law and heading to correctional facilities is poverty.
Superintendent Molai thanked LRCS, saying this action will reduce the list of people heading to correctional facilities. Meanwhile, LRCS President Silas Mosuhli highlighted that this initiative is exactly what the society was
founded for, humanitarian aid. He said for 54 years, the society has been doing exceptionally well and in 2018 they facilitated a sod-turning event for building
Maribe’s family a house. Mosuhli said this year they decided to emulate His Majesty King Letsie III who is a Patron of LRCS, by celebrating LRCS birthday through extending a helping hand.
He further noted the society is very delighted to be celebrating its birthday in this manner. Mohale’s Hoek District Administrator (DA) Bahlakoana Tšolo said he is proud that the promises made to
Maribe’s family have been delivered and thanked LRCS. He also urged the youth to take part in humanitarian initiatives to avoid crimes. For her part, ‘Mankopane
Maribe conveyed her gratitude to everyone who helped and those continuing to assist her. She indicated that even in her wildest dreams, she never thought she would
own a house. Maribe asked for her 13 grand-children never to be forgotten as she is sick and might leave them orphaned. Qalakheng Chief ‘Matheko Malebanye urged the villagers and the Maribe family to work together going
forward. She indicated that the biggest order from God is to love one another, adding that if everyone lives by it, there will be harmony in that village.
She also urged the Maribe grand-children to respect their grandmother and to love and help one another. At the same event, the awards and certificates of appreciation were given to the LCS, Mohale’s Hoek businesses
that donated and the LRCS volunteers. This year LRCS celebrates 54 years of existence in Lesotho. Their Majesties, King Letsie III and Queen ‘Masenate Bereng Seeiso are Patrons of LRCS.
The Red Cross was born of desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors in its international and national capacity to prevent
and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. Red Cross activities in
Lesotho began in 1949 as the Basutoland branch of the British Red Cross Society. The then activities of the Society comprised mainly of health clinic operations, to support government’s health programs.
A few volunteers did relief work on an ad hoc basis. When Lesotho became independent on October 4 1966, steps were taken to form a National Society in the country.
Initially a branch of the British Red Cross, the Lesotho Red Cross Society was established on November 9 1967 by an Act of Parliament number 31 as a voluntary aid Society auxiliary to
health authorities. Its Constitution is based on the Geneva Conventions to which Lesotho is party and on the Fundamental Principles. The Society was recognized
by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on September 7th 1971 and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on October 7th 1971. LRCS headquarters is located in Maseru, the capital town of Lesotho and it has a Divisions in each of the country’s ten districts.
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