The Lesotho 50th independence anniversary is a great milestone that needs to be marked proudly by all Basotho; this is why WASCO sponsored the national event with a number of items which were handed over to the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Honourable Phallang Monare at an occasion held on 30thSeptember, 2016 at WASCO head office in Maseru.
The pre independence events were marked widely across the country and most of these became celebrations of the Sesotho culture. The WASCO celebration did not disappoint as the guests were treated to several fun Sesotho sporting activities such as mokhibo, mohobelo, motebuko and the renowned Famo artists Rabots’o le Semanyane’s live fired performance brought some serious grooves from the audience. There were also varieties of traditional Sesotho food and beverages which the guests enjoyed in reminiscence of Independence Day which was nationally celebrated on 4thOctober, 2016 at Setsoto Stadium, in the capital city.
WASCO sponsored the national event with 10,000 flags to be used by the public during the national celebration, 3,000 bottles of prepared water (500ml), branding of 30 government vehicles to increase visibility of 50th Jubilee of Independence, gifts for their Majesties and the Cabinet that included golfers, caps and mugs with 50th independence anniversary brand identity; these are reminders for years to come of this great historic landmark.
In his speech when delivering the items to the deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Honourable Ralechate ‘Mokose, the Minister of Water said WASCO’s sponsorship is in line with the spirit of oneness promoted by independence through this year’s slogan of “Kaofela re chabana sa khomo”(loosely translated, “we are one people, who swear by a cow”). He said if Basotho unite as one, they will make remarkable strides in development efforts aimed at improving the lives and livelihoods of majority of the population.
He further indicated that the 4th October, 2016 is a day to reminiscence about the past achievements and challenges and pave way for the next fifty years so that they will contribute meaningfully to the lives of the future generations. Minister ‘Mokose concluded his remarks by congratulating the Minister of Home Affairs for organizing a series of memorable events, as a build up to the official Independence Day celebration. This was done despite the challenges of financial constraints which were mainly triggered by the drought that struck the country and plunged many communities into desperate hunt for clean water for human and animal use, towards the end of 2015.
Honourable ‘Mokose also expressed his gratitude for the men and women who have worked in the services of water supply and sanitation from the early days of Water Works, Water Branch and WASA saying it is through their commitment to hard work that WASCO exist today, as a
result, these employees were given independence gifts as a sign of appreciation from the Minister, the Board of Directors and the entire management of WASCO.
When accepting WASCO’s contribution towards the national celebration, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Honourable Phallang Monare explained that WASCO’s pre independence celebration and hand over of sponsorship is part of the activities that have been held across the country to raise awareness about the golden jubilee of Lesotho’s independence. He said from the initial stage when the idea of the national 50th celebration was conceptualized, the aim was to develop a logo that would be a national identity symbol that all Basotho could use in increasing awareness about this year’s independence day but most importantly a tool that could be used to market Basotho goods, crafts and services across the globe.
Deputy Minister Monare said, “it is gratifying to see that WASCO took full advantage of this and its efforts in supporting the independence initiative will be remembered by many, long after October 4th 2016.” The Deputy Minister further appealed to the nation to commit to buying bottled water that is only produced and bottled in the country as the production can easily meet the demand given the abundance of clean water sources that Lesotho boast.
The event was attended by the Company’s Board of Directors, Executive management, guests from the National Celebrations Committee, various government ministries, the Commissioner of Water, Director of Water affairs and WASCO’s business and development partners. WASCO employees from Semonkong, Roma and Maseru were also in attendance while employees from other service centres held similar celebrations in Hlotse, Mohale’shoek, Thaba-Tseka, Mokhotlong and Qacha’snek.
Employees and guests captivated the onlookers with their tasteful designs of traditional attire that were all a symbol of the motherland, Lesotho. It was clear from the faces of those who participated at this event, as they enjoyed each other’s company, the food, and music and dance that indeed, “Kaofela re chabana sa khomo!”