Corporate partners hand over vehicle, equipment to cancer hospice

‘Makananelo Manamolela

STANDARD Lesotho Bank, in partnership with several corporate stakeholders, has handed over a fully equipped support package including a 4×4 Toyota Hilux vehicle, computer equipment, network infrastructure, furniture and fittings to Starlight Oasis of Hope Cancer Hospice in Maqhaka, Berea.

This week’s handover ceremony marked the completion of Phase I of the hospice project, which has been under development for close to two years through fundraising, construction, planning and multi-sector collaboration.

Speaking on behalf of Standard Lesotho Bank, Head of Brand and Marketing, Palesa Ntlhakana, said the occasion represented more than the transfer of assets but symbolised a collective investment in compassionate healthcare.

“We are gathered here to hand over practical and enabling support to Starlight Oasis of Hope Cancer Hospice,” Ms Ntlhakana said.

She explained that the vehicle was made possible through collaboration between Standard Lesotho Bank and Maseru Toyota, while computer equipment and network support were provided by Econet Telecom Lesotho. Furniture and fittings were donated by Vodacom Lesotho.

According to Ms Ntlhakana, Standard Lesotho Bank, Econet Telecom Lesotho and Vodacom Lesotho have been the principal corporate partners behind the project, working alongside Starlight Oasis of Hope to bring the first phase to completion.

She said the vehicle would strengthen outreach and home-based care services by allowing hospice staff to reach patients and families unable to travel to the facility.

The technological support, she added, would improve operational efficiency while the furniture and fittings would ensure that the centre offers a functional and dignified environment for patients.

Ms Ntlhakana said with Phase I complete, the hospice is expected to begin trial operations in July once final works on expanded services are completed.

She described the project as a milestone for Lesotho’s healthcare system.

“This is an important step towards realising a long-held dream that Lesotho should have its own dedicated palliative care facility — the first of its kind in the country,” she said.

She stressed that the importance of such a centre could not be overstated, noting that cancer and other chronic illnesses affect not only patients but also families, caregivers, communities and the broader health system.

She said palliative care went beyond medical treatment and includes dignity, comfort, counselling, psychosocial support and ensuring that patients are not left to face difficult stages of illness alone.

“This project speaks directly to our purpose as a bank — Lesotho is our home and we drive her growth,” Ms Ntlhakana said.

She added that growth should not only be measured financially but also through improvements in quality of life and stronger, more compassionate communities.

Ms Ntlhakana revealed that direct financial investment into the project currently stands at more than M3.1 million.

However, once in-kind contributions, supplier discounts, professional expertise and donated services are considered, she said the overall value of the project exceeds M5.4 million.

She noted that the project demonstrated how collective contributions of time, skills, leadership and resources could generate impact beyond what any single organisation could achieve.

Appealing for broader support, she urged the government — particularly the Ministry of Health — to work closely with the hospice to ensure the sustainability and integration of palliative care services in Lesotho.

“This centre cannot operate on goodwill alone,” she said.

“We must not allow it to become a beautiful building without the resources needed to serve the people it was created for.”

Econet Telecom Lesotho’s Public Relations & Customer Experience Manager, Puleng Masoabi, said the company had supported the project by providing internet connectivity, data services and airtime to facilitate communication and coordination.

She said she first learned of the vision around 2020 when hospice founder, Tebello ’Malichaba Lepheane, shared plans for establishing the facility.

Recognising its potential impact, Econet donated computers, monitors and projectors while also ensuring the facility was connected to Wi-Fi.

Alliance Insurance’s Public Relations and Corporate Communications Manager, Limakatso Mokobocho, announced that the company had insured the vehicle for three years and also provided insurance cover for the hospice building.

She encouraged greater collaboration, saying collective efforts yield stronger results than individual contributions.

Vodacom Lesotho’s Executive Head of Regulatory and External Affairs, Tšepo Ntaopane, said the facility represented hope for restoring dignity within Lesotho’s healthcare system.

“We used to be recognised for strong primary healthcare services. We need to rethink as a country, especially at a time when significant amounts are spent outside the country for healthcare,” he said.

Representing Maseru Toyota, Nthatisi Lelimo emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.

She said the donation reflected appreciation for those dedicated to caring for Basotho.

Receiving the donations, Ms Lepheane expressed gratitude to corporate partners, volunteers and individuals who had supported the project over the years.

“This vehicle represents much more than transportation. It is a tool that will help us reach vulnerable patients, provide comfort to families and continue delivering quality care to those who need it most,” she said.

Ms Lepheane pledged that the hospice would continue offering support, compassion and care to patients and their families.

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