The Letšeng Diamond Mine on Friday awarded scholarships to three qualifying Basotho nationals in the categories of new scholarships and scholarships for continuing students at the event held in Maseru.
The aim was to achieve the company’s mandate of fostering social and economic development towards sustainable communities beyond the life of the mine.
When giving the scholarships, the Letšeng Diamond Mine Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Kelebone Leisanyane said the scholarships come in as the company’s Corporate Social initiative.
He added that the initiative was established in 2006 and has up to date used money amounting to M13 million for full package scholarship.
Mr. Leisanyane mentioned that the mine is committed to continuing to offer the scholarship with the purpose to help in the development of natural resources throughout the country.

Meanwhile, the National Manpower Development Secretariat Director, Mrs. Flora Rakeketsi commended the mine for extending a helping hand to the government of Lesotho in ensuring better education of the Basotho children.
She said it is through the help of such companies that the children of Basotho can be able to continue with their academic needs without expecting bursaries from the government.
On behalf of the recipients, Ms. Phutheho Maphatšoe thanked the mine for the opportunity, saying it is now their responsibility to bring home victory thus certificates and skills that can be implemented towards the development of the country.

Since the introduction of the Letšeng scholarships in 2006, 43 scholarships have been awarded to 48 young Basotho, of these, 46 have graduated, 25 have been employed full-time at the mine while four are on internship and three is continuing with their studies.
It is regarded as a low-grade ore and is known for producing huge diamonds, having the highest percentage of large diamonds.
 
SOURCE: LENA