MOTHAE DIAMOND MINE FIRST CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

On Friday the 14^th September, Mothae Diamonds presented farmers in Mapholaneng Mokhotlong with agricultural inputs to help kickstart 2018/19 planting season.  These inputs included shade net, watering cans, pesticides, manual pesticide sprayers, variety of vegetable seeds and potato seeds. This is an annual project that Mothae under Lucapa Management (Australian based mining company) has initiated in 2017 and the intention is to make it into an annual project that will grow from strength to strength.

On opening this momentous event, CSR Officer – Mothae Diamonds, Ms. Keketso Leluka Tshabalala explained that Mothae is still in the final stages of completing the intended 150 tonnes per hour diamond processing plant. However, this being the case, will not restrict the company`s responsibilities to host communities. She said that Mothae Management envisions good working relations between the mine and Mokhotlong communities. Moreover, Mothae Diamonds aligns itself with Sustainable Development Goals to end hunger, promote food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agricultural practices hence this initiative. She urged farmers to accept this gesture and begin sowing the seeds, tendering and nurturing them so that they can reap great harvest as expected.

Mothae Diamonds Community Facilitator, Mr. Mohato Lerotholi Letsie narrated that the purpose for this project is to contribute towards food security in the district through massive production of vegetables that will be used for household consumption as well as for resale to Mothae and neighbouring communities. He assured farmers of his continued support and guidance as they engage in this exciting project.

Talking on behalf of recipient farmers in Mokhotlong, Ms. `Maneo Sekoati declared their gratitude and excitement to have been selected as recipients of these inputs from the mine. She advised her fellow farmers to plough these seeds as expected and ensure nothing short of good quality produce. One Mr. Tebello Khutlisi, who is also a farmer, urged farmers to continue to work hand in hand with the district Agricultural office that has been supporting them throughout the planning phase of this initiative.

On behalf of the Agricultural Department Mokhotlong, Mr. Molomo Mohale said this is not the first-time farmers in this district have received assistance in this manner. Other companies and NGOs have done the same gesture and he fails to understand why farmers are lacking behind in the production. He urged them to take this opportunity with two hands and really engage in it to make it successful. He stressed out the need to make this project a success as a way of encouraging the mine to continue supporting local community.

Mrs. Mamokete Sekali, who is Mapholaneng Area Agricultural Officer (Mosupisi), expressed sheer gratitude to the mine for this generous gesture. She encouraged recipients to make thorough use of this opportunity and make her office proud as the steward of the whole process. She said they had been selected due to their excellent track record as farmers and therefore expects nothing but great results from them. Mothae Diamonds has entrusted them with a huge responsibility because she believes they can do it.

Mothae Diamonds Management was represented by the Director, Mr. Lekhotla Mats`aba who acknowledged this gift as a beginning of a pact between Mothae and Mokhotlong farmers that farmers will produce and Mothae will purchase their produce. He explained that success of this project now rests on their capable shoulders. “Only you can make sure that Mothae procures its needs from local communities instead of outsourcing from Maseru and South Africa”, he said. He further encouraged them to set an example to the younger generation, that, with agriculture, one can secure a fulfilling lifestyle.

Speaking on behalf of community leaders, Mapholaneng Community Councillor, Mr. Tsietsi sang nothing but praises for the mine for willing to work with Mokhotlong communities in pursuit of improved quality of life for the people. He also encouraged Agricultural Department to continue with their much-needed support to farmers. He said Mothae has done its bit and it is now time for farmers to implement and bear results. Morena Retselisitsoe Sekonyela closed off this gathering with powerful words of a true born leader. Chief Sekonyela said seeds may seem so small, but, if tended to, nurtured and watered, bear in increased quantities, bearing evidence to the mighty works of the Lord. As a result, now that farmers have received seeds, it is now in their hands to ensure a great and successful produce. He concluded his speech with a warning against theft of seeds and crop destruction. He urged farmers to ensure that their crops are safe from intruders in any form, be it people or animals.

Mothae Diamonds is a kimberlite project owned by Lucapa Diamond Company based in Australia and Government of Lesotho. Lucapa has 70% ownership of the project with government boasting the remaining 30%. Mothae Diamonds is currently in the final stages of completing a 150 tonnes per hour diamond processing plant. Full production is expected to commence early 2019.