Hololo Development Foundation Brings Hope to Butha Buthe with Food Support and Community Sport

In a strong start to the new year, the Hololo Development Foundation has donated food parcels to 420 elderly headed households and people living with disabilities in the Butha Buthe district. The initiative aims to restore dignity, inspire hope, and strengthen community resilience at a time of rising food insecurity.

The handover ceremony took place on Saturday at the Hololo Khukhune Maduma Sports Ground. This marked the third consecutive year of the programme, which began in 2023 and has since become a key pillar of community support in the area.

Food parcels were sourced directly from local agricultural groups in Hololo. Items included carrots, potatoes, eggs, canned fruits, and other essential produce. By buying locally, the foundation strengthened household incomes while meeting urgent nutritional needs.

The event also featured the HDF Constituency Champions Cup, held alongside the food distribution. Soccer and netball teams from Mphosong No.7, Maama No.45, and Matelile No.54 competed against hosts Hololo No.2. The matches promoted unity, discipline, and healthy competition among youth and communities.

Master of ceremonies Tsebo Mpheakhang said the foundation focuses on supporting people who cannot fend for themselves due to age or disability. He explained that the Champ of Champs challenge runs alongside the gifting programme and builds on the 2025 Hololo Winter Challenge held at Ha Maama in the Maseru district.

Mpheakhang added that last year’s food parcels were sourced from local schools to encourage young people to engage in agribusiness as an income option. He also noted that HDF hosts an annual Back to School programme that provides uniforms and stationery to learners from disadvantaged families.

The next Back to School event will be held next month and will coincide with the birthday of Hololo No.2 legislator and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoane. On that day, he will be honoured for founding HDF and driving its community focused initiatives.

Community members praised the foundation’s impact. Makamohelo Mphaka from the Thalaboliba Nutrition Club in Ha Pataka said HDF played a key role in guiding their agribusiness efforts. She called for the expansion of such programmes nationwide to address unemployment and hunger, which government and His Majesty King III identified as national crises in the New Year address on 2 January 2026.

Local business owner Tšeele Letšela thanked HDF for prioritising local suppliers. He said the foundation has consistently bought up to 60 bags of mealie meal from his business for distribution to elderly residents in Khukhune, Maele, and Bokomo villages. He welcomed the shift away from sourcing supplies from Maseru.

Government leaders in attendance included Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development Pitso Lesaoana and Mphosong legislator Mamokete Ntshekhe. Both praised Minister Mpotjoane for setting a practical example of community service.

In his keynote address, Minister Mpotjoane said Lesotho’s economic challenges stem from low domestic food production. He stressed that higher production boosts local consumption, supports exports, and strengthens the economy. He urged beneficiaries to share food with neighbours who were not selected, promoting compassion and unity.

Looking ahead, he announced plans to establish a Market Aggregation Centre in Hololo. The centre will support growing agricultural output, improve standards, and ease market access for farmers.

The day ended with prize giving for the soccer tournament. Minister Mpotjoane awarded Hololo FC M5000, Maama FC M4000, Matelile FC M3000, and Maluti FC M2000 to promote youth empowerment, teamwork, and discipline.

Hololo Development Foundation remains committed to improving livelihoods and raising living standards in Hololo and beyond through food security, youth development, and community driven solutions.