By T’soloane Mohlomi
MASERU – Lesotho’s flagship Insurance broker Alliance Insurance Company, has donated two sets of parachutes to the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), Special Operations Unit. The donated parachutes amount to a staggering M600, 000.
A handing over ceremony attended by Deputy Army Commander Major Gen. Matela Matobakele and delegates from Alliance Insurance Company was held recently, at the LDF’s Air-Wing Base compound in Maseru.
In displaying solidarity with the Basotho nation, and their revered protectors (in the LDF), who have lately displayed admirable social efforts aimed towards fostering a cohesive relationship with the public, the Insurance giant expressed their decision to reciprocate which entailed assisting in the supply of the much needed equipment.
The day was marked with extraordinary displays from the Air-Wing Division, which saw Special Force members free falling from a 13,000 ft flying aircraft at speeds approximated to 250km/h.
“On behalf of the Army Commander of the Lesotho Defence force, Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela, who couldn’t be here today, I would like to express that the Army Commander, his soldiers and officers alike are grateful and really humbled by this noble act, it is important to elaborate that we indeed lack the best of words to express our gratitude towards Alliance Insurance,” said Major Gen. Matobakele.
Using a famous Christian parable, The Parable of the Sower, incited by Jesus Christ in the Bible, he stressed the fact that although some may not hear your pleas, there shouldn’t be a need to worry as there’s always someone out there who will.
“But as actions speak louder than words, it will be evident in our actions as to how appreciative we are of these gifts, as we now have the sole responsibility to look after them. It was earlier stated that the Army had asked for help, and Alliance Insurance group, was the first to heed our call, so for that we are grateful.”
He added that Alliance Insurance Company and the LDF were indeed “partners in defence”, as Alliance Insurance took it upon themselves to ensure the social security of the nation in their respective field, through its many extensive efforts and contributions.
Speaking on behalf of Alliance Insurance, Mr Mohlomi Rantekoa, said they as a company had a longstanding history, and shared a warm working relationship with both the Basotho nation and the LDF. He said when the LDF reached out to them they couldn’t afford to be ignorant and felt obliged to help. He said this was due to the great work that the LDF has been doing in the past and is most lately known for.
“Since the inception of Alliance Insurance, the company has grown in leaps and bounds to reach where it is today. With the LDF’s latest world renowned accolades having fortunately also come to our attention, we are indeed happy because this is a piece of history that will forever be engraved in the national and global books. But important to note, all this could not have been possible if it wasn’t for the dedication and hard work displayed by the LDF,” he said.
In addition Mr Rantekoa said they had heard of the outstanding work done by the LDF under the Southern African Development Community (SADC), SADC Protocol of Security, where the army’s efforts in the fight against terrorism in Northern Mozambique’s Delgado Province, had not gone unnoticed, “we are very proud of you” he said.
“We would also like to laud your efforts in the Protection of the territorial land belonging to our country, where you are ensuring that our borders are secure and free from external threats, this inorder to facilitate the peaceful conditions which we now thrive and live under. We can see that our animals and our people are safe, so we thank you for that”.