By Kefiloe Kajane
Matekane Group of Companies (MGC) this week distributed vegetable stock to street vendors in a move boost and help revive their businesses.
The package consisted of three bags of cabbage per person, are meant to assist the street vendors, many of whom lost their stock to decay during the lockdown.
Businessman and founder of MGC Sam Matekane said the stock will enable the street vendors to make profit. He said MGC realised that that due to the borders being closed, people are facing the challenge of restocking.
Matekane said he was inspired to plant vegetables by King Letsie III on his visit to Thaba-Tseka when he encouraged Basotho to plant vegetables to maintain a healthy lifestyle, ion his capacity as Nutrition Champion for Africa.
“Every person is going to get three bags each and those of you who did not get any, know that you will get yours next week as there is plenty where this comes from. This shows that it is possible to produce in the country as long as we stick together.
“Business is a circle and if we come together, tomorrow you will also be able to help others to reestablish their businesses as well. It has been hard in these times of Covid-19 and lockdown, but we should know that beyond all these challenges there is life waiting for us to live it. Let us stay safe, sanitize and wear our masks.”
The general secretary of Khatang Tema Baitṧukuli, Tṧolo Lebitsa, thanked Matekane on behalf of the street vendors. He said when they learned that Matekane wanted to help the vendors, they were filled with t hope because they know that he always helps them.
He said businesses experienced a knockout period during the lockdown and many of them have not been able to get back on their feet.
“However, we are confident that these vegetables will help us revive our businesses. I hope we do not get tempted to consume these vegetables ourselves. Let us make sure that we sell them and make profits so that we can feed our children. We know times are hard but let us have faith that with this, there is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel,” Lebitsa said.
The vegetables were harvested from Matekane’s farms at Mats’onyane in Thaba Tseka.
