Liberty Life donates M134k to LCS 

…as funeral scheme tops M1 million in claims 

Seithati Motšoeneng 

A partnership between Liberty Life Lesotho and the Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) has yielded significant benefits for correctional officers, with the insurer handing over M134 000 to the service this week as the LCS funeral scheme surpassed M1 million in claims payouts. 

The cheque handover, held at LCS premises in Maseru, marked three years since Liberty Life began underwriting the LCS funeral scheme in 2023. 

The initiative, which was established to provide affordable insurance cover for correctional officers, has grown steadily and is now being hailed as a model of financial support and empowerment for public servants. 

Liberty Life Managing Director, Makhakhe Maliehe, said the scheme was created after the company realised that many public servants were burdened by multiple insurance deductions while receiving inadequate cover. 

“The goal was to give staff affordable cover, help them save more and put more control back in their pockets,” Mr Maliehe said. 

He said the scheme had paid out nearly M1 million in claims over the past three years, a milestone that demonstrated its ability to deliver meaningful and reliable support to members. 

“This is not about making promises. The figures show that the partnership is working and that officers are receiving real benefits,” he said. 

Mr Maliehe described the M134 000 payout as a sign of the scheme’s healthy growth and long-term sustainability. 

“For members, it means lower costs. For the scheme, it means sustainability,” he added. 

As part of the celebrations, Mr Maliehe also presented LCS Commissioner, Matingoe Phamotse, with M15 000 in recognition of his leadership and commitment to the initiative. 

“This is to recognise the commitment of the leadership,” he said. 

Reflecting on the origins of the scheme, Mr Maliehe said Liberty Life was still a relatively young company when it was entrusted with the responsibility of managing such an important programme. 

“We looked at the payslips of many public servants who pay a lot of premiums but are covered for very low insurance. 

“We did not invent this to make profits. We wanted to share our profits with the public through valuable insurance and help many public servants who are deeply entrenched in debt.” 

He said financial distress often had devastating consequences that extend beyond money. 

“People get sick from the stress of financial distress, which often remains hidden and leads to health issues and other life complications. 

“When debt becomes overwhelming, it affects emotional, psychological and physical health, and even family life. Many public workers fall into unhealthy relationships with people who have money or get involved in crime because of financial stress.” 

Commissioner Phamotse, meanwhile, expressed concern about the low levels of financial literacy among employees, warning that poor financial decisions often leave workers vulnerable. 

“What concerns me in all insurances is financial literacy. In my early years of work, I once joined an insurance scheme where I paid M36 for six policies, which consumed all my earnings of M214.67 and left me with nothing. I do not want my colleagues to go through the same experience.” 

He called on Liberty Life to intensify financial education efforts among correctional officers. 

“I want Liberty to send agents to enlighten our officers before they enter into any insurance schemes,” he said. 

Mr Phamotse further warned that financial instability can expose people to corruption and criminal activity. 

“Most people who have money that they can use anywhere are usually not obtaining it in the right way, and some use it to corrupt officials,” he said. 

He said empowering employees with financial knowledge was critical to helping them avoid debt traps and make sound financial decisions. 

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