Vodacom Lesotho Unveils Braille Consumer Protection Code for Visually Impaired

Vodacom Lesotho  has unveiled Braille versions of its Consumer Protection Code and Impact Booklet, marking an important step towards greater inclusion and access for visually impaired persons. The launch, held in Maseru this Tuesday, underscores the company’s commitment to ensuring that its services and information are available to all members of the public.

These Braille documents are a direct response to key recommendations from consultations with disability organisations last November. These discussions focused on the challenges visually impaired individuals face in accessing telecommunications information. A key request was the translation of vital documents, such as the Consumer Protection Code, into Braille, to empower consumers to independently understand their rights and responsibilities.

The unveiling of these two documents isn’t simply about ticking boxes. It is a clear statement of our commitment to access, transparency and inclusion for all Basotho. This perfectly embodies our ‘Further Together’ ethos, guaranteeing that our visually impaired customers are not left behind. Furthermore, it’s entirely in sync with our ‘Connecting for a Better Future’ philosophy, acknowledging that an empowered community of persons with disabilities is absolutely crucial to Lesotho’s social and economic prosperity. While we mark this significant milestone, our commitment to inclusion is a continuous journey and future initiatives will be developed in close partnership with the community of persons with disabilities themselves, whose insights are absolutely vital.

– Mohale Ralebitso, CEO, Vodacom Lesotho

The Lesotho National Federation of the Organisations of the Disabled  (LNFOD) has welcomed the initiative, highlighting the fundamental importance of access to information for all citizens.

The Lesotho National League of the Visually Impaired Persons (LNLVIP) expressed its gratitude for the practical benefits of the initiative, noting that the availability of the Consumer Protection Code and the Impact Booklet in Braille represents a substantial positive change for visually impaired persons.

Representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development were also present at the event, commending Vodacom Lesotho’s forward-thinking approach. Such initiatives are instrumental in promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, aligning with national development goals and international conventions.

Today’s launch is part of ongoing efforts to continually enhance access across Vodacom Lesotho’s services and communications channels. These documents, available in Braille English and Sesotho, will be distributed at Vodacom Lesotho’s retail outlets nationwide, as well as at the offices of LNFOD and LNLVIP.