Matekane asks for forgiveness

‘MANTSANG KHUTLISI

BEREA, Malimong -Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane publicly apologized to the nation for the embarrassing administration of the Lesupa-Tsela project which has dismally failed many Basotho with some still waiting for payment till day.

Lesupa-Tsela is a prime minister’s youth oriented initiative that creates minor jobs for the destitute in communities. Over several months the project has either failed to pay or payments were delayed without explanation leading to public outcry.

Apologising for the ‘mistakes in the project’ Matekane was speaking at Revolution for Prosperity – RFP rally in the Malimong constituency last Sunday acknowledged that when his party took power two years ago, they were novice. They have since learnt from their mistakes and promises to do better next time, the premier made clear.

“This was just a study, right now when we begin again, we shall indeed correct our wrongs,” Matekane said.

While Lesupa-Tsela has been instrumental in providing temporary work opportunities and skills development for Basotho youth, some participants have and still raise concerns regarding delays in payments and inadequate compensation.

These issues have led to financial hardship for the affected individuals, with some resorting to loans in order to meet their daily needs while awaiting payments due to them.

The programme widely known by its Sesotho alias Lesupa-Tsela, continues to play a significant role in reducing youth unemployment.

The initiative launched by the Prime Minister’s Office in 2020 as Lihalahala came to be called Lesupa-Tsela in 2024 and is established to address unemployment among the youth by providing temporary work opportunities and valuable work experience.

The programme targets unqualified youth, offering them opportunities to participate in community development projects and much needed practical skills.

Lesotho has implemented several initiatives to address youth unemployment and promote national development. In addition to the Lesupa-Tsela programme, other notable efforts include Sebabatso Youth Empowerment Programme launched in October 2023 by Matekane.

Sebabatso focuses on mentoring and investing in youth innovators, it provides a national platform for youths to showcase their business and talents annually, aiming to tackle challenges such as unemployment, crime and substance abuse among youth.

Secondly, there is also the Lesotho National Youth Entrepreneurs Mentorship Programme (LNYEMP) which was launched in August 2023 by the Minister of Gender, Youth, sports, and Recreation and Culture and Social Development Pitso Lesaoana in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

LNYEMP aims to address youth unemployment through entrepreneurship. The programme links mentee with mentors to guide them in various aspects, including but not limited to coaching, internship, volunteering as well as fellowship opportunities.

These programmes, alongside Lesupa-Tsela, reflect the government’ commitment to equipping the youth with necessary skills as well as opportunities, fostering national development and reducing unemployment rates.

Reports indicate that as of 2023 more than five thousand youths from higher learning institutions had been provided with job opportunities in equipping them with skills and experience to improve their employability and contribute to the nation’s development.