Mokhothu calls for action as job panic looms

‘MANT’SANG KHUTLISI

MASERU – In a powerful and urgent appeal oppostion Democratic Congress party leader Mathibeli Mokhothu has sounded the alarm over a looming economic storm set in motion by the harsh United States so-called reciprocal tariffs targeting Lesotho’s exports.

Mokhothu was speaking at a party presser at Khali Hotel on April 11.

The tariffs up to 50 percent on key goods such as textiles have sparked national concern, with factories already reporting panic over possible closures and massive job losses.

The United States’ sudden imposition of a 10 percent general tariff and an additional 50 percent surcharge has struck directly at Lesotho’s textile industry – an industry that employs more than 30,000 workers, the majority of whom are women.

For years, Lesotho has relied on duty-free access to the US market under agreements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), turning apparel exports into a lifeline for its fragile economy.

“Lesotho stands on the edge of an economic cliff,” Mokhothu declared.

“If we do not act now boldly and decisively thousands of Basotho will wake up without work, without income, without hope.”

Mokhothu was quick to fish out options to deal with the looming crisis. The opposition leader has laid out a multi-pronged strategy he says the government must urgently adopt.

The government, Mokhothu says must be swift about immediate diplomatic engagement with Washington to seek tariff relief, the formation of an emergency economic council composed of trade experts, manufacturers, union leaders, and government officials to chart the way forward, regional and global market diversification, including stronger participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Mokhothu advocates for short-term worker protections and subsidies to cushion the economic shock for households that may be affected by any job losses.

“This is not the time for politics. It is time for leadership, more than that Basotho need action,” Mokhothu charged.

While government officials have acknowledged the crisis, their response has so far been measured and uncertain. A planned delegation to the US has been mentioned, but no timeline or strategy has been made public, Mokhothu said.

Political analysts suggest the ruling coalition may be caught off-guard and unprepared for the scale of the challenge. “The government must step up not just for international diplomacy, but for domestic stability, when the factories go quiet, the whole country feels the silence,” Mokhothu warned.

Mokhothu’s stance has been met with strong reactions across the political spectrum with his supporters saying he is sagacious – applauding his clarity and urgency.

Some critics argue that he is using the crisis to gain political traction.

Still, few deny the seriousness of the threat the tariffs pose or the need for a coordinated national response.

Lesotho now finds itself at a crossroads, react passively and risk economic unravelling, or rally with speed and strategy to defend its place in the global economy.

As Mokhothu concluded his remarks, the message was unmistakable.

“Protect the dignity of Basotho labour, the factories, exports, people as in now.”

Questioned on his view about the DC – the party he leads losing its momentum, Mokhothu aknowleged the losses but said “its nothing new”.

The DC lost its members in 2020 and still stood strong Mokhothu said adding “some who had left the party back then even decided to return to DC”.

“I am convinced this people who are leaving DC have been promised money and jobs,” he said.

This comes after the famous and perhaps the most powerful and highly admired Lebo Oa le DC “Mohau oa Molimo” songster left the DC last week to join the ruling Revolution For Prosperity party.

Rumour says she has sinced signed a three-year contract with the ministry of Home Affairs.

With the DC facing mass exodus, the latest casualties include Mothepu Mahapa of Moyeni constituency. At some point Mahapa left the DC for the Alliance of Democrats then led by Monyane Moleleki and later re-joined DC in 2021.

His return was seen as a significant boost for the DC.

He has left again!

Lijeng Mofokeng also handed her resignation letter from the DC Women’s League. Lijeng is known for her hard work and commitment and was a strong member of the party.

Katleho Lerabe also handed a resignation letter from the party.

They have since refused to publicly share why they dumped the Mokhothu-led opposition party except saying their reasons are confidential.

DC spokesperson, Serialong Qoo alleged that Lebo Oa le DC was bribed to ditch the formation for a three-year contract at Home Affairs.

Playing down the impact of Lebo’s exit, Qoo said of Lebo “(she) became famous soon as she joined DC”.

“We have over 40 singers in the DC, so all these people who claim to leave the party because they are unsatisfied really do not shake the party even a bit. They left before, and some of them came back.

“DC is a home for all,” Qoo unconvicingly said.