Youth make clarion call for economic indepenence

BOKANG MOSHOESHOE

MASERU – In a powerful show of unity and determination, young people from across Lesotho came together to participate in the second session of the Youth Dialogue on Economic Independence.

The event forms part of the ongoing campaign titled “Towards a Self-Sufficient Future” and coincided with the celebration of Africa Day.

The youth-led initiative aims to encourage self-reliance and economic independence in Lesotho and across the African continent.

The dialogue, which was held as part of the Heroes’ Day commemoration, drew youth from various regions and backgrounds.

It was organized to provide a platform for young voices to share ideas, develop solutions, and take action against the growing crisis of unemployment and poverty in the country.

During the session, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Tlohang Sekhamane, addressed the gathering and described youth unemployment as a national emergency that requires urgent and united action from the government and all sectors of society.

“Poverty is what Lesotho has been used to for the past 200 years. This country was formed on poverty. But we cannot solve the problem of poverty with the same mind-set that created it,’’ said Sekhamane.

He further criticized the culture of complacency among the youth, saying, the youth of this country are in their comfort zone. They do not take action against poor decisions being made today. Basotho cherish poverty, it is time the youth become the solution, as the future of Lesotho depends on them.

Kananelo Boloetse, one of the lead organizers, announced that young people were working on an Independence Charter, a manifesto that will outline practical steps and policies aimed at achieving economic self-reliance.

He stated that this document will serve as a roadmap for the youth and the entire country to move away from dependency on foreign aid and start building their own future.

Tumelo Moteuli, another organizer, emphasized the importance of learning from the past.

“Back in the day, our leaders had strong strategies to unite nations and boost the economy. This dialogue is about reviving those strategies and applying them to today’s generation, we need to stop depending on other countries and make sure Lesotho stands on its own feet economically,” Moteuli declared.

He further explained that the realization that foreign aid is not a sustainable solution was a driving force behind the dialogue, as countries that are poverty-stricken can no longer rely on foreign aid, so they must take charge of their own future as he added.

Representing the voices of the youth, Mohau Mabetha, echoed similar sentiments, saying the dialogue serves as an opportunity for young people to brainstorm and develop job creation strategies, as he stated that the youth need to unite, identify opportunities, and work together to overcome the high unemployment rate also only then they can improve Lesotho’s economy and future.

This gathering marks an important step in mobilizing Lesotho’s youth toward becoming active participants in shaping their country’s future.

As the Independence Charter is developed, many are hopeful that this generation of young leaders will be the one to break the cycle of poverty and dependence, and finally lead Lesotho toward lasting economic independence.