More likely a joke than a realistic plan
TEBOHO KHATEBE MOLEFI
Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has made an ambitious pledge to create 70 000 jobs for unemployed youth within just a month. This promise has sparked both hope and scepticism among the country’s citizens, with many questioning whether such a target is achievable or merely political rhetoric.
Given Lesotho’s persistent unemployment crisis, high poverty levels, and sluggish economic growth, it is worth examining whether this promise is realistic or simply a joke.
Lesotho’s unemployment rate stands at 16.15 percent, with youth unemployment even higher, according to ILO statistics.
Finance minister, Dr Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, in the beginning of the year presented concerns over youth unemployment in the country, which she said has left scores between 15 and 35 disheartened. Matlanyane said an estimated 760 000 young people were unemployed while only 145 000 were employed.
Many young Basotho struggle to find work despite having qualifications, leading to frustration and mass migration to South Africa in search of opportunities. The textile industry, once a major employer, has faced decline due to global competition, while the agricultural sector remains underdeveloped. Additionally, corruption, poor infrastructure and a lack of foreign investment have hindered job creation for years.
Given these challenges, the idea of generating 70 000 jobs in just 30 days seems almost miraculous. But is it possible?
For such a massive employment drive, the government must identify immediate sources of jobs, and possible avenues include public sector hiring, government could expand civil service roles, but this would strain an already bloated and inefficient bureaucracy.
Private sector partnerships. By incentivizing businesses to hire more workers through tax breaks or subsidies could help, but private companies may resist rapid expansion without sustainable demand.
Then we may have infrastructure projects with large-scale construction of roads, dams and housing which could create short-term labour jobs, but these require significant funding and planning. There is also agriculture and manufacturing – boosting these sectors could provide jobs, but they require long-term investment, not just a month of effort.
So, in my view without a clear, detailed plan, it is difficult to see how 70 000 jobs can materialize so quickly.
Creating jobs requires funding. Our economy is small, with limited revenue streams. The government relies heavily on SACU receipts and foreign aid, which are unpredictable bring to mind key questions like does the government have the budget to finance 70 000 new salaries? Will these jobs be temporary or sustainable? Can the necessary administrative structures be set up in just a month or two?
If the jobs are short-term such as temporary public works, they may not solve long-term unemployment. If they are permanent, the cost could be unsustainable.
We know as is etched in history that politicians worldwide often make grand employment promises before elections, only to fall short. Our previous governments have pledged job creation without delivering…. even as they lambast Matekane for making the same promise today.
But, on a serious note, I have been asking myself whether the Matekane administration has a concrete roadmap for this massive undertaking? Are there measurable targets and accountability mechanisms? Or is this just another political statement to gain popularity?
Given the sheer scale of the pledge, many should see this as political posturing rather than a practical plan. A month is an extremely short timeframe to create so many jobs, especially in an economy struggling with structural weaknesses.
Possible reasons why I say this might be an unrealistic promise:
1. Lack of immediate job sources – There are no visible large-scale projects or investments ready to employ tens of thousands in four weeks.
2. Economic Constraints – Lesotho does not have the financial capacity to fund such rapid employment without external help.
3. Administrative bottlenecks – Even if jobs were available, hiring and training 70 000 people in two months is logistically near-impossible.
And sadly, if the government fails to deliver, it could further erode public trust in the government and the political leadership.
While Prime Minister Matekane’s promise is commendable in its ambition, the lack of clear strategies, funding plans and realistic timelines makes it seem more like a political soundbite than a feasible policy.
For this pledge to be taken seriously, the government must provide a detailed jobs plan outlining sectors, funding and duration. They must engage private sector and international partners for investment and the set realistic milestones rather than overpromising.
Until then, the idea of 70 000 jobs in a month appears more like a joke than a genuine, achievable goal. Basotho youth deserve real solutions – not empty promises.
