From letters to livelihoods
SABA and ministry redefine success in landmark business challenge
BOKANG MOSHOESHOE
MASERU – In a powerful evolution of the traditional academic contest, the finale of the Spelling a Business Africa (SABA) competition transformed the landscape of higher education last week.
Moving beyond mere vocabulary, the initiative – hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training – awarded a staggering M100 000 in start-up capital, signalling a strategic shift from rote learning to economic resilience.
Held under the theme “Unlocking potential, driving progress, building economic resilience,” the competition saw nine institutions of higher learning battle for supremacy not just in spelling, but in business acumen. While the event carries the name “Spelling Bee,” its roots run deeper than the average dictionary.
To understand the weight of this moment, one must look at the nation’s literary history. Spelling competitions are not new to Lesotho; they have long been a cornerstone of academic culture. As early as 2014, local pageant organisers were using bees to combat the deterioration of English caused by “SMS language.”
By 2016, Lesotho had claimed a seat at the continental table, becoming a founding member of the African Spelling Bee Federation alongside nations like Kenya and South Africa, with the Royal Spelling Bee Lesotho sending delegates to compete for scholarships .
However, SABA represents a distinct departure from this tradition. While classic bees focused on literacy and confidence, SABA – spearheaded by Founder Lejone Mpotjoane and CEO Tefo Sefothoane – focuses on solvency.
“SABA equips young people with skills and intellect not just to seek employment but to create jobs,” Sefothoane explained. “Every great dream begins with a seed.”
The urgency of the initiative was a recurring theme among dignitaries. Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara noted that unemployment remains a “serious challenge” globally, yet the solution lies in local innovation.
“We need fresh entrepreneurs and business people. We must nurture a culture of creating our own businesses,” Majara said, calling on the private sector to bolster such initiatives.
Founder Lejone Mpotjoane echoed this sentiment, highlighting the alarming disparity between graduation rates and job availability. “As institutions of higher learning increase the number of graduates every year, the number of job opportunities decreases rapidly,” Mpotjoane observed.
“It is through initiatives like this one that we create opportunities.”
The competition was fierce, drawing participants from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT), the National University of Lesotho (NUL), Botho University, and the Centre for Accounting Studies (CAS), among others. Students were tested on business terminology, strategy, and critical thinking before a final round of detailed business plan presentations.
In a moment that encapsulated the “Dragons’ Den” meets “Academic Bee” format, Reabetsoe Mapola from Botho University was crowned the first runner-up and walked away with the grand prize of M100 000.
“With the trust you have put in us, we promise to fulfil every business purpose with this money,” Mapola declared, promising to expand the business sector within the country.
Thabo Thamae of LUCT secured second place and M75 000, while Lisemelo Mphutlane (NUL) took third with M50 000. Bokang Mpholo (NUL) and Thato Letela (CAS) rounded out the top five, winning M30 000 and M20 000 respectively.
For the Ministry of Education and Training, the event is a pilot for curriculum reform. Minister Ntoi Rapapa expressed gratitude to the sponsors, noting that such programmes guide the youth away from the queue for government jobs and toward the boardroom.
As the five winners left with their cheques, the message from SABA was clear: In Lesotho, the spelling bee has grown up. It is no longer just about getting the letters right, but about building the economic future correctly.
