Lesotho Development Front (BDF) leader Bothata Mahlala has emphasized the need for Lesotho to exploit its competitive advantages to tackle rampant unemployment. In an interview with the Lesotho Times, Mahlala stated that the country can no longer rely on foreign markets and outside assistance to create jobs. He argued that Lesotho must instead harness its own resources and capabilities to address the issue. Mahlala's comments come amid persistent economic challenges, including uncertainty in the textile and apparel industry, the country's largest source of formal employment.
Mahlala's BDF has rolled out youth-focused projects across the country, with the leader himself having supported thousands of pupils in his home area of Mount Moorosi with school shoes, uniforms, and bursaries. He previously contested the Mount Moorosi constituency under the Democratic Congress banner in the 2022 general elections, narrowly losing to the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) candidate with just over 200 votes. Mahlala later left the DC and formed the BDF. His message is centered on looking inward and supporting Basotho-driven projects to create employment from the country's existing resources.
The United States' African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides eligible African countries with duty-free access to the American market, was extended to 31 December 2028 in September. However, Mahlala believes Lesotho should not build its economic future on the goodwill of foreign markets. He argued that the country has the capacity to produce and export on its own terms. Mahlala suggested that Lesotho can produce for other markets, such as South Africa, leveraging its lower cost of production and competitive advantages.
Mahlala criticized the current government's approach to tackling unemployment, stating that it benefits a handful of people close to the country's leadership rather than the entire nation. He alleged that tenders are given to companies owned by ministers and people close to them, while those who have successfully delivered services to the government are not paid. Mahlala argued that this practice kills the private sector and creates an uneven playing field.
Mahlala also expressed concerns about reports of corruption in the country, citing Public Accounts Committee (PAC) reports and Auditor-General's reports that highlight government finances and missing funds. He noted that the government does not adhere to the PAC's recommendations, and that perpetrators of corruption are not held to task. The M109 million fertiliser tender case was cited as an example, where the perpetrators have not been taken to task.
Mahlala questioned the effectiveness of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO), which is responsible for investigating and initiating prosecutions where there is corruption. He argued that the DCEO is staffed by civil servants of the government of the day, which compromises its independence. Mahlala suggested that institutions like the DCEO should be independent, with better funding and staffing to enable them to work effectively.
Mahlala emphasized that the BDF will push for independent investigations and hold its own allies to the same standard. He stated that processes must be transparent and fair, and that the party will work to test the pillars of good governance and the independence of the judiciary. The BDF's approach to tackling unemployment and corruption is centered on creating a more equitable and sustainable economic environment for all Basotho citizens.
Key points
- Bothata Mahlala says Lesotho must harness its resources to create jobs
- Mahlala criticizes current government's approach to tackling unemployment
- BDF leader calls for independent investigations into corruption cases
