Flawed priorities will harm Lesotho

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In this article, I will delve into the statistics surrounding unemployment in Lesotho, examine the government’s approach to securing employment for one individual, and discuss the strategic alignment of the nation with the position of the General Secretary of the Commonwealth.

According to the World Bank, Lesotho’s unemployment rate stood at approximately 24.6 percent, with youth unemployment rates even higher, at around 34.4 percent. This translates to thousands of Basotho nationals struggling to find gainful employment, leading to widespread poverty and inequality. The situation is further exacerbated by the country’s high population growth rate, which puts additional pressure on the labour market.

While my friend Setipa is an outstanding individual with a strong track record, it is essential to examine the prioritisation of resources in this context. The allocation of vast sums of money to secure employment for one person raises questions about the government’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of unemployment among its citizens.

Money is a scarce resource for a least developed country like Lesotho, and we should therefore spend it well to the benefit of many Basotho.

One may argue that the benefits of securing a high-profile position like the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth outweigh the costs. However, it is crucial to consider the opportunity costs of this investment.

The millions of maloti spent on flights and accommodation could have been allocated to support entrepreneurship initiatives, vocational training programmes, or even small-scale infrastructure projects that would have created employment opportunities for hundreds if not thousands of Basotho.

The delegation that consist of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Setipa and others has visited every region of the world to sell the candidature of Setipa, recently the Prime Minister was in Uganda. But they have failed to provide an answer to the question what do we stand to gain as a nation?

I agree that Lesotho’s nomination of Setipa for the position of secretary-general could be a strategic move aimed at increasing the country’s visibility and influence within the Commonwealth. If successful, Setipa’s appointment would undoubtedly bring pride and prestige to Lesotho, showcasing the nation’s capabilities and expertise on the global stage.

But what do we stand to gain? What is the return on this large investment of money made for this initiative? Will an ordinary Mosotho gain anything? Personally I doubt this large investment in the employment of one person will benefit the masses of our people.

The government’s substantial investment in Setipa’s campaign, including millions spent on flights and hotel accommodation, has left many wondering about the allocation of resources. With thousands of Basotho struggling to find employment, it is reasonable to question whether the government’s priorities are truly aligned with the needs of its citizens. Shouldn’t the focus be on creating opportunities and addressing the pressing issue of unemployment, rather than concentrating resources on securing a job for one individual?

While the government’s support for Setipa’s candidacy is commendable, it is essential to acknowledge the seeming disparity between this investment and the plight of the unemployed in Lesotho.

As the nation celebrates the nomination of an outstanding individual, it is crucial to refocus attention on the pressing issue of unemployment and explore innovative solutions to address it.

The shocking discovery is that the government is spending lots of money on a nomination that could fail. So what if we fail? Who accounts for such large investment aimed at securing employment for one person? Even if we were successful Setipa has had such opportunities before, what did we gain as a country?

He was the Managing Director of the Technology Bank for least developed countries, did our technology investment improve? The answer is simple: his previous powerful position did not benefit this country. How then can we claim that this new powerful position will benefit Basotho?

In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Poverty is not an accident. Like slavery and apartheid, it is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human beings.” It is time for the government of Lesotho to re-examine its priorities and allocate resources in a way that benefits the majority of its citizens, rather than a select few.

As a nation, Lesotho must re-evaluate its priorities and focus on addressing the root causes of unemployment. The government’s efforts should be directed towards creating an environment conducive for job creation, rather than relying on individual successes to uplift the nation. By doing so, Lesotho can ensure that the benefits of Setipa’s potential appointment are not limited to one individual, but rather serve as a catalyst for positive change and sustainable growth.

In conclusion, while Setipa’s nomination is a milestone worth celebrating, it is essential to consider the broader implications of the government’s investment in his campaign. As a nation, we must prioritise the needs of our citizens and focus on creating a better future for all, rather than concentrating on individual successes.

Only then can we truly reap the benefits of our efforts and ensure that the tale of Setipa’s success is not an isolated incident, but rather a symbol of Lesotho’s collective progress.

Only by doing so can we ensure that the country’s strategic alignment with the Commonwealth translates into tangible benefits for the people of Lesotho, particularly the thousands of unemployed Basotho who deserve a chance to thrive.

Ramahooana Matlosa