Today’s budget has deepened the wounds of unemployment, further frustrating the youth of this country.

Some of them say, the budget serves as a stark reminder that, not only have their aspirations been postponed, but their future remains uncertain beyond the bicentennial.

Thandiwe Khatakane- Social Work graduate from the National University of Lesotho, expressed her distress over Finance and Development Planning Minister Dr. Retsélisitsoe Matlanyane’s revelation that, over 760,000 youth remain unemployed while only 145,000 are employed; calling it; “salt on an open wound.”

She added that, the continuous struggle of job searching, only to receive repeated rejections, takes a toll on youth; making them question the value of their education and skills.

Sharing similar sentiments, Lisebo Mokebe; a Professional Communication graduate from Limkokwing University said, while she is fortunate to be among the youth selected for the government’s two-year Youth Apprentice Programme, the uncertainty of what comes after those two years is deeply concerning.

Tampose Mothopeng; the Director of the People’s Matrix Association of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer community stated that, they are exploring alternative employment opportunities to secure a livelihood for their already marginalized youth.

19th feb 25

STILL ON THE BUDGET SPEECH…

The Ministry of Education has allocated M3.3 billion to enhance education.

The Finance and development planning minister said, the allocation aims to improve education efficiency and effectiveness delivery at all levels, ensuring equitable access to educational service and provide quality education as well as teacher’s training.

She mentioned that, key initiatives for this year include construction of education facilities across the country, updating curriculum to meet current demands and implementing academic, technical and vocational education streams. 

She further stated that, the budget will help in improving water resources management, development of primary healthcare services and transport infrastructure as a way of enabling education sector environment to thrive.

In conclusion, the minister said, the Loan Bursary Fund through National Manpower Secretariat- NMDS, is already undergoing reforms intended to sustain the country’s human capital investment.

19 FEB 25