Following a lively question and answer session by young people at the Youth Dialogue held earlier today at the Manthabiseng Convention Center, Ministers had the opportunity to respond and present their ministries’ plans to tackle unemployment.

Among the speakers was the Minister of Trade and Industry Mokhethi Shelile, who pledged the creation of 3,000 jobs for youth and women-owned businesses. Shelile further stated that within two years through the Competitive and Financial Inclusion initiative, 3,500 jobs will be created. Minister Shelile concluded by mentioning that, a joint cosmetics project with the European Union will also support youth businesses.

The Minister of Education and Training Prof. Ntoi Rapapa, outlined plans from several ministries. He announced that, his ministry will create over 600 jobs for youth by January next year. The Ministry of Natural Resources will focus on creating jobs to address water supply challenges in various electoral divisions. Additionally, through the RENOKA program, young people will be hired to train herders on rangeland management.
In conclusion, Prof. Rapapa noted that, the Ministry of Finance plans to create jobs for youth under the upcoming Population Census.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology Nthati Moorosi shared her ministry’s job creation initiatives. She stated that, more TV channels will be established, and the ministry is in the process of purchasing equipment. She said by April next year, the national broadcaster will be showcasing Basotho content.

More details on the dialogue will follow.

18 JUNE, 25