By Matṧeliso Phulane
The setting up of an Isuzu Motors dealership in Lesotho is part of government’s efforts to boost growth through a private sector-led economy, a cabinet minister has said.
Speaking at the official launch of the dealership in Maseru on Wednesday this week, the minister of trade, industry and business development and tourism, Mokhethi Shelile, said the venture would help put wealth in the hands of Basotho through employment.
The dealership is a partnership between the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC), Isuzu Motors South Africa and Zakhura Motor Group (ZMG).
Shelile said the venture is a sign that Lesotho is moving in the right direction in terms of economic diversification.
He noted that the business had massive potential to produce spill over effects for the automotive components manufacturing sector.
“Lesotho used to rely heavily on its clothing and textiles industry but this has declined steadily over the years. It’s now time to branch out into other industries such as automotive,” Shelile pointed out.
On his part, LNDC interim CEO Molise Ramaili applauded Zakhura Motor Group for bidding on the project, saying it will be a build-up in the development of the automotive industry in Lesotho.
Ramaili explained that the project is part of the LNDC’s five -year strategic plan which aims at levelling the playing field for local investors towards the development of the country’s economy.
Zakhura Motor Group director of sales, Cassim Zakhura, told theReporter in an interview that the dealership will employ about 60 people when it starts operations.
This number will be increased gradually depending on the support the business gets, Zakhura said.
The company will provide services such as dealership, sale of new and second-hand vehicles and trucks, as well as original spare parts for all brands.
