The third installment of the national youth dialogue on economic independence was held at Taung, Ha Zwakala in the Mohale’s Hoek district on Saturday.
The dialogue is part of a bigger campaign titled: _’Towards a Self-Sufficient Future Campaign”. It is designed to provide a structured platform for young people to voice their ideas, mobilise collective action, and influence policy at the highest levels.
Speakers stressed patriotism, private sector growth, and group entrepreneurship as key to tackling unemployment.
Speaking at the engagement, entrepreneur and chief executive officer of Phuthalichaba Credit and Savings, Tebello Tjapela, spoke on socio-economic independence saying it is not embraced in Lesotho by the youth.
Tjapela said lack of patriotism contributes to unemployment because the youth do not see the need to contribute to the community.
There is also a mentally amongst them that after graduating they need to be hired, which is not always the case, he noted, citing that there is need to stimulate the private sector.
“When the private sector is developed, unemployment can be reduced,” Tjapela said.
On his part, Molise Rasello, CEO of BachaShutdown, stressed the need for the youth to come together and create businesses.
Rasello said working in groups makes things easier as it means bringing different brainstogether.
“Working in groups also makes it easier to receive funds so that the business thrives,” he added.
