By: Kananelo Maphenchane
Maseru
“Combating unemployment requires the collective will, energy and contributions of every sector of society.”
Mpepuoa Movement, an Anti-Corruption, Anti-GBV, pro-education, Inclusion Catalyst, and Social Justice organisation, whose aim is to champion education and civil justice in Lesotho, has acknowledged and applauded the government’s efforts to address youth unemployment as one of the biggest challenges in Lesotho.
Mpepuoa had previously made a televised statement about two years ago, where they declared the economic and unemployment crisis a state of emergency, in recognition of the rising despair among youth and lack of opportunities across sectors. According to Mothopula Seala, the chief executive officer of the organisation, this was not symbolic, but rather a call to coordinated and urgent action.
“Today, many young people, particularly graduates from our institutions of higher learning as well as multitudes of under qualified and unskilled youth, continue to face severe barriers in transitioning into meaningful employment. The promise of education as a pathway to prosperity is being undermined as young people exit academia only to confront limited opportunities on an economy that has yet to deliver on their aspirations,” said Seala.
The statistics presented by the organisation showed that approximately 38% of youth, and 41% of young women, are unemployed.
On behalf of Mpepuoa, Seala called on the government and all stakeholders to take immediate steps to ensure that job creation processes are transparent, inclusive and free from corruption.
“Opportunities must be distributed based on merit and need rather than political affiliation or connections. If these jobs are to restore hope for Basotho youth and contribute meaningfully to national development, accountability must be placed at the center of their delivery,” Seala continued.
In their advocacy for sustainable solutions, Mpepuoa Movement called for practical and collaborative interventions that include the strengthening of cross sector partnerships that bring together government, private sector, development partners and civil society in meaningful and coordinated action.
They also advocated for building data driven strategies that accurately map the skills, aspirations and realities of young people to inform job creation efforts.
Mpepuoa asked for the support for creative, cultural, and social enterprise sectors as vital contributors to youth employment and community resilience. They also called for the ensurance of health access as a key enabler for youth participation in economic life.
Seala also mentioned the encouragement of youth organisation and advocacy to ensure young people’s voices shape the solutions that affect them, as one of their key advocacy messages.
Mpepuoa Movement also confirmed that they have undisclosed initiatives in development, that are aimed at supporting both skilled and unskilled unemployed youth. “These are designed to offer practical pathways to income generation, skills enhancement and long-term empowerment,” explained Seala.