Senator Leboea Khoaele has urged the government to officially declare youth employment a national emergency. This call was made during the Senate session on Thursday while presenting Motion 40, which addressed the plight of the youth in Lesotho.
In his motion, Khoaele emphasized the dire situation facing the youth in the country, particularly in relation to unemployment and the lack of business opportunities. Citing alarming statistics, he revealed that over 40% of the youth—many of whom are highly educated—remain unemployed.
Khoaele acknowledged that while the government has made efforts to assist the youth through initiatives such as youth apprenticeship programs, these measures are insufficient in providing long-term solutions. He stressed that, although these programs offer temporary relief, they do not address the root causes of unemployment or create sustainable opportunities for the youth.
“While the government’s initiatives are commendable, they do not provide lasting solutions to the challenges the youth are facing. It is imperative that we implement sustainable programs that can help youth rise above these challenges and secure a better future,” Khoaele stated.
He called on the Senate to take cognizance of the severity of the issue and work towards tangible, long-term solutions that will empower young people and reduce the unemployment crisis in Lesotho. By declaring youth employment an emergency, Khoaele believes that it would prioritize the issue and pave the way for more focused and effective strategies.
