Moroke Sekoboto
EMBATLED street vendors operating near the National University of Lesotho (NUL) have appealed to Prime Minister Sam Matekane to halt their planned eviction, citing the recent declaration of a national state of emergency on youth unemployment.
These Roma Street Vendors Association members said they had been ordered to vacate the area by the end of this month (Monday) to make way for road rehabilitation.
However, they are now urging Mr Matekane to suspend the decision in light of the worsening unemployment crisis, which disproportionately affects youth.
Speaking at a press conference in Roma this week, the association’s chairperson, Thabiso Mafoso, said the eviction would deepen poverty and unemployment in the area, especially among youth.
“We are grateful that the government has recognised youth unemployment as a crisis and declared a state of emergency,” said Mr Mafoso.
“It is our understanding that during a state of emergency, certain decisions can be suspended. We therefore hope the government will reconsider the directive to remove us by the end of this month.”
Mr Mafoso explained that the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police had ordered vendors to evacuate the road reserve near NUL for road upgrades, but no relocation site had been provided, save for a promise to move them to a new location at a later stage.
Immediate eviction would have severe economic consequences for hundreds of people, he warned.
“According to our records, there are 350 vendors operating along this stretch, supporting around 850 people including employees and their families. Most of these vendors are young people. Evicting them now would only worsen unemployment and deepen poverty,” he said.
Highlighting the positive impact of the vendors’ presence in the area, Mr Mafoso said their businesses contributed to local economic growth and help improve safety around the university campus and the broader Roma community.
“We understand the importance of road infrastructure and support government efforts to improve it. However, we appeal for a proper and transparent relocation plan before we are moved. Otherwise, this process will harm many livelihoods.
“We plead with you (Matekane) to act with compassion and delay the eviction until a suitable relocation plan is in place. If not, many families will face hunger and increased hardship.”
Mr Matekane declared the state of emergency last week during the national youth dialogue held at Manthabiseng Convention Centre. The move followed pressure from youth organisations and political party youth leagues, who demanded urgent action to tackle the growing unemployment crisis.
