…lauds PM for declaring State of Disaster over unemployment
Moroke Sekoboto
THE Democratic Congress Youth League (DCYL) has called on the government to urgently assist Basotho working in South Africa, who continue to suffer harassment and deportation due to unavailability of passports.
Speaking at a press conference at Puma House on Monday, DCYL President Pheello Sehlabaka urged the government to step up efforts in issuing proper documentation, including special permits, to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of Basotho in the diaspora.
Mr Sehlabaka welcomed Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s recent declaration of a State of Disaster on youth unemployment, describing it as an acknowledgment by the government that the crisis poses a serious threat to the hopes and future of the majority of the population.
“While the declaration has received mixed reactions, particularly over its legality, we believe the government must act swiftly to address any legal irregularities before the matter ends up in court,” Mr Sehlabaka said.
He said legal processes were often lengthy and the youth could not afford further delays as they have already waited long enough.
“As part of effective and inclusive mitigation strategies, we call on the government to decentralise primary government services to districts. “Service delivery and job opportunities must not be limited to Maseru. Local youth should be trained and employed to offer these services in their own communities,” he said.
He also called for the revival and implementation of the former National Manpower Development Secretariat (NMDS) policy that allowed indebted students to continue with their studies, arguing that no capable young person should be denied education due to financial hardship.
“Create jobs across all sectors, with a special focus on innovation, agriculture, creative industries, digital technologies, and infrastructure development.”
Mr Sehlabaka also emphasized the need to develop value chains in the agriculture sector and create sustainable markets for local produce, with youth playing a central role in these efforts.
He urged the government to amend the Disaster Management Act to explicitly include youth unemployment and legally commit to guaranteeing employment, training, or enterprise support to youth within a specific timeframe after they leave school or become unemployed.
He also called for the amendment of the Trading Enterprises (Amendment) Regulations of 2011 to extend trading hours for supermarkets and clothing stores.
“Despite these steps, we must express our deep disappointment in the Prime Minister’s failure to update the youth on the progress of the Youth Development Bill and the formation of the National Youth Council, both of which are critical pillars of youth governance and empowerment.
“The youth have shown patience and resilience. Now is the time for action, clarity, and commitment. Youth unemployment is no longer just an economic issue. It is a security crisis!
“The rise in kidnappings and killings of innocent children is a direct reflection of a generation abandoned. The government must act now before more lives are lost to desperation and criminality,” Mr Sehlabaka said.
