…as it bids farewell to first cohort of Growth Engine graduates
Moroke Sekoboto
FOR 30 young Basotho graduates, what began as a search for an opportunity became a transformative journey that equipped them with practical skills, workplace experience and renewed confidence for the future.
The graduates formed the first cohort of the LSP Growth Engine Programme, an initiative launched in October 2025 to tackle youth unemployment by giving young professionals the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the corporate world.
Created by the LSP Group as part of celebrations marking the Bothma family’s 85 years in Lesotho and the company’s 50-year presence in the country, the programme sought to bridge the gap between education and employment by exposing graduates to real workplace challenges and opportunities for growth.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the programme’s first cohort, LSP Growth Engine Programme Coordinator, Teboho Mokonyana, said the initiative was designed to provide graduates with exposure, practical experience and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Mr Mokonyana said the programme was not about hand-holding participants but about helping them discover their strengths and weaknesses while preparing them for the demands of the workplace.
“When we opened the applications, we received 1400 submissions, 1400 stories, 1400 ambitions and 1400 young Basotho looking for a chance. And from pool we selected 30 individuals from diverse backgrounds such as Human Resources, Biotechnology, Engineering, Retail, Public Relations, each bringing something different, but all sharing potential,” Mr Mokonyana said.
He said the selected graduates were placed across the LSP Group and its partner companies and were expected to make meaningful contributions from the outset.
“They were placed across the LSP Group and its partner companies, and from day one, they were not treated as observers. They were expected to contribute, adapt and learn quickly to perform, they were challenged and put under pressure. At times, they were pushed outside of their confort zone, but that is where growth happens, as reflected in the core values of the LSP Group emphasizing adaptability, quality, and excellence,” Mr Mokonyana said.
LSP director, Andre Bothma, said the programme was launched as part of celebrations marking 85 years of the Bothma family in Lesotho and 50 years of the LSP Group’s operations in the country.
Mr Bothma said the company chose to invest in young people rather than host celebratory festivities.
“In celebration of the Bothma family’s 85 years in Lesotho, and 50 years of LSP group operating in Lesotho, we decided to introduce the LSP Growth Engine to empower Basotho youth instead of making a feast,” Andre said.
He said Lesotho belonged to Basotho and that they were best positioned to transform the country through their talent and innovation.
Speaking about the family’s legacy, his father, Danny Bothma, said the programme was founded on the belief that investing in young Basotho was one of the most effective ways of building a stronger future for the country.
“Tonight, we recognize the dedication, perseverance, and accomplishment of each graduate who has successfully completed the LSP Growth Engine Programme,” Mr Bothma said.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Mpine Moejane-Mahao, said participants had entered the programme with ambition, curiosity and some uncertainty about their future careers.
She said they had been eager to learn, grow and discover where their potential could take them.
“Today, we leave with something far more valuable than we had when we started: experience, knowledge, confidence, and meaningful relationships. This internship has taught us that growth happens outside our comfort zones.
“We have learned the importance of teamwork, professionalism, resilience, and continuous learning. We have made mistakes, faced challenges, and celebrated achievements together—and through it all, we have become stronger and better prepared for the professional world.
“To our mentors, supervisors, and everyone at growth engine, thank you for investing your time, patience, and expertise in us. Thank you for believing in our potential and giving us opportunities to learn and contribute. The lessons you have shared with us will remain with us long after today,” Ms Moejane-Mahao said.
