Africa-Press – Lesotho. Messages of solidarity have since been infused from the 1960s, the historic time when Lesotho was delivered from the imperialism. When the thirst for independence finally quenched in 1966, imposed religion, economics, political practices and medical habits forever remained the adapted traditions.
Despite the newly found sovereignty, 53 years later the country remains the pit of all misfortune. Nonetheless, the youth rather hold on to the possible action-plan that could restore the
country’s wellbeing. Troubles and setbacks have turned to be daily bread for Basotho. The Mountain Kingdom dwells in turmoil of unemployed youth, starving citizens translating to a critically partitioned
nation. It is in all these hardships where youth remain the mustard hope for restoring peace, unity and maintaining Lesotho’s resilient economy. Even though
many are apprehensive of taking an aggressive role of fighting for the Lesotho they want, there is still a little spark of hope remaining in some. The
youth worry much on bloodshed in the country, high unemployment and crime rates that grow so rapidly, and the poverty shadowing most citizens. Above all woes the country faces, is the
nation’s subdivision due to varying political beliefs. As much as freedom of expression is vital for all, differing political views seem to be the ultimate trigger behind the nation’s cold split-up.
For a 2.2 million populated nation, drifting apart is a major threat to development and stability. “Before we could think of building the country’s economy, first we must strive for
unity,” Mpho Molefe noted. He is an unemployed 29 year old residing in Berea. The secondary education dropout who has survived as a street vendor for almost three years now, says he is well
aware of dire situations the country is experiencing. He added that he foresees the national collapse, unless the youth unite and develop new motives that will
help advance the country. Rethabile Mabote, a 23 year old law student at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) believes that political affiliation and nepotism are the root causes of unemployment,
poverty and economical obstacles in Lesotho. “Graduating is no longer a thing to be celebrated because it means misery and pain for those who do not know the right people[D1] ,”
she added. Mabote says most people are hired based on which political party they affiliate with not qualifications like in the past. She indicated that ‘a lot of youth do not have adequate resources to at least start
a business or sustain a living without employment. ’ Even in the entrepreneurship industry, she remarked that there is little to no support for small businesses and the ministry responsible for aid in that
aspect is not as efficient as it ought to be. “So graduating in this country is really a disappointment unless one gets an opportunity to broaden their horizons in other countries,” she uttered.
She went on to narrate the resolution to this dilemma should first begin with ‘getting rid of all the old age political leaders because they do not possess ideologies
that advance the country. ’ She says it is time for a new regime of people who actually seek to rescue the nation from all the adversity regardless of their political affiliation.
“We need true ambitious young leaders, not greedy self-centred individuals”, Mabote
potently expressed. As the debate went on amongst the heated youth who seek to find all possible alternatives to reform the country, issues of ‘corruption’
seemed to be on everyone’s lips. Thapelo Maja believes that corruption has become the nation’s daily bread. She says it has turned to be the death of the nation, with no doubt that the fish stinks
from the head, therefore it must have all began from the top (government). Maja is one of many peace activists in the country, a young phenomenal woman trained as a peace cop
by the World Peace Initiative (WPI) in Bangkok, Thailand. She is also a graduate from the National Teacher’s Training Centre (NTTC), a sign language interpreter and the coordinator
of WPI. She manifested her dedication and hunger for a reformed country by participating in the National Youth Dialogue complementary to the on-going reform process.
She emphasised that bribery and misconduct are sinking down the country, as corruption turns to be a slow poison that shall soon diminish the nation. Maja traces trends of corruption since the
country attained its independence, and she strongly believes that greed and selfishness are the root of it all. She added, “Poverty has given birth to a self-serving nation”.
She strongly believes that Lesotho experiences these undesirable outcomes due to the government’s irresponsibility. She paints a bleak picture of ending this deceit, as long as the political corruption remains the
seed of all deception. However, as much as it seems like a hard nut to crack, Maja agrees that the youth must band together to restore, reform, and reclaim the patriotic nation, for fear that
the dream for an economically stable state dies before it could even get off the ground. [D1]Mme Pulane please ensure design makes this a separate quote, like in magazines. Text me for clarity
