Africa-Press – Lesotho. The National Development Corporation (LNDC) has expanded a cutting room operation wing at JEE Clothing (Pty) Ltd in Maputsoe, Ha-Nyenye, as part of its national #ReBulaLifeme campaign.
The expansion marks another milestone in LNDC’s ongoing efforts to attract investment, grow the manufacturing sector, and create sustainable jobs for Basotho, especially in key industrial hubs like Maputsoe.
Speaking at the official ceremony, Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development, Hon. Mokhethi Shelile, said the initiative comes at a critical time, as Lesotho faces high youth unemployment, limited job opportunities, and the need for industrial growth.
He noted that although there have been transport and logistics challenges, these have motivated them to work even harder to ensure intra-African trade.
“We are in discussions with other African countries to ensure that operations begin between us,” he said.
Shelile added that they had recently taken some of their small factories to Cape Town to showcase their products. He urged Basotho entrepreneurs to join the Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) Project, funded by the World Bank, to access support for growing their businesses.
“It is about time Basotho start their own businesses,” said Ramaili.
LNDC Interim CEO Molise Ramaili explained that the #ReBulaLifeme initiative is not just about constructing factories, but about restoring livelihoods.
He emphasised that the campaign is part of a broader strategy to revive industrial production and stimulate the economy across key regions. Ramaili acknowledged the three-year relationship between LNDC and JEE Clothing,describing it as a productive partnership.
He reiterated LNDC’s core mandate which is to bring more factories into Lesotho and ensure they stay by maintaining strong relationships and helping them grow to create more jobs for Basotho.
Ramaili also addressed tariff challenges, especially regarding the American market, saying:
“It has become quite difficult for goods from Lesotho to reach American markets, so we advised ourselves to look at other markets and turned to our neighbour, South Africa, which has about 60 million people. The African continent has around 1.4 billion people that means Lesotho has a huge opportunity to expand its trading platform with African countries.”
“Henceforth, we are taking AFCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) very seriously to ensure African countries can trade independently.”
“We are pleased to support this expansion, which gives many young people a chance to work, learn skills, and support their families,” said Ramaili.
“Our plan is to hire more Basotho to reduce the unemployment rate and most Basotho seeking job resort to the textile industry.”
Factory Manager Anton Lategan highlighted that JEE Clothing is owned by a South African woman, which he said is remarkable. He explained that JEE Clothing was founded in September 2008, and expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Trade and LNDC for their support in expanding the factory.
“The new wing will hire more than 250 Basotho,” said Lategan.
JEE Factory, which operates in the textile and garment manufacturing sector, is expected to create these jobs primarily for unemployed citizens in surrounding communities.
Lephoto Makhata from Maputsoe, who was recently hired, shared his gratitude:
“I was hired this year to work in maintenance, I work as a welder. I would like to thank JEE Clothing owners and all stakeholders involved in creating jobs gor me and my colleadues and for also creating an opportunity for other Basotho get jobs.”
Ngoajane Monaheng, Manager at JEE Clothing (Pty) Ltd, emphasised that factories are the backbone of job creation in the manufacturing industry, especially for youth and women.
“They hire in mass numbers, ensuring that Basotho, especially youth and women, can get jobs,” she said.
She added that even many graduates have found employment through factory work, as jobs related to their academic qualifications are limited.
“My wish is for the Ministry of Trade through LNDC to open more factories and expand the ones already operating so that they can hire more Basotho and reduce the issue of ‘short time’ in the industry,” she said.
LNDC has made it clear that the JEE Clothing expansion is not a one-time initiative. Under the broader #ReBulaLifeme campaign, more factories across the country are expected to be rehabilitated or expanded in the coming months.
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