Africa-Press – Lesotho. As part of the ongoing public traders consultations by the Ministry of Small Businesses Development, Cooperatives and Marketing in all the 10 districts of Lesotho, the ministry held a two-day
sitting with Mafeteng small and medium enterprises traders, cooperative members and farmers on Thursday and Friday to hear their grievances. The Ministry of Small Businesses
Development, Cooperatives and Marketing Principal Secretary (PS) Tankiso Phapano revealed that the purpose of the consultations is to hear from the traders,
challenges they encounter while running their businesses. Phapano also indicated that they are already solving some of the problems mentioned in the 8
districts they have already visited, with the exception of Maseru and Berea as they are the only ones left. He further revealed that the Ministry has decided
to part small businesses and trade so they become independent, saying they have passed through this process successfully though it’s not yet over. Among the challenges, Mafeteng
traders raised a huge concern over foreign traders who offer money to Basotho to kill other Basotho business owners when they feel the heat of their business
competition. Other problems entail the 2016 Savings and Credit Bill which has not been passed. They urged for that bill to be passed as it will be helpful to cooperatives.
The issue of late payments by the government for services rendered is also of concern. They further urged the Ministry to consult cooperatives and farmers deep in the villages to gather
data of those who can supply with agricultural produce. Moreover, they said they have another problem of failing to access funds and loans for their small
businesses. From the Lesotho Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ‘Mannuku Mangole emphasized the challenge of foreigners who are currently dealing in small businesses hence posing a huge competition.
She further brought to the table, the issue of Basotho who open their small businesses without registering with the Ministry of Trade and without paying
tax to the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA). Mangole highlighted that these mushroom businesses are killing those that are legally registered. From the farmers’ side, setbacks are,
among others, low market for products. They said eggs were scarce during Covid-19 lockdown but are now plenty after lifting lockdown regulations, which leaves
the question of where those eggs are coming from. They further urged the government to loosen up on the requirements for Export Permits, so they may be
able to export their agricultural products to other countries, specifically South Africa (SA). The Minister of Small Businesses Development, Cooperatives and Marketing, Hon Keketso Sello expressed his
delight at seeing the dominance of the youth in the gathering hall as the government is overloaded with the wage bill. He congratulated Mafeteng youth
for taking their position in business. Sello further emphasized that the country will not go anywhere if businesses do not flourish. He urged for cooperatives
to be provided with frequent trainings and for businesses to register legally and pay tax diligently. He promised that the Ministry will address the challenges put forward by the traders.
Sello concluded by appealing to the traders to report the challenges they face in dealing with government officials and also revealed that his office is always open to them and anyone with a business
need. The Ministry of Small Business Development, Cooperatives and Marketing is a government ministry authorized to develop and market small businesses and cooperatives.
Its vision is that by 2027, Lesotho shall have a vibrant, highly innovative growth-oriented, job creating and sustainable Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) and Cooperatives.
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