Quthing, Aug. 19 — Students from various high schools in Quthing participated in the Spelling a Business Africa (SABA) competition held at Masitise in Moyeni Constituency on Tuesday.
The event, which attracted 28 competitors, was organized by SABA–Lesotho in collaboration with the Office of the District Administrator and the Department of Education and Training. Its goal was to inspire youth to view business and innovation as viable career paths and to select the top five representatives for the national competition next month.
The top five winners led by Thapelo Morethi from Mphaki High School awarded M500, flowered by Rets’epile Phoka from Mopholosi High School,‘Mamokete Letsie Holy Trinity High School, Katleho Tlholoane Masitise High School, Liteboho Pitiri , Holy Trinity High School that were not awarded prizes.
Addressing attendants at the event, Minister of Energy and Mining Mr. Lejone urged participants to use their business ideas effectively to create enterprises, stressing that the initiative aims to tackle youth unemployment by encouraging youth to generate opportunities rather than rely solely on job-seeking.
He also emphasized the importance of schools engaging in agricultural production for both consumption and sales, to instill practical commercial farming practices and reduce reliance on imports.
Minister of Environment and Forestry Mr. Thabo Mofosi praised the initiative, noting that instilling an entrepreneurial mindset from an early age fosters long-term growth and equips learners with practical skills often overlooked in traditional schooling. He called on teachers to support and sustain such programs.
Acting District Administrator Mr. Moses Mokati said engaging in business drives economic growth, creates jobs and builds financial independence.
Acting District Education Manager Mr. Tabane Mots’oene commended the event, highlighting the need to consider language barriers, as some Basotho may struggle to express themselves in English despite having strong business ideas.
Mrs. Makananelo Kabeli, an accounting teacher from Masitise High School, said the competition has given students confidence to start businesses that will help address unemployment in their communities.
Business supporter Mr. Mokhethi Lets’ela emphasized the importance of confidence in business ideas, describing it as the foundation for turning concepts into clear plans that attract funding and drive long-term growth.
Participant Miss ‘Mamokete Letsie expressed gratitude, saying the event motivated students to bring their business ideas into reality, promoting self-reliance and tackling youth unemployment.
The Minister of Environment and forestry who is also a member of parliament for Moyeni constituency donated M2000 00 to be shared to the top five to represent the district at national level. The money is intended to help the students to buy data in preparation for the national event. He also pledged free accommodation to students and their teachers while preparing for the national.
Similar competitions are being held across districts and are expected to conclude in Mafeteng next week.
Ends/NS/tl
