The Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development, Mr. Mokhethi Shelile says the government is committed in promoting domestic investment.
He said this when addressing the media at a press conference organised by Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) held in Maseru on Thursday.
The press conference was meant to iron out issues of Ace Apparel Pty Ltd in Maputsoe whose management disappeared on employees this week as well as Enrich Store closure, thus leaving many Basotho without jobs.
According to Minister Shelile, they (government) learnt with shock disappearance of Ace Apparel management (foreign investors) without them notifying government, LNDC nor staff. He added all is being done to establish their whereabouts, noting they already have a tip off.
However, he cautioned employees that him and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Tšeliso Mokhosi visited the firm on Wednesday and have allayed fears of staff, saying in a bid to safe more than 1000 jobs, government has already secured an investor, who will ensure smooth running of the business including paying this month (December) salaries.
“We want to make sure staff goes to Christmas holidays with their salaries including preservation of their jobs next year,” he stressed.
Speaking about the closure of Enrich Store, he said it is not true that government will no longer be helping Enrich Store as rumours have said but mentioned that processes are on the way to sign agreement with Enrich as it will be given money (loan) so that Basotho jobs can be protected.
However, he noted that issues of Enrich gym that is to be liquidated on Friday is a different story to that of the store as the government had initially committed to it when Enrich approached it.
Therefore, he also allayed fears of more than 6000 Basotho who had invested in this store, saying there shall be light at the end of the tunnel.
However, he said going forward government with the support of LNDC will ensure that the new management of the store is supported administratively wise as such is key area that contributed to the downfall of the entity.
Also speaking, LNDC Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Advocate Molise Ramaili reiterated that in line with the corporation’s strategic plan, they remain committed in supporting domestic investment for growth and development of Lesotho’s economy hence their support to the store.
Therefore, he is adamant that once all is well with Enrich and Ace, occurrences of these nature will not happen again as they are also planning to put up more measures, strategies and funds that will make things work more better for the interest of Basotho.
The presser was attended by both state and private media entities. It comes after the launch of ‘SEBABATSO,’ government initiative meant to promote and sustain youth businesses.
Source: LENA 14/12/2023
