His Majesty King Letsie III highlighted the ongoing scrutiny faced by the nation concerning its socio-economic landscape.
Speaking at a gathering of young individuals representing various higher learning institutions in Maseru on Wednesday, His Majesty addressed countless pressing issues plaguing the country.
Among the challenges outlined by His Majesty include soaring unemployment rates, escalating violence, rampant alcohol and drug abuse, the looming threat of climate change, and the alarming prevalence of youth depression.
Stressing the disproportionate impact on the youth demographic, he stressed the urgent need for concerted efforts to tackle these issues head-on.
Despite Lesotho commemorating its 200-year milestone, His Majesty cautioned against complacency, noting that significant work remains to achieve true national harmony.
He called for a political system that caters to the needs of all Basotho, irrespective of their affiliations or familial connections.
During a question and answer session, students voiced concerns regarding challenges faced in higher learning institutions, including annual strikes due to delayed funding from the National Manpower Development Secretariat (NMDS) and the relevance of academic courses to the current job market.
Additionally, allegations of political favouritism in employment opportunities were raised, with one student from the National University of Lesotho (NUL), and from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) highlighting the detrimental impact on the lives of young people.
In response, His Majesty affirmed his office’s commitment to addressing societal issues, including education, through collaborative efforts with the government.
While acknowledging the government’s primary role in administrative matters, he reiterated the importance of his office’s engagement in various programs aimed at tackling these challenges.
The question and answer session, organized as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebrations, served as a platform to remind young people of their significance in national development and to encourage the preservation of cultural norms.
As Lesotho continues to grapple with socio-economic challenges, the dialogue between His Majesty King Letsie III and the youth justifies the ongoing efforts to address these issues and the importance of engaging the younger generation in shaping the nation’s future.
Source: LENA 06/02/2024
