The Deputy Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Small Business, Advocate Jobo Raswoko, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment in strengthening cooperatives as a means to promote inclusive economic growth.

Speaking at District Cooperative Day celebrations held at Lower Moyeni Commercial Area, Mr. Raswoko emphasized that the government has deployed staff at district level to address challenges faced by cooperatives.

He urged members to seize the opportunity to work with the department’s staff, improve production to ensure sustainable growth, address unemployment and reduce Lesotho’s dependency syndrome.

Commissioner of Cooperatives, Mr. Mokheseng Notsi, echoed the importance of cooperatives, noting that many countries rely on them as vital tools for sustainable development and social inclusion.

He expressed concern over the low turnout at this year’s event, which displayed fewer exhibits compared to last year when agricultural produce and handicrafts were showcased in abundance.

He stressed the need to revive cooperatives in the district to combat food insecurity and unemployment.

Representing cooperators, Mrs. ‘Mapoliko Matlatsa of Vukane Ukhethse Poultry Cooperative highlighted the establishment of the Cooperatives Development Fund (CDF), jointly by government and partners to support cooperatives nationwide. She encouraged local cooperatives to join the initiative for growth and sustainability.

The event featured exhibitions of vegetables, soya bean products, aloe-based goods, and handicrafts, which were also sold to attendants. While International Day of Cooperatives is globally marked on the first Saturday of July, Quthing district opted to celebrate earlier to avoid harsh winter conditions.

Image by Newsdesk Lesotho