Limkokwing signs MoU with Ministry of Small Businesses, Co-operatives and Marketing
Limkokwing University Lesotho signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Small Businesses, Co-operatives and Marketing to further develop and promote Lesotho’s small businesses.
The Minister of Small Businesses, Co-operatives and Marketing Honourable Mr. Chalane Phori officiated the ceremony on 7 February 2019 at the Maseru campus. Also present was the Ministry’s Principal Secretary Honourable Mr. Lerata Pekane, Limkokwing Registrar Mr. Moroka Hoohlo and the University’s Regional Director, Marketing and Recruitment Ms. Marcia Mangadi to mention a few.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ms. Marcia Mangadi said the partnership is a culmination of the University’s continuous efforts to work closely with Lesotho’s industries in ensuring Limkokwing students graduate industry ready.
“As the University, we also believe that we should be preparing our graduates to become employers and not employees and therefore a collaboration of this nature with the Ministry, will also bring a wider interaction between small and medium business enterprises and our students,” she added.
In his address the University Registrar, Mr. Moroka Hoohlo said the Ministry will harness Limkokwing University’s expertise in the development and promotion of Lesotho Small Business and enterprise sector.
“This partnership will further comprise of enterprise support and development, enterprise incubation and mentorship programs, trainings, capacity building and skills development and skills development for SMMEs, joint marketing and promotional efforts or initiatives, formalizing the informal sector for sustainable growth, internship and apprenticeship programs and design, branding and promotion of local products and Buy Local Campaigns.” Moroka stated.
The Honorable Minister of Small Businesses, Co-operatives and Marketing, Hon. Chalane Phori stated that the ministry aims to cooperate with local companies to promote the wellbeing of Basotho entrepreneurs and Lesotho’s economic growth.
He also highlighted that one of their core aims is to inspire Basotho to work as a collective in creatively solving problems to achieve the highest quality of solutions.
The ministry and the office of the economic advisor of the Honorable Prime Minister have purchased a toothpick producing machine which will be operated by trained Basotho entrepreneurs.
“After the signing of today’s MOU, Limkokwing University’s first assignment will be to design and produce packaging of high quality, through its students which will better promote the Lesotho made toothpick brand. We would like to see more of Lesotho’s brands on retail shelves around Lesotho and beyond.”
Hon. Chalane also stated that he wishes to experience a Lesotho whereby Basotho are economically free and are proud of their nationality because the government supports Basotho’s economic and entrepreneurial growth. Furthermore, he stated that Basotho need to work towards changing their mindset towards growth, stating that Basotho need to hold hands and work together in order to see a better Lesotho.
