Makananelo Manamolela

THE Spelling A Business Africa (SABA) has transformed the lives of five university and college students after awarding them substantial funding to launch their business ventures.

The competition, whose finals were held at Victory Hall in Maseru over the weekend, saw five students walk away with prizes ranging from M20,000 to M100,000.

In addition to the cash awards, winners also received medals and trophies after successfully competing in rounds that tested their knowledge of business-related terminology and concepts.

It is the brainchild of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations and founder of the Hololo Development Foundation, Lejone Mpotjoane,

Speaking at the event, Mr Mpotjoane said the initiative aims to challenge the long-held belief that education should only lead to formal employment.

“With this platform, we give tertiary students the opportunity to present their business ideas and ensure that they get the minimum resources needed to start. When they graduate, we want them to already be running businesses, employing others, and becoming chief executive officers of their own enterprises,” he said.

He noted that Lesotho faces a growing challenge of graduates struggling to find employment after completing their studies, adding that SABA seeks to address this issue by promoting entrepreneurship.

“This initiative is far bigger than us and even bigger than this country. We want it to grow beyond borders. Soon, we will host regional competitions where participants from different countries will share ideas and perspectives. Exposure will help them grow,” he said.

Mr Mpotjoane also commended lecturers for their role in preparing students and assured participants that they can enter the competition multiple times, as there is no limit.

“The winners will be coached, mentored, and closely monitored. We want these businesses to succeed, not just to hand out money,” he added.

The grand finale was attended by Deputy Prime Minister, Nthomeng Majara, who congratulated all participants, describing them as winners for reaching the final stage.

“This initiative will produce the best business minds. As you grow and diversify, you will also create jobs for others, because not everyone will become an entrepreneur,” Ms Majara said.

Also present was the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Yang Xiaokun, who congratulated participants and pledged fully funded business training in China for the top three winners to equip them with skills to grow their enterprises.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative, John Kennedy Mosoti, said youth-driven business ideas have the potential to benefit both individuals and the country.

“We are proud to partner with SABA. Young people have the energy, vision, and drive — our role is to create space for them to thrive,” he said.

Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, encouraged participants to value their educational journey.

“Being in tertiary education is already an achievement. This initiative recognises the efforts of parents and students and supports their future. As ambassadors of this programme, your conduct should reflect positively,” Prof Rapapa said.

First prize winner, Reabetsoe Mapola of Botho University, who walked away with M100,000, said her success was the result of dedication and preparation.

“I started preparing as soon as I heard about the competition. We had a mini version at school to understand what was expected. I received strong support from my mother and the school, but I also worked hard — writing and refining business proposals and practising consistently,” Ms Mapola said.

Her business, REA’S Release, focuses on crocheted products made from locally sourced materials. She explained that her idea addresses environmental pollution by recycling worn-out clothing into reusable yarn.

“I also aim to train other young people and introduce them to the crochet market,” she said, adding that part of her prize money will be used to purchase machinery to improve production.

Botho University’s Student and Alumni Affairs representative, Mopone Lebesa, said the institution hopes to see more students participating in such initiatives, as they align with its vision of producing competitive graduates who contribute meaningfully to society.

SABA representative, Sefali Matsoso, thanked sponsors for investing in young entrepreneurs and nurturing ambition.

The top five winners are:

• Reabetsoe Mapola (Botho University) – M100,000
• Thabo Thamae (Limkokwing University of Creative Technology) – M75,000
• Lisemelo Mphutlane (National University of Lesotho) – M50,000
• Bokang Mpholo (National University of Lesotho) – M30,000
• Thato Latela (Centre for Accounting Studies) – M20,000

Sponsors of the competition included WFP, LHDA, UNDP, UNFPA, Econet, Lesotho Times, Mohale FM and the Ministry of Education and Training.