MASERU - In a bid to empower small businesses and marking the pinnacle of win-a-bakkie campaign by Vodacom Lesotho, Thapelo Molete of Masowe II Maseru won a brand new Toyota Hilux during a ceremony held in Maseru on August 23.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Small Businesses Development, Cooperatives and Marketing, Chalane Phori said that Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) were very essential as he noted that the sector has created jobs for most Basotho.

He said that the government was committed to eradicate hunger and poverty through creation of jobs intended to also improve the economy as stipulated in the National Strategic Development Plan II (NSDP II), and commended Vodacom for giving job opportunities to Basotho through M-Pesa.

He said his department was mandated to lead and coordinate an integrated approach to the promotion and development of entrepreneurship, small businesses and co-operatives, and ensure an enabling legislative and policy environment to support their growth and sustainability. He said it was the government's responsibility to ensure protection of businesses in Lesotho in order to attract investors like Vodacom to come increase the economy.

Speaking at the same event, Vodacom Managing Director, Philip Amoateng said M-Pesa had proven to be a financial service that transforms lives through simplicity, convenience, affordability and security, saying “it has indeed revolutionised the way business is done and it is only a matter of time when it will be used everywhere as a method of payment.”

He expressed gratitude that “the company has created numerous jobs for Basotho, adding that over 5 000 depend on it countrywide in order to earn their living.”