SANDSTONE MINING BECOMES THE FIRST MINISTRY`S ACTIVITY IN 2019/20

          
      By Rorisang Mahlo

Mr. Makoko Addressing the Hon. Minister.

As the first activity of the year 2019/20, the Minister of Mining, Hon. Keketso Sello, compromised his normal routines of cabinet and office work to show some courtesy and support to the Mining sub-sector that is flooded mostly by indigenous Basotho investors.

The Hon. Minister paid a special visit to all Sandstone Mining Companies at Lekokoaneng and their neighbouring roadside Artisans on the 4^th of April 2019. The objective of this visit was a pure work inspection with an exclusive element of open interaction to share progress, achievements, challenges and creating the means of an open dialogue to iron out all deterrents hampering the business growth.   

In his address, Hon. Sello said one must think out of the box to put bread on the table and to alleviate poverty. He also commended most Basotho owned Sandstone Mining Company Directors for the effort they make other than those who are waiting for an employment opportunity to come their way.

Most importantly, Hon. Sello strongly emphasised that it is the government's desire to see Basotho prosper, hence his visit to address their challenges and map out a better way forward. Adding that, “in order for the country's economy to flourish, it requires people to use their minds, thereby inspiring those who were there to take that as an example,” said the Minister.

In embracing and acknowledging their efforts further, the Hon. Minister said “as a seasoned businessman, believe me, I am impressed that most of these mines are managed by Basotho, adding that they can only grow if they receive sufficient local support.”

However, on the contrary, most Mining Company Directors admitted before the Minister that every journey has its ups and downs.

The Rock-City Production Area

Speaking in an interview with the first company that welcomed the Minister, the Managing Director of Lekokoaneng Sandstone, Mr. Nephtaly Makoko, ironically reported a number of setbacks that they encounter generally as a sub-sector as thus:  “Lack of market for our products, competing with people operating without legitimate mining documentations (reference to Mining Leases) and least, the theft associated with electricity cables which is mostly a very costly and  unfortunate act, as it is done by other Basotho to their fellow countrymen trying to make ends meet.” 

In general, Mr. Makoko and his other Sandstone colleagues conceded that even though Basotho are trying to fight hunger on the Sandstone Mining, but they are all faced with a common challenge of negative stigma attached to building with a sandstone. “There is an old roving negative perception of Basotho, thinking that building with a sandstone is only meant for the rich,” said Mr. Makoko. He further added that, the same perception is the one that has disadvantaged them by expelling their local clients who resorted to building with expensive bricks, hence the lack of local market.

“We strongly like to nullify that perception and we are, therefore, pleading with Basotho to support our businesses, so that we too can grow”, emphasised Mr. Makoko.

At the same time, the roadside Artisans were also summoned together and had a chance to voice out their piece of mind to the Minister of Mining. On their behalf, Mr. Matobako Hlephole, expressed the Artisans mixed feelings caused by their past sad experience with the other Mining Ministers.

“First and foremost as a starving and unemployed Mosotho man, trying to struggle for means to live in our country, we feel very honoured to welcome you in our midst and in our village Hon. Minister, but on the business side, we are trampling with frustration whether you are here to chase us away or support us; please clarify your stance,” said Mr. Matobako.

The Minister had no chance but to allay their fears before anything else as they were adamant that they were not so free to say much if they were not sure of his intentions. After that brief ice-breaking talk, Mr. Matobako melted and shared with Hon. Minister that they have been abandoned and shamefully threatened by the past governments as if they were thieves stealing somebody's property.

The Roadside Artisans in Dialogue with the Hon. Minister

“We have been working under a severe threat of apprehension for displaying our Sandstone products along the road, with the Road Reserve Clause, hence you heard us asking if you are here to chase us away or not”, said Mr. Hlephole. He also told the Hon. Minister that “we felt so lost in our country, while we were not even troubling such governments to hire us collectively as Lekokoaneng Mining Artisans.”

Mr. Hlephole went on to say that all they wanted was support, provided that they are on the right track, and that government should have extended their hand through the existing Large Scale Mining Companies to equip them with a few resources that would boost the natural talent that seems to have so much potential of creating employment opportunities within Lekokoaneng area; “Not to be harassed with a bulldozer which we were threatened that it will be sent over to destroy our merchant here,” said Mr. Hlephole.

Finally, after the efforts of understanding each other and setting the record straight between the Minister and the Lekokoaneng Artisans, the interactive visit was concluded with an agreement that the Artisans will establish their association. The anticipated association is going to be the Ministry`s and everybody`s entry point when there is a need for further assistance or any form of dialogue that is aimed at improving their lives and the socio-economic status in their beloved area.