Hopolang Mokhopi
THE expansion of Joans Enterprise factory in Maputsoe will create between 650 and 700 new jobs for Basotho, the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) has announced.
The expansion is part of the ongoing #ReBulaLifeme (we are opening factories) initiative led by the LNDC in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development.
Speaking at the launch event on Friday, LNDC interim Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Molise Ramaili, said the factory initially employed 150 workers but has now grown to 700 employees.
“We are already considering another location where we plan to expand further and employ an additional 700 Basotho,” Adv Ramaili said.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development, Mokhethi Shelile, said the government continues to engage with American partners to strengthen trade relations, particularly concerning goods entering Lesotho.
“We are awaiting feedback on how Southern African countries, including Lesotho, will collaborate with them,” Mr Shelile said.
He said the expansion of Joans Enterprise and the upcoming launch of another factory are expected to create new opportunities and contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth.
“With the government’s continued support and LNDC’s efforts to attract investors, Lesotho is poised to make significant strides in industrial development.”
Joans Enterprise Floor Manager, Selinah Mpakathe, shared that the factory began as a small operation with 180 employees. By 2022, it had expanded to employ 350 workers, and by March 2025, another 350 jobs were added, bringing the total to 700.
Ms Mpakathe praised management for their dedication in seeking new markets to sustain the factory’s growth.
“We initially produced shirts, then mechanical suits, and later expanded to all kinds of clothing,” Ms Mpakathe said.
She thanked her boss, noting that without his leadership, the factory wouldn’t have achieved its current success.
Joans Enterprise Manager, Manoj Rooplall, expressed gratitude to Minister Shelile, Minister of Public Services Stephen Mputi (who is the MP for Maputsoe), and Adv Ramaili for their support in securing the building that enabled the company’s growth and job creation.
“We look forward to future growth with the support of the Minnesota government in the textile industry. We also thank our customers and stakeholders for their continued support,” Mr Rooplall said.