Makananelo Manamolela
THE News Café restaurant at Maseru Mall was officially launched this week amid a glittering cocktail reception attended by prominent figures from business, politics and the legal fraternity.
The scintillating event featured a melodic live performance by saxophonist Morizo, who set an elegant tone for the evening as guests mingled and celebrated the arrival of the popular franchise in Lesotho’s capital.
Among those in attendance were former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development Mokhethi Shelile, several principal secretaries from different ministries, and a number of lawyers who are close associates of the News Café Maseru franchise owner, Advocate Molise Ramaili.
The Chief Executive Officer of Fournews Developments, founders and owners of the News Café Group, Ryan Pellat, said the launch of the Maseru franchise coincided with the group’s 30th anniversary.
He said the group was keen to expand further within Southern Africa, noting that the Maseru opening was about more than just adding another outlet.
“This is not only about opening a store. It is about aiming higher and competing with global concepts, mentioning the likes of Dubai, the United States and London,” Mr Pellat said.
“The first step in putting a project like this together is not only having a location, but identifying a great position with an angle that chases our vision.”
He expressed gratitude to all partners who played a key role in turning the vision into a successful final project.
Adv Ramaili and his wife, Mpoetsi Malisemelo Ramaili, told guests that their journey with News Café began 23 years ago, when they first encountered the brand while still dating.
“As a young couple back then, we loved travelling around the world. We happened to travel to Bloemfontein and walked into the News Café restaurant there. We were so regaled by this restaurant to the extent that we claimed it as ours,” Ms Ramaili said.
She recalled how they were approached by an individual while dining, to whom they opened up about their dream of one day owning a similar establishment — only to later discover that he was one of the founders of the franchise.
She said the founder shared the humble beginnings of News Café and encouraged them to dream big, later extending a dinner invitation where they were treated with exceptional hospitality.
“From that time to 2020, when we started serious conversations towards opening the restaurant, it feels like a dream come true,” she said.
Ms Ramaili expressed gratitude for a journey that had challenged them, strengthened them as a couple and revealed the depth of support around them.
Adv Ramaili echoed the sentiments, saying the road had not been easy and that hard work and perseverance were essential pillars of success.
“Even if the establishment is world-class, we want to bring to it the feel of Basotho.
“We want a Lesotho nation brand to be driven by News Café. That is why we invited Sotho kids during the opening — we believe in creativity and in empowering the youth,” he said.
He said News Café Maseru has already created 54 permanent jobs, noting that this figure only reflects direct employment. He added that indirect opportunities — including taxi drivers, security personnel and service providers — raise the total number of beneficiaries to about 80.
Speaking on behalf of one of the funders and partners, First National Bank Lesotho chief executive officer, Delekaszi Mokebe, said the bank strongly supports franchises because they operate on proven business concepts, despite challenges seen in the sector in recent years.
She advised the owners that discipline, strong governance, passion and hands-on involvement were crucial for success.
“If you are not in it day in and day out, the chances of it flourishing and succeeding are very low,” she said.
Minister Shelile welcomed the opening of the establishment, saying he was confident in its success given the Ramaili family’s reputation for hard work and business acumen.
He urged employees to take ownership of the business and help it grow, warning that its collapse would mean the loss of their jobs.
“To you, the Ramailis, take care of your employees. Do not turn them into slaves. When they work overtime, pay them,” he said.
Mr Shelile added that he wanted the business to succeed so that more Basotho could benefit, noting that many similar ventures had collapsed in the past. He concluded by urging all stakeholders to uphold the dignity of the country so that international franchises would continue to invest in Lesotho.
The celebrations did not end with the formal launch. An after-party kicked off in the evening, with South African DJ Fresh belting out killer tunes as patrons danced and partied until the wee hours of Friday morning.