Limpho Sello
LESOTHO Congress for Democratic Union (LECODU) President Masaletsane Kulehile has called for workers’ wellbeing to be the priority for political parties ahead of the 28 February snap elections.
Mr Kulehile made the remarks at a meeting between LECODU and political party leaders at Lesotho High School yesterday. At the meeting, the parties explained what they have in store for workers in their manifestos should they form government in the upcoming elections.
Parties represented at the meeting included the Reformed Congress for Democracy (RCL), Basotho National Party (BNP), Lesotho People’s Congress (LPC), Basotho African National Congress (BANC) and Mekhoa Le Meetlo ea Basotho.
Mr Kulehile said they called the party leaders to explain what they are offering LECODU as the umbrella body of various workers unions in the country, such as the Lesotho Teachers Association (LAT), Lesotho Workers Association (LEWA) among others.
“As workers representatives, we wanted to meet with you political party leaders to explain on what you have for workers,” Mr Kulehile said.
“It has come to our attention that some of the political parties’ manifestos do not elaborate on issues to do with workers yet we are the ones who implement what is contained in their manifestos.”
On her part, RCL leader Keketso Rantšo said the party’s manifesto spells out that they would ensure workers’ well-being in their places of employment and the implementation of a social security scheme.
“After we become government, we are going to scrutinise workers safety laws and review outdated laws,” Ms Rantšo said.
She said they would ensure that every worker, including shopkeepers in the villages, are paid at least the minimum wage like those who work in the factories and supermarkets.
“We are also going to ensure that in every factory there are clinics where workers can access medical services for free. As RCL, we want to meet workers half way so that they can save their already meagre wages,” she said.
BANC leader Tsebo Monyako also vowed to update labour laws to modern realities if elected, adding that they would ensure relations between government and workers remain harmonious.
Meanwhile, LPC leader Molahlehi Letlotlo said they would support the unions because they play an important role of protecting the workers even though they are regarded in some quarters as troublemakers.
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