Hopolang Mokhopi

THE Maputsoe based, Reflex Footwear Factory, has expanded its operations by opening another factory in order to increase its daily production capacity.

The firm currently produces 10,500 pairs of school shoes and 9000 slippers.

The expansion will also create over 100 additional jobs for Basotho.

The Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) welcomed the development as part of its ongoing efforts to revive factories that closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am honoured that Reflex Footwear has now opened a third factory. LNDC prioritizes investment attraction, not only to retain existing investors but also to expand operations and create more jobs,” LNDC interim chief executive officer said.

The Moselinyane Member of Parliament, Tommy Tayob, thanked Reflex Footwear’s director, Dion Dolphant, for his commitment to employing Basotho. He urged employees to work collaboratively with management to resolve workplace challenges.

Minister of Trade, Industry, and Business Development, Mokhethi Shelile, reiterated the government’s dedication to job creation. He emphasized the importance of reopening and expanding industries to bring back Basotho who have sought employment abroad.

Reflex Footwear’s human resource manager, Simon Ramphoma, who has worked with the company for over 15 years, reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining infrastructure and expanding employment opportunities.

“We produce 10,500 shoes daily for export to South Africa, and our goal is to increase production even further,” he said.

Mr Dolphant expressed gratitude for the opportunity to operate in Lesotho, highlighting the country’s valuable resources, such as water, which benefited the industry.

“The Kingdom of Lesotho has valuable resources that can support industrial growth. It is a privilege to create job opportunities for hundreds of people,” he said.

A worker and Health and Safety representative at Reflex Footwear, ‘Mampabaleng Masilo, spoke on behalf of her colleagues, expressing excitement about the expansion.

“This will provide many Basotho with job opportunities and enable us to put food on the table,” she said, thanking management for their dedication to the workforce.