Seabata Mahao
In a move to improve their livelihoods through improved wool production, the office of Prime Minister Samuel Matekane handed over 484 sheep to 44 shepherds from Mafeteng and Mohale’s Hoek districts.
Each shepherd was assigned ten merino ewes and one ram to improve their flocks, under this government’s project, which kicked last year. Leribe, Berea and Butha-Buthe shepherds have already received 1 188 sheep.
After multiplying their small stock, the shepherds will then give back three ewes to be passed on to other shepherds to do the same exercise.
During a recent handover ceremony in Mohale’s Hoek, Prime Minister Matekane said that the government is committed to empowering shepherds in remote areas of the country. He expressed confidence that the donated livestock would overturn the fortunes of the shepherds for the better.
Matekane implored the rest of the citizenry to increase national wool production to take advantage of the country’s international reputation of producing high-quality wool.
“I urge you fellow herdsmen to protect these sheep given to you so that it would change your lives and that of other villagers. These are not eating, but they are seeds for you to grow your own businesses,” Matekane stated.
On behalf of the herdsmen, Tumisang Ramookho conveyed special thanks to the government of Lesotho for the support, pledging to safeguard their acquired livestock.
