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SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT
Lesotho: A Supportive Environment For Work And Leisure
The Government of Lesotho is committed to an aggressive programme of industrialisation through private sector investment by local and foreign companies. To maximise this investment it has created structures which will minimise bureaucracy leaving companies free to concentrate on their primary objectives of growth and profitability. It is also committed to creating an environment conducive to a happy and rewarding lifestyle.
Lesotho National Development Corporation
In order to effectively meet this daunting challenge for rapid industrialisation, literally from first base at independence in 1966, the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) was set up in 1967.
The LNDC mandate is to “initiate, promote and facilitate the development of manufacturing and processing industries, mining and commerce in a manner calculated to raise the level of income and employment in Lesotho.”
LNDC is 90% owned by the Lesotho Government and 10% by the German Finance Company for Investments in Developing Countries (DEG), an agency of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The Corporation is structured to operate as a “One Stop Service”, and to provide for the needs of an investor through its various professional divisions. It will liase with government departments and other parastatals to ensure that the necessary permits and services are forthcoming on a timeous basis. This reduces, substantially, the lead time between indication to invest and the actual procurement of necessary approvals/services required to commence business.
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Work Permits
Work permits for company directors and management team are granted automatically. Where specialised technology or skills are required and suitably qualified Basotho are not available, non citizens may be employed subject to obtaining work permits from the Ministry of Employment, as well as residence permits from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The LNDC will assist if requested, in processing applications with those ministries.
Personal Income Tax
The Income Tax Act was amended with effect from April 1, 1996 to reflect a reduced tax rate for individuals. The new formula is as follows:
Deduction of a non-refundable personal credit of M2,640 from tax liability.
First M30,000 @ 25%
Over M30,000 @ 35%
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The Quality of Life
It is important to most prospective industrialists that their management and staff not only enjoy good working conditions, but also a pleasant living and recreational environment. Lesotho, a land of majestic natural beauty, has a lot to offer.
Housing
There is stock of good quality housing available and rental rates are reasonable.
Education
Schools of high educational standard at primary, secondary and high school level are available throughout the country. In addition, Maseru has some well established international schools while Roma, the National University offers degree courses in a wide variety of faculties such as commerce, law, accounting, administration, economics and science.
The Institute of Development Management offers courses in management, finance and administration while the Centre for Accounting Studies trains financial experts. There are specialised institutes which provide training in secretarial courses, bookkeeping, nursing, building, carpentry, joinery, motor mechanics, plumbing, electronics, laboratory technician work, agriculture and agricultural engineering.
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Medical Facilities
Lesotho is served by a network of hospitals, clinics and health centres which provide basic facilities throughout most of the country.
A flying doctor service is provided for the remote mountainous areas while patients needing specialised medical treatment not available in Lesotho are referred to hospitals in the neighbouring Republic of South Africa.
Also, a new private hospital with referral facilities has been opened in Lesotho to ensure the availability of high medical standards in the country.
Shopping
All major town centres offer banking facilities and supermarkets and are within easy reach of Maseru which has a variety of chain stores, supermarkets, boutiques and entertainment. Food and other consumer durables are available at competitive prices.
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Hotels and Restaurants
Lesotho’s hospitality and tourist infrastructure is fairly sophisticated and well established. International chains, such as Sun International have set up hotels in the capital and together with independent hotels and restaurants offer dining, dancing and gambling. In addition self-catering “Alpine” lodges where guests can enjoy peace and solitude provide a leisure experience rather than just a room to sleep in.
Car Rental Agencies
Major car rental agencies in the country include Avis, Budget, Hertz and Executive Hire.
Travel Agencies
Execu Travel (Pty) Ltd
Tel: +266 22325113
+266 22320527
City Centre Maseru Travel
Tel: +266 22310662
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Sporting Activities
Swimming either at the hotels/lodges or in the crystal clear mountain rivers, tennis, cricket, horse racing, squash, golf and football are some of the sports facilities available. Trout fishing, mountain climbing and pony trekking on sure-footed Basotho ponies are some of the other outdoor activities that the sunny Lesotho climate permits. One can also opt to hunt dinosaur’s footprints in the mountains or seek curios in the towns as well as watch traditional dancing in the villages.
Every year Lesotho is host to the famous “Roof of Africa” car rally which follows the hairpin bends in the Maluti Mountains and ends in Maseru. It is to be noted in this regard that not only does Lesotho boast the highest mountain peak in Southern Africa, the 3842 m Thabana Ntlenyana on the Majestic Mountain Range, but virtually two thirds is covered by the awe inspiring Maluti Mountains with their precipitous slopes, deep crevasses and beautiful valleys.
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