From Rags to Riches to Politics
Sam Matekane is the new PM of Lesotho
It’s been a while since I wrote here. I think I’ll get back to this.
Therefore, subscribe and share so I can get my dopamine hit.
In October 2022, Lesotho gained a new Prime Minister. A Prime Minister from a political party which was only started six months prior.
I think this is quite an achievement. This is similar to a vision I had once. I daydreamed that I would start a political party and within less than a year I would become the leader of a country, because who doesn’t?
No sarcasm concerning the above by the way. All facts over here.
I digress, in October of 2022 Sam Matekane won the general election in Lesotho. For those who do not follow Sub-Saharan politics, Sam Matekane is a Billionaire from Lesotho. He is now the Prime Minister of Lesotho after starting his political party, the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) six months before winning the election.
This is quite a triumph and something that piqued my interest.
To give a sense of this achievement, the RFP won 56 seats in the national assembly which is only five short of an absolute majority. For a political party that started six months before the election, it is an insane accomplishment.
This is a rag to riches to politics story. Sam was a poor kid from Lesotho who wanted more from his life. He seems like a focused individual who knows what he wants and how to do to get it. He believes the government should be run like a business, maybe he is on to something.
However, like many African nations, Lesotho has challenges ranging from corruption to nepotism, ongoing political instability, and continued poverty. These are all topics Sam has iterated he aims to rectify. But this will be no easy task as Lesotho ranks among the poorest nations in the world.
Furthermore, he is seen as a messiah in Lesotho. He has a story that resonates with his fellow citizens and demonstrates what can be achieved by someone from a similar background. He is a philanthropist with a helicopter and private jet.
A first for someone from Lesotho.
He has built schools, a stadium, and a theatre. He funds scholarships and sponsors the national football confederation. He was a central figure in assisting the Lesotho government during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It’s hard not to see this person as the one who could save you. He reminds me of someone else, namely Patrice Motsepe.
I have always figured South Africans would welcome Patrice Motsepe to run for President of the country. It’s hard to vote against someone who has shown they can deliver success. It would kind of be a “hey, why not” you know?
Hence my interest in Sam, I think he is a clear example of what can occur when a government fails its people. As conservative as South Africa is, my feeling is it would welcome someone or a political party led by someone they think can deliver. Nothing can beat a proven track record. Even if it is not the most practical answer.
I’ll keep an eye on Sam and the RFP over the next while.