Beyond the Margins - How queer Basotho navigate economic exclusion

Lesotho, with an estimated population of 2 million, faces considerable economic challenges, particularly when it comes to employment. Data from the 2019 Labour Force Survey highlights a national unemployment rate of 22.5%, while youth unemployment sits even higher at 29.1%. However, these figures tell only part of the story. They do not capture the lived realities of those outside traditional gender and sexual identity categories—the LGBTIQ+ community.

As it stands, Lesotho's labour statistics lack inclusive data on sexual orientation and gender identity, creating a blind spot in understanding the economic challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ youth. Without specific insights into this community’s experiences, it is impossible to measure whether queer Basotho are disproportionately affected by economic exclusion. This data gap leaves the struggles of LGBTIQ+ individuals unacknowledged, making it difficult to create effective policies that genuinely address labour market barriers for all.

In response to these challenges, the series, “Beyond the Margins” seeks to share stories of queer Basotho as they navigate economic exclusion and carve out spaces within Lesotho’s economy. Our first story spotlights an environmental activist and entrepreneur, Limpho ‘Tasha’ Thoahlane, the founder of Pheha Plastic. 

This story delves into how Limpho’s journey reflects resilience and a commitment to addressing both economic and environmental challenges.

A spotlight on Pheha Plastic and environmental advocacy

Limpho’s environmental activism journey began with a passion for storytelling and a commitment to sustainable change. Volunteering at the Hub in Morija and Morija Arts Centre, Limpho was inspired to tackle Lesotho’s plastic waste problem by repurposing discarded materials into useful, eco-friendly products.

 “I saw so much plastic waste piling up around us and wanted to find a way to make a real change. Pheha Plastic was born out of that drive—to turn something harmful like single-use plastic into beautiful, useful products that could inspire others to rethink their own impact on the environment.” 

This commitment to practical environmental solutions reflects the impact that eco-friendly businesses can have when they address both ecological preservation and economic empowerment.

Facing challenges and building a vision

Starting Pheha Plastic was far from easy. From sourcing resources to building a network, Limpho overcame each obstacle by focusing on the ultimate goal of environmental impact. “It took creativity and community support, but seeing the potential of waste management kept me motivated,” she reflects. Limpho’s background in Activism Chronicles provided a foundation in mobilising people and effectively communicating important social issues—skills that are invaluable in running a business focused on sustainability.

Circular economy - transforming waste into opportunity

At the heart of Pheha Plastic is the concept of a circular economy. By collecting, sorting, and repurposing single-use plastics, the business seeks to close the loop on waste, turning harmful materials into valuable products. Limpho explains, “It’s about breaking the cycle of ‘use and throw away,’ and creating products that support a sustainable lifestyle.” which is essential for the future of our planet.

Limpho’s initiative is more than a recycling project; it is a step towards reshaping community attitudes around waste. The transformation of plastic waste into usable products highlights the power of recycling initiatives in fostering an eco-conscious society. Each product produced at Pheha Plastic is a testament to the potential of waste management in building a cleaner, more resourceful community.

“Working on Activism Chronicles taught me how to share powerful messages and connect with people on important issues. It’s not just about talking; it’s about action and inspiring others to take that action too. This experience showed me how storytelling can be a tool for change, and that approach is something I bring into my work with Pheha Plastic every day. It was however born way after Pheha Plastic had been established, it is a by-product of all the groundwork of Pheha Plastic.”

Our process starts by collecting single-use plastics, then we sort, shred, and melt them down. From there, we transform what would’ve been waste into new, usable items. Each piece is a reminder of the potential to create something good out of what was discarded, promoting a cleaner and more conscious community. These initiatives can have a massive impact! By showing people that recycling is more than just a buzzword and that we can turn waste into valuable products, it opens eyes to the potential of waste management. It’s a path toward a sustainable future where we value resources more and leave a healthier environment for generations to come.

Entrepreneurship and fostering sustainability

The Sebabatso Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative, which recognised Pheha Plastic for its innovative approach, was a crucial stepping stone. With this funding, Limpho was able to expand operations and demonstrate the tangible benefits of sustainable business practices. For the LGBTIQ+ community in Lesotho, recycling and waste management offer unique pathways to economic empowerment, where entrepreneurship not only creates jobs but promotes self-sufficiency and builds confidence.

Recycling opens doors for anyone with the will to make a change. Waste management can create jobs, foster creativity, and provide a way to earn an income by transforming what others throw away. For marginalised communities, including the LGBTIQ+ community, it’s a way to be part of a movement that’s both eco-friendly and empowering.

Promoting recycling within the LGBTIQ+ community can open doors for queer individuals to be part of a movement that’s both impactful and inclusive.  I know that having spaces where we feel safe and valued can make all the difference. Recycling and waste management can create opportunities for entrepreneurship by turning discarded materials into valuable products, which builds skills, self-confidence, and independence. Being part of the green economy also lets us contribute to something bigger—preserving our planet—while building self-sustainable businesses. It’s a powerful way to show that we can be both environmentally conscious and economically empowered, using our unique voices to create a positive impact.

Collaborating for inclusive environmental solutions

To drive change, Limpho emphasises the need for inclusivity within the green economy, where marginalised groups like the LGBTIQ+ community can contribute to environmental conservation while benefiting economically. “Recycling initiatives can provide queer Basotho with opportunities to build skills, networks, and sustainable income sources,” Limpho shares. By supporting eco-friendly business ventures, LGBTIQ+ individuals can become integral to environmental solutions while reducing stigma and breaking down economic barriers.

To achieve a truly inclusive green economy, Limpho advocates for accessible training programs and funding specifically tailored to empower marginalised communities. These resources would provide the support necessary for LGBTIQ+ entrepreneurs to participate in eco-friendly projects, bridging the gap between economic inclusion and environmental activism.

The LGBTIQ+ community has a unique role to play in environmental conservation by bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to sustainability efforts. Our community knows resilience and adaptability, which are essential in tackling environmental challenges. Recycling initiatives can empower queer Basotho by offering a pathway to financial independence and community building. Through recycling, we’re not only reducing waste but also creating sustainable business opportunities that uplift marginalised voices. These initiatives can help queer individuals gain skills, build networks, and advocate for a healthier environment, making environmental conservation a shared, inclusive effort.

To create inclusive spaces in the green economy, we need to start by recognizing the value that marginalised communities bring to environmental solutions. We can make a real difference by offering accessible training programs, mentorship, and funding specifically aimed at empowering people from these communities to start sustainable businesses or join existing green initiatives. Building partnerships with organisations that support LGBTIQ+ and other marginalised groups can help ensure that these opportunities are widely available. By creating safe spaces where people feel seen and respected, we can make sure that everyone has a seat at the table and can benefit from economic opportunities in the green economy.

Future goals and a greener Lesotho

Limpho envisions Pheha Plastic becoming a hub of environmental education, engaging communities and schools across Lesotho in waste management and sustainability. “Our goal is to show that every small step counts, and that change is within everyone’s reach,” Limpho says.

For young entrepreneurs, Limpho’s advice is simple but impactful: “Embrace sustainability not only as a business model but as a commitment to creating a future where everyone has a purpose and a place.”

Beyond the Margins will continue to spotlight the journeys of queer Basotho like Limpho, who are reshaping Lesotho’s economic landscape despite the challenges of exclusion. Through initiatives like Pheha Plastic, it becomes clear that LGBTIQ+ individuals can lead both social and environmental progress, proving that economic inclusion is not only necessary but achievable.