By Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MASERU – The government is under increasing pressure to engage South Africa (SA) on bilateral relations amid rising concerns about the suffering and persecution of Basotho in the neighboring country.
Earlier this week, Hon Katleho Mabeleng moved an urgent motion calling for urgent action, emphasizing the need for the government to engage with that of South Africa, a diplomatic move to protect the rights and welfare of Basotho who face challenges in that country.
Hloahloeng No.64 MP has called on the government to “put in place systems that enhance” Basotho welfare in the neighboring country. He believes this government’s intervention will help address the plight of Basotho who are being “intimidated, chased, displaced, arrested and harassed by the police”.
These developments have been triggered by Operation Dudula, where foreigners without proper documentation are being driven out by residents of that country, with some having their tuck shops forcibly closed. The SA government is also deporting scores of irregular immigrants, including Basotho.
The calls highlight the urgency for the government’s intervention to address the plight of some of its citizens who face persecution and are constantly on the run, as some are irregular migrants in that country. Their problems are further exacerbated by the lack of production of passports and national identity documents (IDs) in their home country.
Videos have been trending on social media showing Basotho vendors fleeing from police patrols targeting foreigners, leaving their tables and stalls of fruits and vegetables unattended.
Seconding the motion, Hon Kobeli Letlailana stated that the government is to blame for the calamities that befall Basotho in South Africa. He accused the government of “wrongly profiling” Basotho who wear blankets, in response to the declaration that some famo gangs, their music, and their attire are illegal.
He suggested that the government should consider deploying Lesotho nationals who speak Zulu and Xhosa to the SA foreign mission to facilitate easier communication and understanding in SA.
The Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Lebona Lephema conceded that what is unfolding in SA is due to lack of working permits adding that the government is “concerned”.
He informed the august house that his Ministry has been in discussions with its counterpart to ensure that Basotho are granted a 90-day visa upon entry into SA. However, this has not materialised, despite announcements made in March this year by Lebona and his then counterpart, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
The Minister said they have negotiated the extension of Lesotho’s Exemption Permit (LEP) and that 54 653 Basotho were eligible to renew adding that “a directive was issued in that regard that Basotho who had applied and are still awaiting feedback should not be arrested and deported”.
Meanwhile, the SA government has previously indicated that it will extend these permits by two years and that only eligible to apply are the 54 653. These permits expired on December 31, 2023 and the new exemption permits issued are set to expire on November 29, 2025 and according to the directive by the SA’s Department of Home Affairs they will not be renewed.
He added that an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between SA and Lesotho- ‘Technical Cooperation on Migration Matters’ is in the pipeline and awaits finalisation and directives. “The Binational Commission (BNC) was signed in July 2023 and was later launched in September same year. One of the decisions for the Ministers responsible for Home Affairs to come up with a lasting Migration Model to address movement challenges.”
Reacting to the motion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Hon. Lejone Mpotjoane addressed concerns about Basotho citizens committing crimes in SA, acknowledging the backlash against Basotho due to their involvement in criminal activities.
In May this year, General Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) reported that ‘Operation VALA Umgondi’, the government’s initiative aimed at preventing, combating, and ultimately stopping illegal mining, continues to make significant strides in cracking down on illicit mining activities across the country. Among those apprehended for their involvement in these illegal activities are Basotho nationals.
This operation is reportedly active in hotspot provinces including Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal.
He noted that these issues stem from incidents where Basotho and individuals of other nationalities were chased away in SA. The Minister highlighted a controversial statement by a South African Minister, suggesting that the police should take any necessary actions as Basotho are “criminals”, promising support for such measures. In response to these incidents, the Minister contacted his South African counterpart, urging them to denounce the statement, and received a commitment to investigate the matter further.
The Minister also mentioned that Lesotho had dispatched diplomats to follow up on these expulsions. They found that those affected in Bloemfontein were there illegally and their passports and work permits were not in order.
Regarding bilateral relations, the Minister explained that although Lesotho and SA were supposed to engage in talks this month, these meetings have been rescheduled to October due to a heavy workload.
He pointed out that Lesotho is currently re-examining its foreign policy to ensure good relations with South Africa and other countries. He also pointed out Lesotho’s unique position as an enclave within South Africa, noting that this situation is due to circumstances, not by choice. While discussions about flexible movement between the two countries continue, they are complicated by the crimes committed by Basotho in SA.