By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Lesotho Prime Minister, Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane have held bi-lateral discussions on the progress being made in the Kingdom of Lesotho since the Prime Minister’s ascension to office.
Ramaphosa hosted Prime Minister Matekane at his official residence at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, Pretoria, where they had a bi-lateral discussions.
Both leaders also affirmed their commitment towards strengthening the historic bilateral relations between the two countries.
“The successes recorded thus far towards the conclusion of the national reforms process is encouraging. I believe that, as per the Prime Minister’s undertaking, the new government will expedite its efforts and complete all outstanding matters to finalise the reform process and pass the outstanding Constitutional Amendment Bill, “Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa also expressed his personal commitment and South Africa`s continued readiness to support Basotho on the journey towards the Lesotho that the Basotho want.
He reiterated his well wishes to Matekane for his electoral success and his appointment as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, as well as the formation of the new government.
On bilateral ties and friendship, South Africa attaches immense value to the bilateral cooperation with the Kingdom of Lesotho. In this regard, Ramaphosa undertook to convene the inaugural Bi-National Commission (BNC) at a mutually agreed date in 2023.
The leaders further affirmed their commitments to multilateral institutions, including their support of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).
Ramaphosa voiced his gratitude for the Kingdom’s contribution to SAMIM.
Cross border crime
There have been numerous cases of illegal miners, zama zamas, identified as Basotho. From the meeting between the two leaders, it was agreed that they should join forces in dealing with cross-border crimes and illegal mining.
“Matekane and Ramaphosa further agreed to work together in uprooting the cross-border crime committed by nationals of both countries, the illegal mining menace that has ravaged South Africa and therefore resulting in massive losses of lives of the citizens of both countries.”
Restoration of democracy
Ramaphosa commended the Basotho for holding free and fair elections, which are the cornerstone of democracy.
As SADC’s delegated facilitator in the Lesotho roadmap, he wished to see the fulfilment of the regional bloc’s recommendations.
“The successes recorded thus far towards the conclusion of the national reforms process are encouraging. I believe that, as per the prime minister’s undertaking, the new government will expedite its efforts and complete all outstanding matters to finalise the reform process and pass the outstanding Constitutional Amendment Bill,” said Ramaphosa.