Lesotho urges SA to help reverse economic costs of colonialism, apartheid
Lesotho urges SA to help reverse economic costs of colonialism as the Mountain Kingdom renewed calls for South Africa to acknowledge and address historical injustices that it says continue to shape its economic challenges. Speaking during a media briefing in Maseru, Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Limpho Tau, argued that South Africa has a moral responsibility to assist Lesotho in overcoming decades of poverty and underdevelopment linked to colonialism, migrant labour policies and apartheid-era military actions.
Tau’s remarks came after a meeting with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola in Pretoria, where both governments discussed strengthening bilateral ties and creating a framework for future cooperation. Central to the discussions were longstanding grievances over colonial land dispossession, the exploitation of Basotho workers in South African mines, and compensation linked to apartheid-era raids.
Lesotho-South Africa relations take centre stage
The latest discussions mark an important chapter in Lesotho-South Africa relations, which have historically been shaped by geography, economics and politics.
Lesotho is entirely surrounded by South Africa, making economic cooperation between the two countries essential. Thousands of Basotho cross the border for employment, education, healthcare and business, while South Africa remains Lesotho’s largest trading partner.
Despite these close ties, Lesotho maintains that historical policies introduced during colonial and apartheid rule created long-term economic disadvantages that continue to affect the country’s growth today.
Tau said the relationship between the two neighbours stretches back nearly two centuries to the reign of King Moshoeshoe I, whose leadership helped establish the Basotho nation during a period of regional conflict and colonial expansion.
He argued that the effects of those historical events cannot be separated from present-day economic realities.
Colonial land dispossession remains a key grievance
One of the principal issues raised by Tau was colonial land dispossession.
According to the minister, Basotho communities lost vast areas of fertile agricultural land during the nineteenth century as colonial expansion reshaped southern Africa.
The loss of productive farmland had significant consequences for food production, livestock farming and long-term economic development.
Agriculture had traditionally formed the backbone of Basotho society, supporting rural livelihoods and ensuring food security.
Tau argued that losing access to these fertile lands weakened Lesotho’s economic base while strengthening the economies developing across the border.
He said understanding this historical context is essential when discussing modern economic inequalities between the two neighbouring countries.
Labour migration history shaped Lesotho’s economy
Another major issue highlighted by Tau involves Lesotho’s labour migration history.
Following the discovery of diamonds in Kimberley and gold on the Witwatersrand during the late nineteenth century, British colonial authorities introduced taxes that forced many Basotho men to seek employment in South African mines.
Because taxes had to be paid in cash, thousands of men left their villages to work in mining operations across the border.
While this labour contributed significantly to South Africa’s industrial development, Tau argued that it deprived Lesotho of workers needed for farming, local businesses and domestic economic growth.
Over time, Lesotho became heavily dependent on remittances sent home by migrant workers.
Although these wages supported many families, the country’s broader economy became increasingly reliant on labour exports instead of developing diversified industries.
Tau believes this historical pattern continues to influence Lesotho’s economic structure today.
Apartheid-era raids still resonate
Tau also revisited the painful legacy of apartheid-era raids carried out by the South African Defence Force.
One of the most significant incidents occurred in December 1982, when South African forces launched a raid on Maseru that killed more than 40 people.
The attacks targeted members of liberation movements but also resulted in civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
Tau noted that the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolutions 527 and 580 calling on apartheid South Africa to compensate Lesotho and victims affected by these military operations.
According to Tau, those obligations have never been fully honoured.
He said compensation remains an important issue in bilateral discussions and forms part of Lesotho’s broader call for historical justice.
Proposal for a stronger bilateral partnership
Rather than focusing solely on historical grievances, Tau said both governments agreed to pursue practical solutions.
Lesotho will prepare a comprehensive policy document outlining its expectations for future cooperation with South Africa.
The proposed framework aims to strengthen economic partnerships, expand trade opportunities and encourage investment capable of creating sustainable employment.
Tau said the document will also outline measures that South Africa could consider in helping Lesotho overcome historical disadvantages while promoting mutual prosperity.
The proposal reflects Lesotho’s desire to transform difficult historical conversations into constructive economic cooperation.
Officials hope future discussions will focus on long-term development rather than past disputes alone.
Lesotho economic development remains a priority
Improving Lesotho economic development remains one of the government’s highest priorities.
Despite progress in sectors including textiles, water exports and renewable energy, the country continues to face challenges such as high unemployment, widespread poverty and limited industrial diversification.
Government leaders argue that regional cooperation offers one of the best opportunities for sustainable growth.
Greater investment in infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism and cross-border trade could generate employment while reducing dependence on migrant labour.
Tau stressed that economic development should benefit both countries by creating a stronger regional economy built on partnership and shared prosperity.
Basotho contribution to South Africa remembered
Tau also reminded South African leaders of the important role Basotho played during South Africa’s liberation struggle.
Lesotho provided support and refuge to many individuals opposed to apartheid despite facing significant political and military pressure.
According to Tau, these sacrifices should remain part of discussions concerning future bilateral cooperation.
He argued that recognising this shared history provides an opportunity to build stronger diplomatic relations based on mutual respect and understanding.
Rather than reopening old divisions, Tau believes acknowledging historical contributions can strengthen future partnerships.
Safety concerns ahead of planned demonstrations
Beyond historical and economic issues, Tau confirmed that discussions also addressed the safety of Basotho citizens living and working in South Africa.
The concerns follow announcements of planned anti-immigration demonstrations expected to take place in several South African cities.
Thousands of Basotho depend on employment opportunities across the border or regularly travel between the two countries for business and family reasons.
Tau said Lamola assured him that South African authorities were preparing to maintain law and order while protecting residents and visitors.
Security agencies remain on high alert ahead of the planned demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Lesotho’s diplomatic missions in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Klerksdorp and Welkom continue monitoring developments closely.
Tau encouraged Basotho citizens to remain calm while avoiding areas where demonstrations may occur.
Strengthening regional cooperation
Analysts note that the issues raised extend beyond Lesotho alone.
Questions surrounding historical inequality, regional integration and economic justice continue to shape discussions across Southern Africa.
As members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), both countries share important responsibilities in promoting economic integration, infrastructure development and regional stability.
Improved cooperation could strengthen trade, encourage investment and create new opportunities benefiting communities on both sides of the border.
Constructive dialogue may therefore prove essential in addressing both historical grievances and modern development challenges.
Looking ahead
The coming months are expected to determine whether the discussions between Lesotho and South Africa produce concrete outcomes.
Much will depend on the policy document Lesotho plans to present outlining its proposals for compensation, economic cooperation and future bilateral relations.
While some issues remain politically sensitive, both governments appear committed to maintaining dialogue.
If successful, the negotiations could establish a new framework for cooperation focused on economic development, regional integration and historical reconciliation.
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Final thoughts
Lesotho urges SA to help reverse economic costs of colonialism by linking historical injustices to present-day development challenges and calling for meaningful economic cooperation. Through discussions on Lesotho-South Africa relations, colonial land dispossession, labour migration history, and apartheid-era raids, Lesotho hopes to establish a more balanced partnership that promotes sustainable growth and regional prosperity.
As both governments continue negotiations, the outcome could shape not only future diplomatic relations but also broader conversations about historical accountability and economic development across Southern Africa.
References
- GroundUp – Lesotho seeks compensation and economic support from South Africa
https://groundup.org.za/article/lesotho-seeks-compensation-and-economic-support-from-south-africa/ - allAfrica – Lesotho Seeks Compensation and Economic Support From South Africa
https://allafrica.com/stories/202606260293.html - News24 – South Africa News and Politics
https://www.news24.com/
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