President Cyril Ramaphosa
By Thabo Mosia
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the growing partnership between South Africa and Lesotho, emphasizing strides in water resource management and the potential for deeper cooperation in energy and economic development. Speaking at the second session of the Lesotho-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Maseru, Ramaphosa highlighted the Lesotho Highlands Water Project as a shining example of collaboration that benefits both nations. With 45 agreements in place, he urged both countries to fully implement these commitments while tackling global challenges together, from energy security to cross-border crime.
Lesotho Highlands Water Project: A Model of Success
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a cornerstone of bilateral ties, was singled out by Ramaphosa as a testament to what South Africa and Lesotho can achieve. This multi-phase initiative delivers water to South Africa’s Gauteng region while generating hydropower for Lesotho. “As neighbours, we have great scope to deepen bilateral cooperation in many areas while maintaining political and economic engagements with all countries. It is our hope that Phase 2 of this project is completed soon,” Ramaphosa said. Phase 2, which includes the Polihali Dam, is set to boost water supply and power generation but has faced delays, with completion now targeted for 2028.
The project not only supports South Africa’s water-scarce regions but also creates jobs and infrastructure in Lesotho, fostering mutual growth. Its success underscores the BNC’s role in driving practical cooperation, a priority as both nations navigate economic pressures and climate change impacts like droughts.
Energy Security: A Shared Priority
Ramaphosa called for closer alignment on energy, stressing that “energy security is critical for our two countries.” With South Africa grappling with load shedding and Lesotho aiming to expand its renewable energy capacity, he proposed joint efforts in electricity generation and just energy transition projects. “We need to redouble our efforts to establish bilateral and regional value chains that are sustainable and economically viable,” he added, pointing to opportunities in solar and hydropower.
Lesotho’s Muela Hydropower Station, part of the Highlands project, already contributes to its energy needs, while South Africa explores green energy to meet its 2030 climate goals. Collaborative projects could include cross-border grid connections or shared renewable energy hubs, reducing reliance on coal and creating jobs in both nations.
Economic Growth Through Minerals and Innovation
Both countries are rich in mineral resources, and Ramaphosa emphasized the need for local beneficiation—processing raw materials domestically to maximize value. “We need to develop strategies within the jurisdictions for critical and rare minerals, which continue to attract global interest,” he said, referencing the global demand for minerals like lithium and cobalt used in batteries. This could position South Africa and Lesotho as key players in the green economy.
He also pushed for diversification, urging investment in logistics hubs, agro-processing facilities, and data centres to support the digital economy. “Lesotho hosts many South African companies and we appreciate the conducive environment in which these corporate entities operate. Investments by Basotho companies in the South African economy need to be further promoted,” Ramaphosa noted, signaling a vision for balanced trade and investment.
Tackling Cross-Border Challenges
Ramaphosa addressed the need for stronger immigration cooperation to ensure secure and efficient movement of citizens. “We need to work together to harmonise measures for the movement of our respective citizens across our borders,” he said. This includes addressing cross-border crimes like illegal mining, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, which threaten both nations. “Our respective authorities should remain seized with the threats posed by global organised crime,” he urged, calling for joint action within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Recent incidents, such as increased smuggling along the South Africa-Lesotho border, highlight the urgency. Collaborative patrols and intelligence sharing could curb these activities, fostering safer communities and stronger ties.
Education and Historical Bonds
Education emerged as a key pillar of cooperation. Ramaphosa called for easier access for Basotho pupils living near South African schools, saying, “We should make it easy for young Basotho pupils, who live a stone’s throw away from schools on the South African side, to be able to go to school.” He also noted the presence of Basotho students in South African universities, contributing skills to Lesotho’s development.
Reflecting on history, Ramaphosa recalled Lesotho’s support during apartheid, when exiled South Africans studied at the National University of Lesotho (Roma). “As South Africa undertook its transition to democracy… Lesotho was there to support us,” he said. Now, South Africa is ready to assist Lesotho’s constitutional and security sector reforms, sharing expertise in judicial capacity and state-building.
A United Vision for the Future
Ramaphosa underscored the shared heritage and destiny of the two nations, urging unity in global forums like SADC, the African Union, and the United Nations. “Let us work together as peace-loving nations… to pursue a just global order founded on multilateralism, human rights and respect for international law,” he said. Reforming global institutions to better serve the Global South was a key theme, reflecting both countries’ advocacy for fairer representation.
The BNC, with its 45 agreements, is a platform to turn this vision into reality. Ramaphosa praised the ministers and officials for their work, expressing confidence that the session’s outcomes will deepen ties. From water to energy, education to security, the partnership aims to uplift both nations’ peoples amidst a challenging global landscape.
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