South Africa and Lesotho
By Thabo Mosia
South Africa and Lesotho are strengthening their bilateral ties at the second session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Maseru, where high-level discussions are fostering collaboration on trade, security, infrastructure, and regional cooperation. President Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by 15 South African ministers, is co-chairing the session with Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, building on the inaugural BNC held in Pretoria in September 2023. The two nations are leveraging their shared history and economic interdependence to address mutual challenges and promote prosperity in the Southern African region.
A Platform for Collaboration
The South Africa–Lesotho Bi-National Commission, elevated to its current status in 2022, serves as a vital platform for constructive dialogue and strategic partnerships. “The elevation of bilateral cooperation to a BNC level in 2022 was a recognition of the solid foundation upon which relations between the two countries are founded. Further, it is a practical demonstration of the two countries’ resolve that cooperation in various sectors should benefit all,” the South African Presidency stated. The BNC facilitates engagements on critical areas such as trade, economic cooperation, border management, security, infrastructure development, health, and education.
The second session, preceded by the Meeting of Senior Officials (SOM) and the Council of Ministers Meeting on 22 April 2025, aims to deepen these ties. Discussions focus on fostering stronger political relations, deepening economic cooperation, reviewing outcomes from the 2023 inaugural session, and addressing regional and global issues of mutual concern. The BNC offers both nations an opportunity to leverage each other’s strengths, overcome challenges, and enhance regional integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
President Ramaphosa’s Working Visit
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s working visit to Maseru on 23 April 2025 underscores South Africa’s commitment to strengthening ties with Lesotho. Accompanied by a high-powered delegation of 15 ministers, including those from International Relations and Cooperation, Trade, Industry and Competition, and Water and Sanitation, Ramaphosa is co-chairing the BNC with Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane. The delegation’s composition reflects the broad scope of the discussions, which span economic, social, and security priorities.
The Presidency highlighted South Africa’s goal to promote greater solidarity among Southern African nations amid global geopolitical shifts. “South Africa will use the upcoming session of the BNC to promote greater solidarity among countries of the region and the South in the light of geopolitical shifts,” the statement read. This aligns with South Africa’s broader foreign policy objectives of fostering African unity and advancing the African Agenda, particularly within the SADC framework.
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project: A Strategic Priority
A key focus of the BNC is the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), a flagship initiative that underscores the deep interdependence between South Africa and Lesotho. The LHWP, one of the largest water transfer schemes in the world, supplies water to South Africa’s Gauteng province while generating hydropower for Lesotho. Phase I, completed in 2003, delivers approximately 780 million cubic metres of water annually to South Africa. Phase II, currently under construction, aims to increase this capacity and includes the construction of the Polihali Dam and a 38-kilometre transfer tunnel.
“South Africa will also underscore the strategic importance of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) and highlight a need to expedite the speedy implementation of Phase II of the project, taking into consideration the agreed timelines and allocated budget,” the Presidency said. Delays in Phase II, originally slated for completion in 2027, have raised concerns due to funding challenges and logistical issues. The BNC discussions aim to address these hurdles, ensuring the project remains on track to meet the water and energy needs of both nations.
The LHWP is not only a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation but also a symbol of mutual benefit. For South Africa, it supports water security in its economic heartland, while for Lesotho, it provides revenue through water royalties and electricity generation. The project has also created thousands of jobs, particularly in Lesotho’s highlands, and is expected to drive further economic growth as Phase II progresses.
Economic Cooperation and Job Creation
Economic cooperation is at the heart of the BNC, with both nations seeking to create a conducive environment for trade and investment. “Many South African companies have made significant investments in Lesotho which have created thousands of jobs,” the Presidency noted. South African firms, particularly in retail, banking, and telecommunications, have a strong presence in Lesotho. Companies like Shoprite, Standard Bank, and MTN have established operations, contributing to job creation and economic diversification.
The BNC is expected to explore ways to expand these investments, particularly in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy. Lesotho’s abundant water resources and mountainous terrain make it an ideal candidate for hydropower and eco-tourism, while South Africa’s advanced industrial base offers opportunities for technology transfer and skills development. The commission will also reflect on the movement of people between the two countries, addressing issues like cross-border labour migration and visa policies to facilitate smoother interactions.
Trade between South Africa and Lesotho is significant, with South Africa being Lesotho’s largest trading partner. In 2023, South Africa exported goods worth approximately R17 billion to Lesotho, including food, machinery, and vehicles, while importing textiles and apparel valued at R2 billion. The BNC aims to address trade imbalances and streamline border management to enhance efficiency at key crossings like the Maseru Bridge, a vital artery for commerce and travel.
Security and Border Management
Security cooperation is another critical area of focus, given the shared border and common challenges like cross-border crime, smuggling, and human trafficking. The BNC discussions will explore ways to strengthen joint security measures, including enhanced coordination between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS). Improved border management is also a priority, with both nations seeking to modernise facilities and reduce congestion at border posts.
The movement of people between South Africa and Lesotho is a key issue, as thousands of Basotho cross the border daily for work, education, and healthcare. The BNC will review existing agreements to ensure these movements are safe and efficient, while addressing challenges like illegal migration and border delays. The commission’s outcomes are expected to include practical steps to enhance cross-border cooperation, such as digital border management systems and joint training programmes for immigration officials.
Health, Education, and Social Development
The BNC is also addressing health and education, two sectors critical to the well-being of both nations. Lesotho relies heavily on South Africa for specialised healthcare, with many patients referred to facilities in Bloemfontein and other cities. The commission will explore ways to strengthen health cooperation, including joint initiatives to combat diseases like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, which remain prevalent in both countries.
In education, South Africa and Lesotho share a history of collaboration, with many Basotho students attending South African universities. The BNC will discuss opportunities to expand scholarship programmes, teacher exchanges, and vocational training to build capacity in Lesotho’s education sector. These initiatives aim to empower youth and address unemployment, a pressing issue in both nations.
Regional and Global Perspectives
The BNC provides a platform to exchange views on regional, continental, and global issues. Both South Africa and Lesotho are active members of the SADC and the African Union (AU), and their discussions will address priorities like regional integration, peace, and sustainable development. South Africa, as a leading voice in the Global South, will use the BNC to advocate for greater solidarity among African nations in the face of geopolitical shifts, such as tensions in global trade and climate change negotiations.
Lesotho’s role as a small, landlocked nation gives it a unique perspective on regional cooperation. Prime Minister Matekane, a successful entrepreneur before entering politics, has prioritised economic diversification and foreign investment since taking office in 2022. His leadership complements Ramaphosa’s focus on regional integration, creating a strong foundation for the BNC’s outcomes.
Building on the Inaugural BNC
The second BNC builds on the successes of the inaugural session in Pretoria in September 2023, which established key priorities for bilateral cooperation. The 2023 session resulted in agreements on trade facilitation, infrastructure development, and security coordination, many of which have progressed significantly. The 2025 session will review the implementation of these outcomes and identify new areas for collaboration, such as climate resilience and digital innovation.
The BNC’s structure, which includes preparatory meetings like the SOM and Council of Ministers, ensures that discussions are well-coordinated and actionable. The involvement of 15 South African ministers reflects the comprehensive nature of the agenda, covering everything from water management to cultural exchange.
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