Abuse of Basotho migrants in SA hogs limelight

MOSA MAOENG

MASERU – Amid escalating tensions between Lesotho and South Africa, the Call for Africa Development Movement (CAD), a pressure group, has issued a press release denouncing the severe maltreatment of Basotho irregular and labour migrants in South Africa.

CAD, led by Executive Director Mothibeli Ramosoeu, has raised an urgent alarm over the distressing conditions faced by Basotho nationals who find themselves on the wrong side of South Africa’s immigration policies.

On Wednesday, CAD revealed a disturbing escalation in rhetoric and actions by South African officials. The press release highlighted inflammatory statements made by South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, and Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu.

Both officials reportedly endorsed a harsh crackdown on Basotho migrants, advocating for their expulsion, arrest, and in some instances, use of lethal force.

This aggressive stance has translated into a chilling reality on the ground, where Basotho nationals are now facing widespread persecution. Reports from various sources indicate that Basotho migrants are being relentlessly pursued by South African police and immigration officers.

These individuals are subjected to brutal treatment, including torture and inhumane detention conditions. The CAD press release noted that the migrants are being detained under dire circumstances, provided with unhealthy food, and subsequently abandoned at border posts with expired residence permits.

The plight of these migrants is compounded by the damaging of their passports and exorbitant fines ranging from R1,000 to R2,000, or even longer-term entry bans.

Such actions starkly contravene international conventions, which prohibit torture and cruel treatment of migrants. Specifically, the UN Convention of 1990, Article 10, guarantees that no migrant worker or their family members shall be subjected to such inhuman practices.

Similarly, Convention 118 mandates equality of treatment between nationals and non-nationals in social security matters. In response to this dire situation, CAD has appealed to the government of Lesotho, urging the Minister of Home Affairs Lebona Lephema to intervene urgently.

The goal is to ensure the safety of Basotho migrants and preserve the diplomatic relations between Lesotho and South Africa. Lerato Nkhetše, Executive Director of the Migrant Workers Association of Lesotho, expressed profound concern over the treatment of Basotho vendors in Bloemfontein.

He reported that the vendors, forced to abandon their goods amidst the crackdown, have suffered significant losses.

“The actions of the South African authorities are not only unlawful but also deeply damaging to the livelihoods of our people,” Nkhetše stated. “While we understand the need for legal immigration practices, the current approach is unacceptable and inhumane.”

Further complicating the situation are troubling reports from Orkney in the North West province, where local authorities are allegedly condoning harsh measures against Basotho migrants. Nkhetše indicated that a letter has been sent to Home Affairs Principal Secretary ’Mamphaka Mabesa, requesting an urgent meeting to address these issues.

The letter was also copied to Chair of Chairs in the National Assembly, Mokhothu Makhalanyane, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

In a response to these developments, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Lejone Mpotjoane, has dispatched officials to South Africa to investigate the reported violence against Basotho migrants. During a National Assembly session, Mpotjoane confirmed that a team is on the ground to verify the claims and address any inconsistencies in the reported incidents.

“We are taking these reports very seriously and are committed to clarifying the situation with the South African government,” Mpotjoane stated. “Our priority is to ensure that Lesotho nationals are treated fairly and that any grievances are addressed through proper channels.”

As the situation unfolds, both governments face the challenge of navigating relations while safeguarding the rights and dignity of migrants.