A tenth province?

Mojapela’s radical solution to Lesotho’s crisis

BOKANG MOSHOESHOE

MASERU – In a controversial proposal that challenges the nation’s foundational sovereignty, Socialist Revolutionaries (SR) leader, Teboho Mojapela, has called for the integration of Lesotho into South Africa as a viable solution to the country’s deep-seated crises.

This call echoes a growing national sentiment, recently amplified by the imprisoned Basotho Covenant Movement leader, Tšepo Lipholo, who promised to reclaim Lesotho’s colonial-era territories from South Africa – a promise for which he was convicted of treason.

Mojapela, who resides permanently in South Africa, argues that 60 years of independence have yielded only bad governance and spiralling socio-economic conditions.

He states that Basotho are trapped in a cycle of poverty, injustice, and abuse both at home and as migrants in South Africa.

“Lesotho’s independence has failed,” Mojapela charged.

“As a nation, Basotho have been struck by disaster where lawlessness has become the norm. We are approaching 60 years since independence, yet there has been no meaningful progress, only empty promises.”

He describes a nation plagued by a governance crisis marked by corruption, the collapse of the rule of law, a failing economy, and widespread crime.

This situation, he argues, has poisoned cross-border relations, leading to the abuse of Basotho by South Africans, denial of work and residence permits, arrests over documentation issues, and even killings.

The SR has outlined a three-point position to address these issues:

1. Diplomatic Engagement on Land Reclamation: The movement states that the Government of Lesotho must formally engage South Africa on the possibility of returning historically taken land.

The SR acknowledges this land is now inhabited and requires sensitive diplomatic negotiation.

2. Provincial Integration: Should reclamation prove impossible, the SR calls for Lesotho to become South Africa’s tenth province. Arguing this is more realistic than recovering lost territory, Mojapela stated, “Lesotho is completely surrounded by South Africa. Joining would help resolve the social, economic, and political problems Basotho face.”

3. Open Borders: The movement demands open borders between the two nations to allow the free movement of people and goods, creating equal opportunities for Basotho in South Africa.

The SR also condemned the current Lesotho government for corruption, accusing state institutions of favouritism. It further alleged the government is attempting to buy sympathy from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to push for National Reforms while “trampling on the law” by unlawfully passing the Tenth Amendment.

The SR is now calling on the governments of both nations to take these proposals seriously and chart a new path that ensures dignity, security, and prosperity for the Basotho people.