Maseru, Feb. 10 — Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane has publicly addressed the recent petition by Dr. Ts’epo Lipholo, calling for the return of land taken from Lesotho by South Africa, which includes Freestate, parts of Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
The Minister addressed the nation at a press conference today, aimed to clarify the government’s position on the matter following Dr. Lipholo’s visit to the United Nations to review a 1962 order regarding the issue.
Dr. Lipholo’s actions have drawn significant attention, particularly his move to seek support from the international community. The 1962 UN order recognized the need for restitution of the land, but Minister Mpotjoane highlighted that the approach taken by Dr. Lipholo could provoke tensions between Lesotho and South Africa.
“While we understand the sentiment behind Dr. Lipholo’s petition, the government believes that his methods are potentially dangerous and could lead to conflict between our two nations.”
