Maseru, Sept. 16 — The Principal Chief Khoabane Theko of Thaba-Bosiu, has thrown his weight behind Dr. Tsepo Lipholo’s controversial campaign to reclaim territories across the border in South Africa, lands believed to have been stripped from Lesotho during the colonial era.
In a passionate statement, Chief Khoabane left no room for doubt about his stance, “there is nothing wrong with reclaiming what is ours. It is within every Mosotho’s right to do so. We support Dr. Lipholo, but the approach must be ours, not borrowed from foreign powers.”
His remarks come after Dr. Lipholo’s arrest in July, an event that intensified debate both at home and abroad. The campaign has captured widespread attention by reviving an issue that has lingered for decades, the fate of Basotho territories such as the Free State and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, areas many still view as an extension of their ancestral homeland.
Chief Khoabane sounded a clear warning, international alliances with powers such as Israel and the United States could derail the movement. “Their motives and agendas are not aligned with ours,” he cautioned. “They will bring harm, not help.”
The Chief’s words highlight a deep concern that foreign involvement could exploit Lesotho’s aspirations rather than serve them. He noted that such partnerships often come with hidden costs, political leverage, economic dependency, or even regional instability. . .
Ends/KP
