Maseru, June 24 — The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Mr. Limpho Tau, has assured the nation that Basotho migrants in South Africa remain safe and protected despite ongoing reports of xenophobic incidents in that country.
This he said while briefing the media on his official visit to meet with his South African counterpart, Mr. Ronald Lamola, last Friday.
He said Mr. Lamola assured him that June 30 would be a normal working day, despite calls by some South Africans “march and march movement” who declared the said date as the national shutdown to protest against undocumented foreign migrants.
He said his counterpart indicated that the planned march is expected to be a peaceful demonstration, assuring that the safety and security of all people would be maintained.
However, Mr. Tau urged Basotho migrants to exercise caution on the day, emphasizing that the Lesotho Government will closely monitor the situation to ensure their safety.
Meanwhile, Lesotho’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr. Ntsime Jafeta, said they have warned Basotho migrants about the movement and advised them to take precautions to avoid being affected, noting that, thus far, Basotho nationals have not been directly impacted by the campaign.
“We have already engaged the police and other relevant authorities to ensure safety of Basotho,” he said.
On the other hand, the Consul General in Durban, Mr. Rapelang Thuela, indicated that approximately 70 percent of Basotho migrants residing in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the Eastern and Western Cape provinces, do not possess valid documentation.
He added that some Basotho living in informal settlements and those employed as domestic workers and factory workers have reportedly received threats.
However, he said his office is already assisting those without documentation.
The Consul General in Johannesburg, Mrs. Mamolefe Ntaitsane, said no incidents posing a direct threat to Basotho migrants have been reported so far although some employers have released workers.
“Our office has assisted by issuing letters to their employers to confirm that the Lesotho Exemption Permit remains valid,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mr Tau also briefed the media on the Prime Minister, Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane’s official visit to Botswana and provided details regarding the Lesotho–Botswana Bi-National Commission Agreement.
Ends/LP
