Maseru, Lesotho – Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoana has called for the establishment of a monitoring structure to effectively evaluate progress on economic development between his country and South Africa. 

He insisted that while some agreements reached at the inaugural Binational Commission (BNC) last year, other strategic matters had not been implemented, and thus negatively impacting economic growth. 

The occasion marked the second session of the BNC, where leaders discussed progress on decisions made during the inaugural session held in South Africa last year.

In a bid to bolster economic cooperation and address cross-border challenges, prominent ministers and dignitaries from Lesotho and South Africa agreed at a meeting in the capital of Maseru on Tuesday, 22 April 2025 to improve economic, security and other ties between Lesotho and South Africa.

Attendees included South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, his Lesotho counterpart Mpotjoana, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, King Letsie III of Lesotho, and various high commissioners and senior government officials from both nations.

Mpotjoana opened the Lesotho-South Africa BNC proceedings by addressing the importance of implementing previous agreements. “While some decisions were executed, several strategic tasks remain outstanding, which impedes the economic potential of both countries,” Mpotjana emphasized. 

He called for the establishment of a monitoring structure to evaluate progress towards cementing economic and security ties. 

Lamola echoed Mpotjoana’s sentiments in a media statement released after the first day of the BNC.

“The selfless contribution of Lesotho during our struggle for freedom remains deeply entrenched in the minds of many people in South Africa,” Lamola stated, paying homage to the historical ties between the two nations. 

According to Lamola and Mpotjoana, the discussions also highlighted critical areas of cooperation, including:

• Water and Energy: Leaders welcomed the launch of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which aims to enhance economic growth and ensure water security not just for both countries but potentially for other nations in the region.
• Migration Issues: Recognizing the need for a streamlined process, the ministers assigned relevant ministries to develop a new migration model that facilitates free movement across borders.
• Security Collaboration: Emphasis was placed on enhancing cooperation between law enforcement to combat organized crime and cross-border issues.
• Economic Integration: The participants agreed to finalize negotiations for a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen economic cooperation and develop cross-border value chain projects.

Mpotjoana called for collective effort, stating, “Our duty is to serve our people while also honoring the sacrifices of our forebears.” 

Lamola reaffirmed this by stating, “As we meet today, we must stand together in unity and solidarity to ensure that our nations continue to trade and support each other.”

Both ministers said they were optimistic about future collaboration between Lesotho and South Africa.