Moroke Sekoboto
IN a landmark move aimed at strengthening regional integration, Basotho may soon be able to enter South Africa using only their national identity (ID) cards instead of passports.
This pending the endorsement of the Bi-National Commission.
The development follows a meeting held in Cape Town over the weekend between Lesotho’s Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, Lebona Lephema, and his South African counterpart, Dr Leon Schreiber, where recommendations from a joint research task team were adopted.
Key proposals include the introduction of ID-based border crossings, a One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, a Trusted Traveller Programme, and relief measures for Basotho passport holders previously declared undesirable. These initiatives are aimed at modernising and easing movement between the two countries.
Unpacking the Cape Town meeting’s outcomes, the Lesotho government said the new migration model seeks to reduce travel barriers, with a transition from passport-based to ID-based access at its core.
To support this shift, Director of Immigration, Bertha Piletso, said the border posts would be upgraded with electronic gates (e-gates), enabling travellers to scan their IDs for faster processing. She said the governments also plan to introduce the OSBP model to ease congestion, allowing travellers to stop only once to fulfil the requirements of both countries.
“We recommended that Basotho and South Africans use national identity numbers to cross borders, given Lesotho’s geographic position. Our research showed that our ID meets international standards and is already recognised in jurisdictions such as Brussels, The Gambia and Namibia,” Ms Piletso said.
She added that e-gates and tollgate-style systems for vehicles would help integrate border operations and reduce long queues.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations legal officer, Advocate Thato Mapuleng Mokitimi, said the two countries also agreed on mutual recognition of medical aid schemes, particularly to ease the burden on Basotho students applying for study permits in South Africa.
He explained that the ETA system would allow travellers to apply for visas online, beginning with short-term travel visas that can transition into study permits.
“We are currently granted a 90-day visa. Under the ETA system, Basotho will be able to apply online to extend this visa-free stay by an additional 180 days,” Adv Mokitimi said.
Director of Legal Services in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Puleng Mbangamthi, said the ETA would also help address cases of overstaying, which often result in Basotho being declared undesirable in South Africa.
“We want a clean slate. Many Basotho have been barred after overstaying, and we are urging them to report to the Office of the Director of Immigration so their cases can be considered for possible regularisation,” she said.
She clarified that the proposed amnesty would apply only to those who overstayed, not individuals who committed criminal offences.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Labour, Mamohale Matsoso, said Lesotho had submitted recommendations on unskilled labour migration to both governments, which will negotiate quotas for Basotho workers.
She noted that sectors such as wool shearing remain in demand in South Africa and encouraged Basotho to apply for available opportunities.
“South Africa will continue managing workforce needs through its Critical Skills framework, issuing permits based on labour demand. Wool shearing is one of the areas with opportunities for Basotho,” Ms Matsoso said.
Mr Lephema stressed that while the ETA system facilitates legal travel and study applications, it does not replace the need for work permits. He urged citizens to comply with South African laws and use official channels to maintain legal status.
However, the Migrant Workers Association of Lesotho, Lerato Nkhetše, expressed scepticism about the proposed reforms.
He said ID-based travel would not address the root causes driving migration, such as unemployment and the need for education.
“We will believe it when it is implemented. Access using IDs will not prevent arrests or detention at places like Lindela. Basotho will still face the same challenges, including overstaying and being declared undesirable,” Mr Nkhetše said.
He also questioned the effectiveness of the ETA system, arguing that many unskilled migrants may struggle to navigate digital processes.
She further cast doubt on the proposed amnesty, citing political resistance to immigration in South Africa.
“Political parties have been clear about their stance on foreign nationals. Even with these proposals, enforcement measures such as mass arrests may continue.”
He emphasised that expanding access to work permits should remain the priority, noting that the existing quota system had not been fully utilised.
“We understand the proposals, but work permits must come first. Applications should be ongoing if we are to address the challenges Basotho face,” Mr Nkhetše said.
