Staff Reporter
THE Mpulule Political Summit (MPS) has weighed in on the growing plight of Basotho reportedly being expelled or targeted in South Africa, arguing that Lesotho’s own governance failures are largely to blame for forcing citizens to seek livelihoods across the border.
In a statement issued this week, MPS leader, Pastor Remaketse Sehlabaka, said while xenophobic violence and the targeting of foreign nationals in South Africa were unacceptable, Lesotho’s leaders must also accept responsibility for creating conditions that drive Basotho to migrate.
His comments come amid renewed reports of Basotho being caught up in anti-immigrant operations and growing hostility towards undocumented foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.
“The Mpulule Political Summit notes with concern the recent xenophobic violence in parts of the Republic of South Africa,” Mr Sehlabaka said.
“While we stand for regional solidarity and the protection of all lives, we cannot speak honestly about migration without first accounting for our own house.”
According to MPS, migration across Southern Africa is being fuelled by poor governance, unemployment, insecurity and weak institutions in several African countries.
The party said many people migrate not because they choose to, but because they are left with few alternatives at home.
“In that context, no single country can bear the burden alone. At the same time, violence and profiling of foreign nationals are unacceptable and contrary to law and SADC principles,” the statement said.
Turning to Lesotho, Mr Sehlabaka said successive governments had failed to build a strong economy capable of creating jobs and opportunities for Basotho.
He accused previous administrations of presiding over corruption, inconsistent policies and weak economic growth, leaving many young people with little hope for the future.
MPS also criticised the current administration, saying it had failed to fulfil the promises that swept it to power in the 2022 general elections.
“The 2022 government came to power as the country’s perceived last hope for peace, prosperity and justice,” the statement reads.
“Yet it has failed to keep its core campaign promises. Jobs have not materialised at a large scale. Insecurity persists. Service delivery is weak. Public trust has been broken.”
The party argued that as a result, increasing numbers of Basotho are joining the flow of migrants seeking better opportunities in neighbouring South Africa.
“Because the state has not delivered, Basotho are joining the regional flow of people seeking survival elsewhere. We cannot credibly lecture our neighbours when our own citizens are also fleeing hardship.”
Mr Sehlabaka urged the Lesotho government to focus on addressing unemployment, insecurity, health services and justice reforms as a long-term solution to migration.
The party also called on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to strengthen regional cooperation on employment creation, peace and governance, while urging South Africa to uphold the rule of law and protect everyone within its borders regardless of nationality.
It further proposed that SADC fast-track labour agreements and improve migration documentation systems to ensure migration is orderly, dignified and respectful of host countries’ sovereignty.
Mr Sehlabaka said the migration crisis required collective action rather than blame.
“The crisis is collective. It reflects failures in Pretoria, Maseru and capitals across the region. Blame without action will not save one Mosotho or South African life,” he said, calling for an end to violence and for the Lesotho government to “restore hope through delivery”.
