Lesotho has received assurances from South African authorities that Basotho in that country will be protected ahead of a planned protest march scheduled for June 30.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Limpho Tau, said the safety of Basotho living and working in South Africa was among the key issues discussed during a meeting on June 19 with his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola.
Tau said the meeting allowed the two countries to engage on matters affecting their relationship, including strengthening cooperation and addressing concerns affecting citizens of both nations.
Lamola assured Lesotho that June 30 would be a normal working day and that South African security agencies were prepared to maintain peace and order while respecting citizens’ right to hold peaceful demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Basotho representative in KZN, Rapelang Thuela, said the Durban office remains available to assist Basotho with documentation and related services.
He noted that Basotho returning home to obtain documents would be assisted to cross the border despite not having the required paperwork, in line with the principle that citizens should not be prevented from returning to their home country.
