Lesotho Presses South Africa for Compensation Over Colonial and Apartheid Injustices

Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister, Limpho Tau, has formally called on South Africa to provide compensation and economic support, arguing that historical injustices have left the mountain kingdom trapped in poverty. Speaking at a media briefing in Maseru, Tau outlined three major grievances: the loss of fertile land during colonial expansion, the exploitation of Basotho men as cheap labour in South African mines, and the deadly apartheid-era military raids on Lesotho.

Tau pointed specifically to the December 1982 raid on Maseru by the South African Defence Force, which killed more than 40 people. He noted that United Nations Security Council Resolutions 527 and 580 called on South Africa to compensate Lesotho and the affected families, but those obligations have never been fulfilled. ‘South Africa has a moral obligation to see that Lesotho and the Basotho nation are assisted through mechanisms aimed at rescuing Lesotho from poverty,’ Tau said.

Following a meeting with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola in Pretoria, the two sides agreed that Lesotho would prepare a detailed document setting out its concerns and expectations. The document will propose a framework for future relations, including expanded trade opportunities and job creation measures. Tau emphasized that Basotho also contributed to South Africa’s liberation struggle and that this should not be forgotten.

Tau also raised concerns about the safety of thousands of Basotho living and working in South Africa ahead of planned anti-immigration demonstrations on 30 June. He said Lamola assured him that the day would remain normal and that security agencies were on high alert. ‘I appeal to all Basotho living in South Africa not to panic, but to avoid areas where demonstrations may take place,’ Tau said.

Article source: allafrica.com | Image credit: GroundUp