Mofomobe criticises govt over “neglected” Basotho in SA 

…as he claims Matekane’s SA citizenship undermines response to xenophobia 

‘Makananelo Manamolela 

BASOTHO National Party (BNP) leader, Machesetsa Mofomobe, has accused Prime Minister Sam Matekane and his ministers of failing to adequately respond to the plight of Basotho affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa because many of them hold South African citizenship and passports. 

Addressing a press conference at the BNP headquarters in Maseru yesterday, Mr Mofomobe claimed that about 18 members of the government and Parliament possessed South African passports, creating what he described as a conflict of interest that discourages them from taking a firm stance against the South African government over attacks on foreign nationals. 

He further alleged that Mr Matekane recently applied and got a South African passport. 

“How can the same prime minister who holds that country’s citizenship fight his own leader (Ramaphosa)? Although Basotho are crying to him, he recently applied for a passport in that country. I have proof that on 3 April 2021 he secured a South African passport,” Mr Mofomobe said. 

Mr Mofomobe also criticised what he described as the government’s slow and inadequate response to the repatriation of Basotho stranded in South Africa following the recent unrest. 

He claimed the government had prematurely concluded that the repatriation exercise was complete, while many affected Basotho were still seeking assistance. 

“They should not stop these efforts (to expatriate Basotho). Instead, they should establish fact-finding missions across South Africa and acknowledge the information we provide. This should not be politicised because those affected are Basotho, not politicians,” he said. 

Mr Mofomobe argued that the government’s handling of the matter amounted to a violation of Section 15(1) of the Constitution, which guarantees the protection of fundamental rights. 

He also announced that the BNP was planning a nationwide protest, the date of which would be announced later, to highlight what he described as widespread grievances against the government. 

He urged Basotho who believe they had been mistreated or denied their constitutional rights to participate in the planned demonstration. 

Among the demands, Mr Mofomobe said, would be the removal of undocumented South African nationals occupying jobs in Lesotho so that employment opportunities could be made available to Basotho. 

Contacted for comment, government spokesperson, Boitelo Rabele, dismissed claims that the government had ended its repatriation programme. 

“The government has never announced the completion of repatriation efforts. Before the exercise began, we continuously shared information through government social media platforms explaining where, how and when those requiring assistance could access help. Even after the 30th, we have continued with repatriation efforts,” Mr Rabele said. 

He added that, to date, the government had not received reports of Basotho who had been injured or otherwise adversely affected during the unrest. 

However, Mr Rabele declined to comment on Mr Mofomobe’s allegations that the prime minister and other members of parliament hold South African passports. 

“I cannot respond to baseless allegations that are unsupported by any proof or evidence,” he said. 

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