The leader of the Basotho National Party (BNP), Machesetsa Mofomobe, has urged the government to urgently intervene in the growing plight of Basotho nationals in South Africa, citing reports of frozen bank accounts. This week, Mofomobe moved a motion in Parliament calling for immediate government action to address the issue.
According to reports, South African commercial banks are reportedly requiring work permits from Basotho account holders before allowing access to their funds. Newsday was unable to independently verify this claim at the time of going to press.
Mofomobe said many hardworking Basotho are being left in financial limbo, unable to access their earnings. He cited tip-offs from nationals working across Gauteng, Limpopo, Cape Town, and the Eastern Cape. He stressed the vital role of remittances from South African-based Basotho, which support families and contribute to the domestic economy.
He highlighted the case of a Mosotho hawker who discovered only upon visiting her bank that R15,000 (M15,000) had been frozen, preventing her from buying stock for her business.
The opposition MP called for the government to prioritise the matter, including exploring litigation if necessary. He referenced a recent meeting between the Minister of Health, Selibe Mochoboroane, and his South African counterpart, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, which aimed to ensure Basotho were not denied healthcare services. Despite this, Mofomobe said incidents persisted, with some Basotho reportedly being removed from clinic and hospital queues.
The ministerial meeting was prompted by reports that Basotho were being blocked from healthcare access by groups such as Operation Dudula and other South African citizens. Mofomobe expressed frustration that South Africa had ignored appeals from its President and Health Minister to curb these actions.
Letsekang Moloi, MP for Lebakeng, who seconded the motion, described the situation as “worrisome” and emphasised Lesotho’s sovereignty. He called for a task force to travel to South Africa and advocate for Basotho rights. “What are we saying as leaders?” Moloi asked, noting that the challenges faced by Basotho across multiple sectors in South Africa are widespread and cross-cutting.
Mokhothu Makhalanyane, MP for Mokhethoaneng, challenged the government to repurpose the M10 billion earmarked for capital projects to boost domestic production and strengthen the country’s economy.
Minister of Home Affairs, Lebona Lephema, responded that one of the resolutions from ongoing discussions is a new migration model, which he plans to review with his South African counterpart in September. He did not provide a specific timeline for its implementation. When asked about the frozen bank accounts, Lephema said he had discussed the matter with the Minister of Finance to address it urgently.
Following the parliamentary debates, the government acknowledged the need to act swiftly to protect the interests of Basotho nationals in South Africa.
Summary
- The leader of the Basotho National Party (BNP), Machesetsa Mofomobe, has urged the government to urgently intervene in the growing plight of Basotho nationals in South Africa, citing reports of frozen bank accounts.
- Minister of Home Affairs, Lebona Lephema, responded that one of the resolutions from ongoing discussions is a new migration model, which he plans to review with his South African counterpart in September.
- Following the parliamentary debates, the government acknowledged the need to act swiftly to protect the interests of Basotho nationals in South Africa.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He focuses on parliament, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and court reports. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
