Maseru: President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa and Lesotho are advancing in their cooperation on water resource management. The announcement was made during the second session of the Lesotho-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC), where President Ramaphosa highlighted the Lesotho Highlands Water Project as a prime example of effective collaboration between the two neighboring nations.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa expressed optimism about the completion of Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, emphasizing that the partnership between South Africa and Lesotho is characterized by cooperation, good neighborliness, and mutual benefits. He noted the necessity for the BNC to ensure the implementation of 45 agreements and legal instruments that have been signed between the two countries, despite the current global challenges.
President Ramaphosa called for increased collaboration in electricity generation and alignment of both countries’ energy transition projects. He noted the critical role of energy security in driving manufacturing industries and adapting to global economic demands. Additionally, he stressed the importance of establishing bilateral and regional value chains that are both sustainable and economically viable.
Emphasizing the mineral wealth of both countries, President Ramaphosa underscored the need for local beneficiation and the development of strategies for critical and rare minerals. He also discussed the potential for diversifying product offerings and service sectors to stimulate sustainable economic growth, pointing out opportunities such as logistics hubs, agro-processing facilities, and data centers.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged the presence of South African companies in Lesotho and the need to promote investments by Basotho companies in South Africa. He highlighted the necessity for harmonizing measures to facilitate the movement of citizens across borders and strengthening immigration cooperation to combat cross-border criminal activities.
In the field of education, President Ramaphosa advocated for easing access for Basotho pupils to South African schools and enhancing cooperation in higher education. He recalled the historical support Lesotho provided during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and expressed readiness to share experiences in institutional reforms as Lesotho progresses with its political and constitutional reforms.
Finally, President Ramaphosa called for unity in purpose between the two nations, urging collaboration within regional and international organizations to pursue a just global order based on multilateralism and respect for international law. He commended the dedication of Ministers and Senior Officials in preparing the commission’s report, reinforcing the shared heritage and destiny of South Africa and Lesotho.