Bloemfontein - A two-day Basotho Diaspora Outreach Forum was held in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on 23 and 24 August. The forum is the second of a series of forums planned for the three provinces of South Africa, namely Gauteng, the Free State, and Kwazulu Natal provinces respectively. The forums are supported with funding from the International Organization for Migration Development Fund (IDF) through the project titled “Enhancing Coordination and Strengthening Institutional Capacity to Effectively Engage with Basotho Diaspora’’ implemented by IOM Lesotho and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations (MoFAIR). In attendance were Ministers of Labour and Employment (MoLE), Foreign Affairs and International Relations (MoFAIRS), Finance (MoF), Home Affairs (MoHA) and the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

In his keynote address, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations informed the diaspora that the forum was not intended to call Basotho to go back home, but to establish a channel of communication and partnership with the diaspora. “I encourage you to form associations to enable dialogue between you and the Government of Lesotho” said Hon. Lesego Makgothi.

“When formal diaspora associations are established and functional, my ministry stands ready to engage in warm relationships with you” said Hon. Keketse Rants’o, Minister of Ministry of Labour and Employment. She emphasized that the Ministry of Labour and other Government Ministries will collaborate to make sure that grievances of Basotho living in South Africa are addressed. “We know that some of you are here because of lack jobs at home” she said. 

The Minister of Finance informed the diaspora that the issue of lack of employment is being addressed. “I want you to understand that the Government is the facilitator of job creation not a creator of jobs. However, plans to create jobs in the manufacturing, Agriculture and technology sectors are at an advanced stage” said Hon. Moeketsi Majoro.

The auditorium roared in applause as the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Home Affairs informed the diaspora that Basotho will no longer be foreigners in their native country of Lesotho because of the long-awaited dual citizenship law which was passed in December 2018. “Your welfare in this country is important to us. Hence why my ministry continues to have dialogue with the Government of South Africa to ease immigration laws and also consider extending the Lesotho Special Permit Agreement to go beyond December 2019” said Hon. Machesetsa Mofomobe.

The diaspora expressed their appreciation of the visit of senior government officials whom they felt traveled to Bloemfontein to hear their plight. Mr. Mothibeli Malataliana, one of the diaspora members, said the forum is a good gesture by the government of Lesotho. “This dialogue between the Government of Lesotho and Basotho leaving outside of Lesotho is necessary have.” Mr. Malataliana said.

The IOM Lesotho Head of Office, Ms. Eriko Nishimura, said ‘’It is the right time for the Kingdom of Lesotho to acknowledge the importance of the migration agenda in the context of national development.’’ She also stated that IOM is firmly committed to working with the Regional Bodies including SADC, and Member States including Lesotho, in the initiative to enhance diaspora engagement.

For any question on the forum or diaspora project, please contact IOM Lesotho mdennis@iom.int.