The inaugural Mid-Term Review of the Second Session of the Lesotho–South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) concluded in Pretoria on 9 September 2026, following three days of intensive deliberations aimed at accelerating the implementation of commitments between the two sister countries.
The Lesotho delegation was led by Mr. Thabang Lekhela, Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, who served as Co-Chair of the Mid-Term Review alongside Ambassador Tebogo Seokolo, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of the Republic of South Africa.
In his closing remarks, Principal Secretary Lekhela expressed appreciation to the Government and people of South Africa for their hospitality and highlighted the significant progress achieved across the five Sectoral Clusters. He emphasised that the Review provided an opportunity for both countries to move decisively “from dialogue to implementation” and to ensure that bilateral commitments translate into tangible benefits for their peoples.
Among the key outcomes were progress towards a New Migration Model to address persistent migration challenges and enhance labour mobility; advancement of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, including the Polihali Dam; and efforts to accelerate Smart One-Stop Border Posts at Maseru and Ficksburg. The two countries also advanced economic cooperation through measures aimed at strengthening cross-border value chains, Special Economic Zones and clean energy cooperation.
On political and strategic cooperation, Lesotho and South Africa reaffirmed their harmonised positions within SADC, the African Union and the United Nations, including cooperation on peace and security, conflict prevention and the silencing of guns on the African continent.
Ambassador Tebogo Seokolo echoed the importance of turning the commitments reached through the BNC into practical action, reinforcing the shared resolve of both countries to deepen bilateral cooperation and deliver meaningful outcomes for the people of Lesotho and South Africa.
The Agreed Minutes endorsed at the conclusion of the Review set out clear timelines and accountability mechanisms to ensure that decisions translate into economic opportunities, secure borders, enhanced social protection and improved human development.The outcomes of the Mid-Term Review lay a strong foundation for the Third Session of the Lesotho–South Africa Bi-National Commission, scheduled to be convened in South Africa in 2027.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.
