Strengthening Lesotho–South Africa Cooperation on Heritage, Culture, Sport and Exile Repatriation

The Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, Honourable Maqelepo, has led high level engagements between the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa to deepen cooperation across heritage, arts, culture and sport. The discussions also focused on advancing the sensitive and historic process of repatriating South African freedom fighters who died in exile in Lesotho. These engagements reflect a shared commitment to preserving collective memory and strengthening people to people ties between the two neighbouring countries. They also highlight the role of culture and sport as tools for unity and development. For both governments, the talks marked an important step in addressing unfinished business from the liberation struggle.

The meetings formally marked the start of South Africa’s Five Year Exile Repatriation Project. The project focuses on the dignified return and commemoration of freedom fighters who died during the 1982 and 1985 Maseru raids. These events remain deeply painful in the shared history of the region and continue to carry emotional significance for families and communities. By launching the project in Lesotho, both countries acknowledged the importance of cooperation in dealing with the past. The initiative aims to ensure that remembrance is handled with respect, accuracy and humanity.

The South African delegation was led by the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms Peace Mabe. As part of the programme, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Right Honourable Prime Minister of Lesotho, Mr Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane. This engagement reinforced political support at the highest level for the repatriation process and broader cultural cooperation. It also provided an opportunity to align expectations and confirm mutual respect for sovereignty and legal frameworks. The presence of senior leadership underlined the seriousness of the commitments made.

Both governments agreed to establish a Joint Repatriation Task Team to oversee the technical and administrative work. Technical processes are set to begin in February 2026. These will include grave mapping, documentation and DNA verification where required. All processes will be conducted in line with Lesotho’s laws and cultural practices. This approach ensures sensitivity to local customs while meeting international standards of identification and commemoration.

As part of the engagements, a joint visit was undertaken to Sea Point Cemetery in Maseru. The visit served as a moment of reflection and respect for the fallen freedom fighters buried there. Officials from both countries paid tribute and reaffirmed their shared responsibility to honour those who sacrificed their lives. The visit also reinforced the emotional and symbolic importance of the repatriation initiative. It set a solemn tone for the work that lies ahead.

Beyond repatriation, the two countries resolved to fast track cooperation in arts, culture and heritage. They agreed to revive the Memorandum of Understanding on Sport and Recreation to unlock practical collaboration. Support for the development of the Rapolokana High Altitude Training Centre was identified as a key priority. This facility is expected to benefit athletes from both countries and strengthen regional high performance sport. The talks also focused on expanding opportunities for Basotho creatives and young athletes through exchanges, training and access to markets.

These engagements signal a renewed phase in Lesotho–South Africa relations. They combine respect for history with a forward looking agenda centred on culture, creativity and youth development. By working together on repatriation, both governments are addressing historical wounds with dignity. By strengthening cooperation in arts and sport, they are investing in shared growth and social cohesion. The outcomes of these talks lay a strong foundation for deeper collaboration in the years ahead.