Leemisa Thuseho
THE government of South Africa will disburse M30 million to Lesotho as humanitarian assistance aimed at combating HIV and tuberculosis.
This was announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the recent launch of the country’s largest bridge — the Senqu Bridge in Mokhotlong — under Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).
The bridge was officially opened by Mr Ramaphosa and His Majesty King Letsie III and Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the presence of high-ranking officials from both countries.
These included South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, and her deputy David Mahlobo and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes.
Lesotho officials included ministers Mohlomi Moleko (Natural Resources), Richard Ramoeletsi (Law and Justice), Professor Ntoi Rapapa (Education and Training), Lejone Mpotjoane (Foreign Affairs and International Relations), Mokhethi Shelile (Trade, Industry and Business Development) and Speaker of the National Assembly Tlohang Sekhamane.
Mr Ramaphosa said the assistance would be drawn from South Africa’s African Renaissance Fund and was intended to help Lesotho strengthen its national response to HIV and tuberculosis.
“As a reaffirmation of our desire to further deepen cooperation, I am pleased to announce that South Africa will provide humanitarian assistance to the Kingdom of Lesotho to the value of R30 million from our African Renaissance Fund,” Mr Ramaphosa said.
“This will help Lesotho strengthen its national response to HIV and tuberculosis in the context of dwindling levels of international humanitarian assistance.”
He said the support was also expected to enhance cooperation between the two countries in key sectors such as health, water and infrastructure development.
Mr Ramaphosa further noted that, as the current interim Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and incoming Chair later this year, South Africa would continue to champion regional initiatives aimed at accelerating trade, investment and integration, as well as strengthening people-to-people ties.
Mr Ramaphosa was elected interim SADC chairperson in November 2025 after Madagascar stepped down from the role. Madagascar’s decision to relinquish its role followed its political instability after a military coup overthrew the government, affecting its capacity to fulfil the responsibilities of the position. In line with SADC Treaty provisions, South Africa, as Deputy Chair, assumed interim leadership of the regional body until August 2026.
Highlighting the strong bilateral relations between Lesotho and South Africa, Mr Ramaphosa recalled that in April last year, he and Mr Matekane co-chaired the second session of the Bi-National Commission in Maseru.
During the session, he said six bilateral agreements were signed and expressed confidence that the next session would register further progress.